While the world outside fretted over her still body, Kaya—unaware of their panic—drifted deeper into sleep.
But it wasn't emptiness.
She found herself standing in a place both familiar and strange.
A forest surrounded her, bathed in golden sunlight that filtered gently through the leaves. Ahead was a small community made entirely of stone—simple, but regal. Like a palace carved into the wilderness.
People moved around the open grounds, laughing, smiling. There was peace here—warm, natural.
Women in flowing frocks that danced with the breeze. Others wore short tunics stitched from soft animal hide. Some of the men bore animal features—small rabbit ears twitched in amusement, while a few had wolf ears, alert but relaxed. All of them carried light in their eyes.
Joy. Freedom.
Kaya's gaze was drawn toward movement.
A girl, running barefoot over the moss-covered stone paths.
