Abruptly, the room grew colder. The air turned icy, and I could see my breath misting in front of me. My hands were still glowing—no, burning with light—as fear rushed through me.
I froze. I could feel it... that presence.
He was here.
His figure slowly appeared in the dim light, the same one from the cave. The glow that surrounded him was soft yet powerful, like moonlight wrapped in shadow. He looked unreal, standing there in silence, watching me.
I took a shaky breath. "What have you done to me?" I asked, my voice trembling.
He didn't answer immediately—just stared, his expression unreadable beneath that dark cloak. The little glowing light hovered beside him again, circling him like it was alive.
The glow on my hand pulsed brighter, matching the faint shimmer in his eyes.
"You..." I whispered, stepping back. "Why are you here?"
His lips curved slightly, but it wasn't a smile—it was something between pity and warning. His voice echoed softly, calm yet commanding.
"Because, Fiona... whether you believe it or not, your destiny has already begun."
"I said… WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME!!!" I screamed, tears slipping down my cheeks.
He didn't answer. This time, his face wasn't hidden. He wore a long black jacket, black gloves, and a lace-like fabric over his chest that shimmered faintly in the dim light. He looked otherworldly—like a fallen star wrapped in darkness. His silver hair caught the faint glow of my hands, and his eyes… his eyes glittered like a thousand stars had found a home in them.
I wanted to hate him.
But part of me was almost… happy to see him again.
He took a silent step forward.
"Stay away from me!" I warned, backing away, but he didn't stop. His quiet steps filled the room until my back hit the bed frame. I stumbled and fell, landing on the floor with a soft thud.
He crouched in front of me, eyes locked with mine. The light on my hands flared painfully, and I winced.
He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face, playing with it like he had all the time in the world. "Chosen one," he said softly, almost teasingly. "You need to learn how to control the light within you."
I slapped his hand away, glaring. "Don't touch me!"
He only chuckled, low and calm. "Hmm… you must be strong, Fiona. Don't let the darkness consume you. You must embrace the light."
My breath hitched as he tilted my chin upward with his gloved fingers.
"But I don't understand!" I cried. "What darkness? What are you even talking about?"
He smiled faintly—sadly, almost—and wiped a tear from my cheek with his thumb. His touch was cold, but gentle.
"Follow the light, Chosen One," he whispered, his voice fading like a song on the wind. "This is your story to complete."
And just like that, he began to fade—his form melting into the air like mist.
"NO! Don't leave me!" I cried, reaching out, but my hands only caught emptiness.
My heart was pounding when I suddenly jolted upright in bed, gasping.
A dream? No… it felt too real. My glowing hands, his voice, his touch—they lingered like echoes in my mind.
My head throbbed, and before I could make sense of anything, there was a soft knock on my door.
My head was pounding, my heart still racing from what just happened—or what I thought happened. I barely had time to breathe when there was a soft knock on my door.
Knock… knock…
I froze. My eyes darted around the room—the air was still cold, the faint shimmer of light on my hands was gone, but I could still feel it.
The knock came again, a bit louder this time.
"Fiona? Are you awake?" It was Daisy's voice.
I exhaled shakily, pressing a hand to my chest. "Y-yeah… I'm up." Did she hear me scream?
The door creaked open and Daisy peeked inside, her messy bun and sleepy face peering through the small crack. "It's three in the morning," she muttered. "Why are your lights on?"
I looked around—my lamp was still glowing faintly, though I didn't remember turning it on. "Couldn't sleep," I said quickly, forcing a smile.
Daisy stepped in, narrowing her eyes. "You look pale. Are you sure you're okay? You've been acting strange since that cave."
"I'm fine," I lied, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Just… tired."
She didn't look convinced. "If you say so. Try to get some sleep, okay?"
"Yeah. Good night, Daisy."
She hesitated for a moment before nodding and walking out. The door closed with a soft click.
I sank back onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. My fingers trembled as I lifted my hand. The glowing heart mark had faded—but not completely. Under the moonlight seeping through my curtains, I could still see a faint silver outline, like a scar made of light.
Whatever that man had done to me… it wasn't over.