CHAPTER 3: JANETTE'S POV
It felt warm and cold at the same time. The air smelt of dried herbs and smoke. I felt weightless, and when I opened my eyes, I was met by utter darkness.
I tried to sit up, only to realize I was hovering right above a vast sea of dark water. Panic surged through me as I tried to stand. My feet touched the surface, but I didn't sink into it. I looked around me, scared and frustrated; there was only endless darkness and water.
I took a trembling step forward.
"Hello?" I called into the void. But there was only silence.
I folded my arms, feeling suddenly cold. I decided to continue walking, though I had no destination. A moment later, I saw a flicker of light in the distance. It looked like someone might have been holding a flash light in a far-away distance.
I started running toward it. "Hello? Is anyone there? Please, I need your help!" I screamed.
I ran and ran, the water splashing around my legs. But as I hurried, the light seemed to move away too. Soon, I could only see a tiny flicker, and then... it was gone.
I stopped, catching my breath. There was only darkness and the occasional ripple of water. I felt lonely, hollow, and empty. I didn't want to cry, but my throat bobbed and the tears streamed down my face.
I squatted there and wept, hugging my legs tightly against my chest as if I could disappear into myself.
"Why do you cry?" a male voice asked softly.
I looked up, gasping, but I could only see the silhouette of a man standing in the shadows. I was frightened, my heart leaping into my throat.
"I'm lost," I managed to say, my voice trembling. "I don't know where I am."
The water rippled with a soft, melodic sound as he took a step forward. He remained silent for a while, as if musing over my words, watching me with an intensity I could feel even in the dark.
"What is your name?" he finally asked. His voice was strange—it sounded both strict and kind at the same time.
"Janette," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
My heart thumped against my ribs as he walked closer. I could barely make out the lines of his face in the oppressive darkness, but he felt... familiar. Safe.
"What is your name?" I decided to ask after a long beat of silence.
He didn't answer right away. Instead, he stretched out his hand toward me. I hesitated, unsure if I was meant to take it, but the pull toward him was magnetic.
"Don't be scared," he murmured.
Slowly, I placed my palm in his. His skin was warm, and with a gentle strength, he lifted me to my feet.
"I have many names," he said, looking out into the void, "but my mother named me Reagan."
"It's nice to meet you, Reagan," I said, though I was still petrified by the vast emptiness surrounding us.
He didn't let go of my hand. Instead, he raised it to his lips and gently kissed the back of my hand. The gesture was elegant, almost ancient. Then, he looked me in the eyes and said.
"Wake up, Janette."
Immediately, a sudden, wild, and untamed force dragged me into the air. The dark sea vanished, and I was ripped away from him. I screamed then my eyes flew open.
I sat up, gasping for air. I was breathing heavily, sweat pouring down my face, my heart hammering like a trapped bird. The dream was gone, but the feeling of his lips on my hand still burned.
I was in a strange room, on a huge bed, wearing a white long gown. It looked like a nightgown, though a bit oversized for me. How did I even get here? I wondered, staring at my surroundings. There was a huge window at the other end of the room. I stood up from bed and walked toward it. The wind blew, fanning the curtains. The floor was made of cold marble, and it felt very cold under my feet.
When I reached the window, I gasped. Huge birds that looked like vultures, varying with various colors, flew up in the skies, soaring in the air. They had long clawed feet and their feathers were of varying shades of colors. I saw riders, riding fearlessly on their backs. I was awed by the sight. A thick forest loomed beyond. On the field, I saw men in armor jogging around. There were weapons lined up on racks. Some of the soldiers fought on mats. They looked ferocious. Something told me they weren't ordinary men.
Where was I anyway?
The memories flashed in my mind and panic crowded my chest. Dark monsters, the end of the world, Mom and Vivian. Mom and Vivian—what had happened to them? Then I remembered my saviour. I needed to go back home. How long had I been asleep? I wondered, the panic rising. My heart started beating quickly. I hurried to the door of my room. I touched the handle, and it was unlocked. I walked down a narrow corridor filled with large glass windows and pillars. I didn't know where I was going, but I knew I had to get back home.
Soon, I heard voices quarrelling. As I got closer, there was a door to my left in the corridor which was half-open. I heard a female voice say:
"Do you think it's a good idea to bring a mortal to the barracks? She's only going to be a distraction. You are the General, you're supposed to be preparing the army for battle. The Shadow Prince continues to conquer kingdoms."
"She is nothing to me," a furious male voice said. "I told you already—how many times do I have to explain myself? She was not affected by my powers when I stopped time. I don't think she's an ordinary human. Even if she is, then she might be half-breed at least—" The male paused. "Who dares to eavesdrop on the General?" he thundered.
I froze, my breath hitching in my throat. I had been leaning against the door, straining my ears to listen to their conversation. I didn't know if I should run or just stay there and own up. The door immediately flew open before I could contemplate what to do. I was met by a pair of furious faces.
"Oh look, it's your kitten," the female said sarcastically. She didn't seem to like me very much.
My eyes drifted to his—my saviour. His features softened at the sight of me. Was he the one the lady had called a General? He looked so young, yet so intimidating. He was towering, clad in dark, weathered leathers, and his hair was as black as a starless night, shot through with shimmering purple streaks. Even more striking were his eyes; their hue was something celestial, a colour that simply didn't belong to a human.
"I'm—I'm sorry," I said, feeling suddenly shy and scared. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your conversation."
"It's alright," he replied, a small, unexpected smile softening his formidable features. "Come inside."
The woman beside him bristled, her frown deepening into a silent protest, but the General remained unfazed. He walked toward me, his presence filling the room. "How are you feeling?"
It was then that I remembered the horror of being stabbed in the chest by that dark creature with haunting red eyes.
"I'm... I'm fine," I managed to say, though my hand instinctively went to my sternum.
"I owe you my life," he said solemnly. "You saved me."
"You saved me first, I'd say we're even. You scratch my back, I scratch yours—"
"I saved you twice," he said gently. "You were stabbed, remember? You nearly died in my arms. And I also saved you from that building."
I was stabbed, and I was completely healed. There wasn't even a scratch on me. This was unbelievable.
"If not for the untimely intervention of our healer, you'd be dead." He added.
"How long was I asleep? How am I healed so quickly?" I was scared to ask him how he had powers, and who he was, and about this place.
He gave a little sigh.
"There's a lot you need to learn, but for the meantime, are you hungry? Why don't we have lunch," he said kindly.
"Thanks for your offer, but I really need to go back home. My mom would be worried sick about me. And those creatures— I need to go back."
A look of pity crossed his face. He and the other lady exchanged glances.
"I'm sorry to be the bearer of this news, but those creatures you saw, they destroy everything in their path. They are in pestilence—"
"Cut the crap and spill the beans, Aerobin," said the lady. She turned to me, her eyes cold and clinical. "Listen, kid. Those creatures you saw killed everyone. The mortal realm has been conquered. The Shadow King has officially added your realm to his territory. Humans are no match for him," she said plainly.
The air left my lungs. It felt like I was underwater, her words muffled and distorted. "Wha—what are you talking about?" I whispered, my vision blurring as tears welled up. "Shadow King?"
"Yes, the Shadow King. He created those monsters. We call them the Nephilim. They are difficult to kill, and so far, only weapons forged by witches can kill them. Everyone you know should be corpses and—"
"That's enough, Eridesce!" Aerobin's voice cracked like a whip, silencing her instantly.
He stepped toward me, closing the distance until I could feel the heat radiating from him. He placed his hands firmly on my shoulders, an anchor in the storm of my panic. The first tear escaped, hot and stinging against my cheek.
"No," I choked out, the denial rising in my throat. "My mom... she can't be dead. There's no way."
"Listen to me," Aerobin said softly.
"I want to go back!" I sobbed, the grief finally breaking through. "I need to find my mom. I need to find my sister!"
Stop crying," Aerobin whispered. His touch was unexpectedly gentle as he cupped my face, his thumb grazing my cheek to brush away the salt and heat of my tears. "There are survivors in the mortal realm, but it is a graveyard of monsters now. It isn't safe for you".
I looked up, meeting those impossible eyes. "My mother... my sister..."
"I give you my word," he said, his voice ringing with a gravity that made me want to believe him. "I will dispatch a scouting party immediately to search for them. If they are alive, my men will bring them back to the safety of these walls. No harm will come to them. I promise".
Despite the vow, the cold lump of dread in my stomach wouldn't melt. The thought of them—alone, hunted, or worse—was a jagged blade in my heart. I hadn't even had the chance to say goodbye.
"Let's make a deal," Aerobin suggested, his tone shifting to something slightly lighter. "You dry your eyes, and I will uphold my end of the bargain. But if you don't..."
I let out a sharp, ragged sniff and scrubbed at my face with the back of my hand. "I've stopped. See?"
"Good," he said, a ghost of a smile touching his lips. "Now, you need to eat. Let's go and—"
"General!"
The voice exploded through the room like a thunderclap. I spun around to find the doorway filled with a phalanx of warriors. They were terrifying, clad in ancient, scarred armour that smelled of iron and old blood.
The man at the front didn't look at Aerobin; he looked at me. His gaze was predatory, filled with a ferocity that made my skin crawl, and I instinctively recoiled. I realized then that Aerobin's hand was still resting protectively on my shoulder.
"We have an urgent matter that requires your attention," the soldier growled, his eyes never leaving mine.
Aerobin's demeanour changed instantly. The softness he had shown me vanished, replaced by the steel of a commander. "What is it?" he demanded.
The soldier took a step forward, his voice dropping to a low, jagged rasp. "It's confidential, sir".
Aerobin looked at me, understanding flickering in his eyes.
"Eridesee! Do take—" he paused. He didn't know my name.
"Janette," I whispered, my voice sounding thin and brittle in the presence of so many warriors.
A small, genuine smile touched his lips. "Janette. Take her to the dining hall, Eridesee. Ensure she is fed."
Eridesee didn't move. She leaned against the stone wall, picking at a fingernail with a look of supreme boredom. "I'm a soldier, Aerobin, not a wet nurse. I have no interest in babysitting your human kitten."
The air in the room suddenly felt electric. Aerobin didn't say a word, but he levelled a glare at her that was so heavy it seemed to pin her to the wall.
"Fine!" she snapped, pushing off the wall with an annoyed huff. She jerked her head toward the corridor. "Let's move, kitten."
I scrambled to follow her, eager to escape the suffocating intensity of the room. As I stepped over the threshold, the heavy oak door slammed shut behind me with a violent crack. I spun around, my heart leaping into my throat. No one was near the handle. No one had pushed it. It had moved on its own.