"Have you found it?"...
I turned quickly. It was Dad smiling gently, just like always.
"Uh... Dad. Yeah, I found my room," I replied, returning his warm smile.
"How's the room? Do you like it?" he asked again.
"I love it, Dad! It's exactly like my dream big and spacious!" I exclaimed excitedly.
Dad nodded in satisfaction. "I'm glad you like it."
My hand was still holding the doorknob when Dad noticed and slowly walked closer.
"Are you going into that room?" he asked once he reached me.
I snapped out of it and nodded slightly. "What room is this, Dad?". I asked curiously.
"That's where I keep my collection. Want to see?"
"Is anyone inside?" I asked again, intrigued.
"There's no one in there," he replied shortly.
"But I heard someone singing earlier, Dad," I said quickly.
His expression instantly changed cold and unreadable. But a moment later, his face shifted into a puzzled look, as if pretending to be confused to hide something.
"You must've imagined it. There's no one in there," he said with another smile.
"But Dad, I really heard..."
"Alright, if you're that curious, let's take a look," Dad interrupted.
Without waiting for my answer, he took out a key from his pocket and opened the door. I stepped in, and it was true the room was empty. Only a glass cabinet filled with strange objects, piles of scattered papers on a desk, and the smell of old books.
"See? No one's here," Dad said.
"Yeah… you're right," I replied, scanning the room with growing curiosity.
"That's enough. Come on out. You need to rest. We'll have dinner with Mom at six," said Dad from the doorway.
I nodded and was about to leave, but then I stopped. My eyes caught a separate glass case that stood apart from the rest it looked special.
"Dad, what's that?" I asked, pointing.
Dad followed my gaze. "That? That's my favorite flute."
"Can I see it, Dad?" I asked.
"Of course. In fact, if you want it, I'll give it to you," he said warmly.
"Really?"
"Anything for my sweetheart."
I walked closer to the glass case. Inside lay a golden flute, glowing warmly under the dim light. Its slim, sturdy body was engraved with a graceful Phoenix wrapping around it as if in flight. The Phoenix's tail stretched down the end of the flute, adorned with tiny jewels that made it seem alive. Its beak was carved near the mouthpiece like it was breathing life into the notes it would play.
"It's beautiful, Dad," I said in awe.
"Do you want it?" he asked, and I nodded eagerly.
"Alright, I'll get it for you later. The key's in the car."
"Yay! Thank you, Dad!" I cheered, hugging him.
Dad patted my head. "Anything for you, sweetheart. Now go rest, okay?"
I nodded, kissed his cheek, and ran back to my room, humming happily.
As soon as I reached my room, I threw myself onto the soft bed. Soon, my eyes felt heavy… and I drifted off to sleep.
---
I stood in a vast, peaceful meadow. The soft sound of a flute echoed from afar, filling my heart with calm. My feet moved on their own, drawn toward the music toward a small stream cutting through the field.
There, I saw a beautiful woman playing the flute. Somehow, I knew her...even though I didn't know her name.
She stopped playing and turned to me with a gentle smile.
"You've come," she said. Her voice was like a calm river.
"Who are you? Why do you keep appearing in my dreams?" I asked, walking closer.
"I'm Aeloria," she answered softly.
"Aeloria…? Why..."
"Aurya, listen to me… Whatever happens next, the choice is yours," she said with a cryptic tone.
"What do you mean?"
She didn't answer my question.
"Don't let history repeat itself. Choose wisely, Aurya."
I wanted to ask more, but she spoke again.
"He's coming...run! You're not ready to face him."
Suddenly, she vanished. I was now standing in front of a strange village that somehow felt familiar. All around me were bodies each with bizarre burn-like marks.
"W-Where is this...?" My breath quickened. My body trembled.
I felt hot breath on the back of my neck.
"Your scent is still the same… calming," came the voice of a man behind me.
I froze. That voice… I knew it. The scarlet-eyed man who haunted my dreams.
"Turn around, sweetheart. I want to see your eyes," he said gently.
Unlike before, his tone was calm. I gathered my courage and turned around shocked to see his eyes were no longer red… but a deep ocean blue.
"You look happy," he said.
"Who are you? Why do you keep haunting me?" I asked, shaking.
He didn't answer.
"But I won't let you stay happy," he continued. His eyes turned blood red.
"I'll take all that happiness away… and make you suffer," he said with a terrifying grin.
That's when I saw Dad and Mom lying lifeless, while he stood between them, holding a bloodied sword.
"NO!! Don't!! Mom! Dad!!"
I woke up gasping. Cold sweat soaked my body.
"Please... stop haunting me..." I whispered weakly, clutching the blanket tightly.
"It was just a dream. Just a dream…" I said to myself, though my heart said otherwise.
I sat still, trying to calm myself.
But then... the sound of the flute returned. This time, coming from outside my room.
"That sound again!" I thought, holding my breath.
I quickly got out of bed, my steps quiet but steady toward the door. I pressed my ear to the surface.
The flute it was so close, like it was being played just outside my door.
My hand rose, hesitantly reaching for the doorknob, but.
Ring!
I jolted. My heart nearly leapt out of my chest. The sudden ringtone shattered the silence, making me freeze.
I rushed to the table, pulling my phone out of the bag with trembling hands. The screen lit up a message had come in.
From Mom.
"Sweetheart, please come quickly."
That simple message sent my heart racing. Dread gripped my body.
What happened?
Fear crept in, especially after that terrifying dream. The image of Mom and Dad lying motionless returned to my mind, making it hard to breathe.
Without thinking, I ran to the door. I gripped the knob, trying to open it...
"It...It won't open!". I cried in panic.
The door was locked from the outside.
My heart pounded harder as I heard hurried footsteps someone running away from my room.
Someone... someone locked me in!
"Who's out there?!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the silent hallway.
"Open the door! Hey!" I shook the doorknob desperately, but no response came.
Fear surged through me. Something was wrong. And somehow that dream felt more real than ever.
I tried to break the door down with all my strength.
"Hyaaah!" I slammed my shoulder into it, over and over.
But it was useless.
The door was too solid. Not even a dent. My breathing turned frantic, and my body trembled.
"Dad! Mom! Someone please!!" I screamed, nearly hysterical.
No reply. Only silence deafening, oppressive silence that made the air feel heavier.
Tears began to fall, running down my cheeks uncontrollably. I was scared. Scared that something terrible had happened to Dad and Mom. That fear clutched at me like cold, invisible hands.
Please don't… I whispered in my mind.
Suddenly...
Ssshhh…
A whisper came from beyond the door.
"It's time…"
I froze. My breath caught. My knees nearly gave out at that sound. Soft, chilling… but clear.
"Who's there?!" I shouted, trying to sound brave, though my voice trembled.
No reply.
Just silence.
And the sound of my heart pounding waiting for something even worse to come....