Chapter 16

Lying on my bed, I shiver as a cold wave ripples through me. The room is too cold, too empty, so I force myself up, stumbling across the floor to switch off the air conditioning. The click of the button is like a release, and I quickly crawl back under the covers, seeking warmth in the familiar softness of my bed. I flop onto the mattress, the springs creaking under my weight, a sound that seems to echo in the quiet room. I close my eyes, trying to find peace, but the darkness behind my eyelids is restless, swirling with thoughts I can’t quite grasp.

How long I lie there, I don’t know. But eventually, sleep claims me, pulling me down into its depths.

When I open my eyes, I’m no longer in my bed.

I’m standing in a forest, surrounded by tall trees, their leaves whispering secrets I can’t understand. The air is thick with the scent of earth and damp wood, and I can feel the cool, rough texture of the ground beneath my bare feet.

What am I doing here?

Panic starts to rise in my chest as