55. The Dream

Arystyn woke up sweating and trembling. She had just had a dream that felt all too real.

In the dream, she was walking in the woods at night, her twins, Ari and Zander by her side. They were laughing and chasing fireflies when suddenly, a figure appeared out of nowhere and snatched Ari away.

Arystyn tried to run after him, but he was too fast. She could hear Ari’s screams fading away in the distance. She turned to Zander but he was gone too.

Arystyn felt a sense of panic rising in her chest. She knew she had to find them, but she didn't know where to start. Then, the figure reappeared, this time standing right in front of her. He was tall and muscular, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to glow in the dark.

Arystyn tried to scream, but her voice was trapped in her throat. The figure reached out to touch her face, and she flinched, expecting the worst. But instead of hurting her, he whispered in her ear: "Don't worry, Arystyn. I'll keep you safe."

And then she woke up, gasping for air.