Nyx.
The name surfaced in her mind unbidden, as if it were etched into her very soul. But the image vanished as quickly as it had appeared, leaving Carmen trembling.
“What did you see?” the healer asked, her tone sharp.
“N-nothing,” Carmen stammered, shaking her head. “I don’t remember anything.”
The healers eyes narrowed, but she didn’t press further. She extended her hand, and the orb of light pulsed before scattering into tiny fragments, like a burst of stars. The fragments floated toward Carmen, enveloping her in a soft, shimmering glow.
Carmen shivered as the light touched her skin. It felt invasive, probing, as if it were searching for something hidden deep within her. She clenched her fists, forcing herself to remain still despite the urge to recoil. Deep within her, she felt something like this had happened before, like she had been in this same exact situation, some kind of deja-vu.