PART SEVENTY-ONE

[Nowo’s POV]

Even though the light entered me without causing any pain, I was still scared and thought it had killed me. Endings are indeed terrifying, and if someone were to claim they aren't afraid of something as natural as death, I wouldn't believe them, for there is nothing more frightening. I couldn't recall what happened after that, but I sensed something peculiar about it. It's strange how I can still hear noises, feel the hands of creatures taking me somewhere.

I attempted to open my heavy eyes slowly, finding myself in the usual gloomy room I'm accustomed to waking up in. I wondered if this could be my funeral, and my soul was the only thing capable of moving and seeing. "I'm glad you're awake," someone beside me uttered. I tilted my head and saw Arphen smiling at me.

"What just happened?" I wondered.

"You passed out," he quickly responded.

"Oh, um." I could still feel my body aching from what happened, but with all the strength left in me, I forced my body to stand up. "Tha