Aria's POV
I woke up with a start, my heart racing and my body trembling. I had just had another nightmare, and it had been just as vivid and terrifying as the first one. In this one, the cloaked man had held my arm, his fingers digging deep into my skin as he dangled me over a cliff. The bottom of the cliff was endless, and I had known that if he let me go, I would fall to my death.
And then, he had let me go.
I had felt myself falling, weightless and helpless, with no way to stop or break my fall. I had screamed and screamed, but my voice had been lost in the wind.
I sat up in bed, still feeling the terror of the nightmare coursing through my veins. My arm was throbbing, as if the his fingers were still digging into my skin. I was scared to look at my arm, scared of what I might see.
But eventually, my curiosity got the better of me. I slowly lifted my arm, my heart pounding in my chest, and looked at it. And there was nothing there. No marks, no bruises, no signs of injury at all.
I felt a wave of relief wash over me, followed by a wave of confusion. Why was this happening to me? Why was I having these nightmares, and why were they so vivid and real? And why did my body seem to be reacting as if the nightmares were actually happening? And who was that man? Was he a figment of my imagination?
I didn't have any answers to any of my questions, and that scared me even more.
I threw off the covers and got out of bed, trying to shake off the feeling of unease that lingered long after I woke up. I needed to get out of my room, to get some fresh air and clear my head.
As I opened the door, I crashed into Elara. I stumbled backward.
Elara stood in the doorway, a look of surprise on her face.
"I'm so sorry, Elara!" I exclaimed, as I steadied myself against the doorframe. "I didn't see you there."
Elara smiled "No harm done, Aria," she said, her voice warm and soothing. "I just came to deliver your breakfast and to check on you…"
"Why would you need to check on me" I replied defensively.
"I know you haven't been sleeping, something is bothering you. And before you try to deny it. Your eyes are swollen, you have eye bags and your sheets look like you've been tossing and turning." Elara said pointedly.
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I realized that Elara knew I haven't been sleeping well. But I don't think she knows why. I hadn't told anyone about it.
"Yeah, I've been having some trouble," I admitted, feeling a little self-conscious. "But I'm okay. Just a little…restless, I guess." I wasn't exactly lying but I still felt bad about not telling Elara about the strange dreams.
Elara nodded sympathetically. "I see," she said. "Well, I was thinking of asking Lyra to make a sleeping elixir, she's very talented with potions and herbs. Would you like to try it? It works wonders"
I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I wanted to accept Elara's offer. But then I thought about how nice it would be to have a good night's sleep, without any nightmares or interruptions. "That would be great, thank you," I said finally, smiling at Elara.
She set aside the tray of breakfast she brought on the small table in my room.
After eating, Elara cleared the table and tidied up the room.
"Can you please send for Ryker later in the day. I've been wanting to visit the neighboring towns, a change of scenery might do me some good"
Elara nodded, her gaze sympathetic "Of course, Aria" she curtsied. "Are you about to head to the Royal archive?" she asked turning back around.
As Elara helped me get dressed, I chatted with her about my plans for the day. "I was thinking of going for a walk outside the castle," I said, feeling a sense of excitement at the prospect leaving the castle. I was planning on taking full advantage of the freedom I had battered for. And I needed a break to get my mind off everything and get some fresh air. "But I was wondering, where's Ryker? I thought he was supposed to be my escort."
Elara's expression turned serious, and she hesitated for a moment before responding. "Ryker is currently unavailable, milady," she said. "Kael sent him on an errand, and he won't be back for a few days."
I felt a pang of disappointment, realizing that my plans for a walk outside the castle might be foiled. "Oh, I see," I said, trying to hide my disappointment. "I didn't know that. I was really looking forward to getting out of the castle for a bit."
Elara's expression softened, and she smiled sympathetically. "If you can't wait for a few days, I can inform Kael about your desire to go for a walk, and he can arrange for someone else to escort you," she said. "But if you're willing to wait, Ryker should be back soon, and he can take you on your walk then."
I thought about it for a moment, weighing my options. I really did want to get out of the castle, but I also didn't want to cause any trouble or inconvenience anyone but I was in desperate need to leave lest I lose my mind. So, I nodded "Ok"
Elara nodded understandingly, and helped me finish getting dressed. "I'll go and inform Kael after dropping you off at the archive."