NovelBookChapter 36 Chapter Thirty Six I woke with a gasp, my heart pounding in my chest. For a moment, couldn't tell where I was, the memory of the dream clinging tolike a heavy fog.
My hands gripped the blanket tightly, and I stared up at the ceiling my breath coming in shallow bursts. It had felt so real-the fear, the pain, the desperation.
I sat up slowly, pressing a hand to my chest as 1 tried to steady myself. The memory of the boy's face lingered, his dark eyes filled with a mixture of courage and heartbreak.
"What was that?" I whispered to myself, my voice shaking.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtIt wasn't just a dream. I knew that with a certainty that made my stomach churn. It was something more- something tied to the riddles, to the Moon Goddess, to the lineage I was only beginning to understand.
Who was that boy? Was he part of my family? And if so, what had happened to him? To the grandfather who had sacrificed himself? The faint smell of cedarwood and musk filled my senses. A scent I knew allk too well, Elijah. The bed beneathwas softer than anything I had ever felt before, and for a moment, I thought I was still dreaming. But then the hum of voices reached my ears, pullingfully into consciousness. My body ached, and my head felt like it had been through a storm, but I managed to blink my eyes open.
Iwasn't in my cabin. The familiar luxurious furnishings and the dark wooden accents toldI was in Elijah's room. standing near the edge of the bed was a small group of people, their faces etched with worry.
Mariah was the first to notice I was awake. She let out a soft gasp, her green eyes shining with relief. "Stormi!" she exclaimed, rushing to my side and wrappingin a tight hug before I could even sit up properly.
"Careful," I murmured, my voice hoarse. My body protested every movement, but I couldn't focus on the pain. My mind was racing, replaying the vivid dream-or memory-I had seen.
"Are you okay?" Mariah asked, pulling back to examine me. Her hands cupped my face as she studiedclosely, her usual stern demeanor replaced with tender concern.
"I'm fine," I replied, trying to steady my voice. "I saw it, Mariah. They survived." The room grew silent. I could feel the weight of their stares as my words sunk in. Eira, the witch who had been helping us decode the riddle, exchanged a glance with Elijah, who stood near the door. Alex and Isaiah, both seated nearby, stiffened, their expressions unreadable.
Mariah frowned. "What do you mean, Stormi? Who survived?" I took a deep breath, pushing myself up into a sitting position despite the sharp ache in my ribs. "My ancestors. The boy and the girl-they survived. Which means my parents... they might still be alive." The words cout in a rush, filled with hope and desperation. My chest tightened as I looked around the room, hoping someone would confirm what I was saying.
"You saw this in your vision?" Eira asked, stepping closer. Her voice was calm, but there was a flicker of curiosity and unease in her eyes.
I nodded. "It wasn't just a vision. It felt real, like I was living through it. The boy said our grandfather told them to run, and they did. They survived the attack, Eira.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmIf they made it, then my parents they could be out there somewhere," A tense silence followed my declaration. Mariah shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my gaze, while Elijah's jaw tightened. Something 1/2 Chapter Thirty Six wasn't right.
"I have to find them," I said firmly, looking directly at Elijah and then at Mariah. "If there's a chance they're alive, I have to go i looking for them maybe they know more about this riddle I keep heating." "Stormi," Elijah began, his voice gentle but hesitant, "Maybe we should take things one step at a time=" "No!" I snapped, cutting him off. My hands balled into fists on the blankets. "I can't just sit here and do nothing. If they're alive, I did to find them, maybe they can helpunderstand. maybe they know what the riddle ineans, and-" "Enough," Mariah interrupted, her tone sharp but not unkind. She straightened her back, exuding the authority she rarely used on me. "Everyone, leave the room. I need to speak with Stormi alone." I frowned, my heart sinking. What was she trying to hide? "Mariah-" "Please," she insisted, her voice softer this time.
Reluctantly, everyone began to file out. Elijah gavea lingering look, his lips pressed into a thin line, before following the others out. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving just Mariah andin the quiet room.
Mariah crossed the room slowly, her expression unreadable. When she finally stopped in front of me, she sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Stormi," she began, her voice heavy with something I couldn't quite place-guilt, maybe? There's something I need to tell you.
"Then where are they?" I asked, my voice trembling with a mix of hope and anger. "Why didn't you tellthis before? Where are they, Mariah?!" Mariah reached for my hand, but I pulled it back, glaring at her. She flinched at my reaction but didn't back down.
"They're dead, Stormi," she said softly, her words hittinglike a blow to the chest.
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