The space shifted, and a jarring pressure slammed into my skull. My mind ached with a sensation I hadn't felt in centuries. Then, the weight of the universe dissolved, and I slowly drifted toward the dark comfort of unconsciousness.
I don't know how long I was out, but when I finally forced my eyes open, time ceased to matter. I was back.
A thin morning light slipped through the familiar curtains. The familiar crack on the ceiling stared back at me, the one I used to curse during countless sleepless nights in this very room. My breath hitched, a painful, unnecessary luxury. This was real.
My body was clumsy, like it had woken from a coma. I couldn't walk properly, but I moved, rushing down the stairs to confront the one person who mattered the most.
If you could reclaim everything you'd ever lost, what would you reach for first? For me, the answer was always the same, burned into the ruins of my soul: my sister.
I was seeing her again, again after so long. The last image I held of her was at her death.
My arms tightened around her before I realized it, crushing her in a hug. Her warmth bled through my shaking hands, and the air burned in my throat. I hadn't cried like this in centuries, and the tears were endless, dropping onto her shoulder, filled with an emotion that transcended any word.
Sera (Aris's sister): "Why are you crying, big bro? Did you have a nightmare?" She sounded worried, her small hands patting my back. "Say something, please."
Aris: I let her go and wiped my tears before speaking. "Yes. The worst nightmare ever possible. A nightmare I will never let come true again."
Sera: "It's okay, brother. I'm here. You're supposed to be the strong one, remember? If you fall apart, who am I supposed to look up to?" She gestured to the table. "Don't just stare at me like that, you're making me feel embarrassed. Eat before I get angry."
Aris: For the first time in so long, I actually laughed. A small, broken laugh, but it was real. "Fine, fine. I'll eat. Don't glare at me like that, Sera, it's scarier than any nightmare."
With puffed cheeks, she looked at me with fake anger.
Sera: "Hmph. You deserve it. You always try to pretend you're strong, but when I'm around, you're just a crybaby."
Aris: "Maybe I am… but only in front of you."
I lowered my gaze to the bowl in front of me. The simple porridge, the warmth of this kitchen, her genuine smile—it was something I thought I had lost forever. My chest tightened, and I silently made another promise.
Sera: "Brother, why are you spacing out again? Are you sure you're alright?"
Aris: With a gentle smile, I reached out and ruffled her hair, an action I hadn't performed in a lifetime. "I'm alright. More than alright. Just… happy."
Sera: "Happy? You're weird today. But… if you're happy, then I'm happy too."
Her innocent smile was a sharp knife turning in the guilt inside me. In my past life, I couldn't protect that smile. This time, I'll stain the world with blood before I let anyone take it away.
Outside, sunlight spilled across quiet streets. I clenched my fists, feeling the faint, subtle hum of potential power beneath the skin of my forearm. My new journey had begun. This time, I wouldn't hesitate. This time, I wouldn't fail.