"Wh—what's that…?"
Something is staring straight into my eyes.
My breath catches. My chest tightens. I try to move, but fear roots me to the ground.
"Help me," I whisper. Then louder, desperate. "Someone, please help me."
I have to get away.
The forest stretches endlessly around me, dark and unfamiliar—yet I know it. I've been here before. I'm certain of it. But how? How am I here?
A low growl rips through the silence.
My heart slams against my ribs. Oh no. It's following me.
I run.
To where, I don't know.
Branches claw at my skin as I push forward, panic burning in my veins. Then—nothing. I can't feel my legs. The ground beneath me vanishes.
How… how is this possible?
I try to scream, but my voice disappears as I fall. My surroundings blur into darkness. My lungs burn. I can't breathe. Am I drowning? Am I dying?
Someone… please save me.
I jolt awake with a sharp gasp.
My body is drenched in sweat, my heart racing as if I'm still running. I stare at the familiar ceiling above me, at the heavy curtains and stone walls enclosing my chamber.
The palace.
I'm safe.
A shaky breath escapes my lips as a tear slips down one side of my face. I press a hand to my chest, trying to steady myself.
"Ha. It's just a dream."
But even as I say it, I know the truth.
It's the same dream again.