He flailed, but his limbs felt paralyzed. His lungs burned as they fought for air, but no breath would come. His heart thundered in his ears. This wasn't just a nightmare it felt too real.
Then, through the black water, something shimmered. A soft glow. A tail long, elegant, and covered in iridescent scales glided toward him. From that form, a hand emerged, graceful and gentle. It reached out and grasped his.
His eyes widened.
Who…?
He tried to see the figure clearly, to focus through the swirling shadows and water. Her face remained hidden, but those eyes those unforgettable, glimmering eyes he had seen them before. On the beach. That girl…
It was her.
He tried to reach for her, to speak but before he could, his vision faded, and
Celix jolted awake.
Breathless and disoriented, he sat up straight in bed. Cold sweat clung to his skin. The morning light was already pouring in through the windows. For a moment, he simply sat there, stunned and motionless. Then, with both hands, he clutched his hair, pressing his palms against his head as he tried to calm himself down.
"I've been thinking too much," he muttered under his breath. "That's all it is… just a dream."
But deep down, he knew it hadn't felt like just a dream.
He threw off his blanket and got out of bed. Every step felt oddly heavy as if the remnants of the dream still clung to him. Making his way to the bathroom, he turned on the shower and let the warm water run down his body, hoping it would wash away the lingering unease.
Afterward, he stood in front of the mirror, towel wrapped loosely around his waist. He stared at his reflection for a long while at his tired eyes, his unshaven jaw, the tension in his shoulders. Then, as his gaze dropped lower, he paused.
There, just under his ribs on the left side, was a mark a faint scar he had never noticed before. It wasn't large, but it was sharp, precise. Out of place.
He gently ran his fingers over it.
When did I…? How did this happen?
He couldn't remember anything. No injury. No accident. No fight. And that unsettled him even more than the dream had.
Shaking his head, he got dressed and walked into the kitchen. The smell of fresh coffee always helped settle his nerves, so he made himself a strong cup, then stepped out onto the broad balcony just beyond the dining room.
The view, as always, was breathtaking. From here, the endless ocean stretched out into the horizon. The sun shimmered off the water's surface, casting a golden glow across the waves. A soft breeze carried the scent of salt and sand.
Celix sat down with his coffee in hand and stared out at the sea. Despite everything, this place always gave him a sense of peace. But today, even the calm ocean couldn't stop his thoughts from drifting back to his mother.
They used to sit here together just like this. Her with her tea, him with his juice when he was younger. This balcony had been their place. Their small escape from the world. His throat tightened slightly at the memory.
Down the hallway, a groan broke the silence.
Maxim had woken up. His hand clutched the side of his head as he staggered out of the guest room.
"Ugh, my head… feels like it's going to explode," he muttered.
He rubbed his temples and looked around, trying to piece together how he had even ended up here. The last thing he remembered was the party loud music, a lot of drinks, dancing with strangers. And now… here?
He glanced at the sofa, where Ren was sprawled out, snoring. Deep in sleep, completely unaware of the world.
Maxim sighed. "Figures."
After freshening up, he made his way downstairs, following the smell of coffee. He found Celix sitting alone on the balcony. The air between them felt quiet but familiar. Celix, sensing him approach, gestured for him to come sit.
"You're up already?" Celix asked, his tone calm but distant.
"Barely. Ren's still dead to the world. Drank too much, I think," Maxim replied with a weak laugh.
They sat for a while in silence before a gentle voice interrupted them.
"Good morning, sirs. Breakfast?"
It was Merri, the long-time maid of the house. She carried in a tray with fresh toast, eggs, fruits, and tea.
"Sir, let me know if you need anything," she said with a kind smile. "I'll be nearby."
Celix nodded. "Thank you, Merri."
She gave a slight bow and stepped back.
Merri had been with them for years ever since Celix was a boy. Back then, his mother and Merri would often sit together in the kitchen, chatting while preparing meals. She knew every little detail about Celix from his favorite snacks to his fear of thunder.
After his mother passed away, Merri had quietly taken over the responsibilities, never letting the house fall into disrepair, never letting Celix fall into isolation. She became more than a maid she became family.
But her life hadn't been an easy one.
She had once been married, but her husband had betrayed her, leaving her with broken trust and a shattered heart. She had walked away from that life, determined not to live in pain. For a while, she worked in a small restaurant to keep herself afloat. But when that job ended, fate brought her to Celix's home.
Celix's mother, always warm-hearted and empathetic, had offered her shelter, work, and kindness. Merri had never forgotten that. Since then, she had remained by Celix's side, watching over him, making sure he never truly felt alone even if he didn't always notice it.
Now, as the waves crashed softly against the shore, and the morning sun climbed higher, Celix stared at the ocean with a storm behind his eyes.
Dreams, scars, and strange memories he couldn't explain.
Something was changing.
And deep inside, Celix knew the dream hadn't been just a dream. That girl, those eyes, that moment in the water it meant something.
He just didn't know what yet.
But he would find out.
Soon.