Wicked Dreams (PUBLISHED)

One

"We don't know for how much longer Ever Realm will stand."

The words echoed in Scarlett's ears as she faced the remaining Officials. Official Samsus' dark copper armor was dented and scratched. Pieces of metals were ripped off, and a gash ran from his forehead to the edge of his chin. Bruises covered the left of Official Alich's face, and her armor matched the damage on Samsus. Official Brenda hadn't made it during the battle, leaving only three by Scarlett's side. Of the ones alive, Official Grant had the worst damage.

His left arm was torn from his body, his armor unable to protect him from the jaws of two Nightmares. Back on Earth, his arm would wither from no longer having any connection to the brain. It'd start decaying before his eyes. With the power of other Dreamers, they'd luckily managed to seal the wound before he bled out.

They all looked like shit, and she was sure they felt like it too. Their eyes were haunted with the signs of death; from seeing it, implementing it, and knowing it's what to come.

This battle may have been won, but their fight was far from over.

"Our numbers are the lowest they've ever been, and Ever Realm is suffering. The fewer Dreamers, the more of Ever Realm gets eaten by the Dark Realm," Official Alich grimly relayed.

Scarlett turned and glanced out the window to the darkened space. The many deaths hadn't gone alone. They took the stars with them, causing more of Ever Realm to blend with the Dark Realm.

"Groups have scattered and formed. Official Leon left with the Dreamers and Dreammares that disagreed with you. Nightmares are unchecked, and the ongoings of the Dark Realm are currently not accessible."

The distaste and dread in Official Alich's words slid over Scarlett and she closed her eyes. She knew there would be those that didn't agree with her new power. At the first opportunity, they retreated and formed their own leadership. Official Leon had been the quiet one of the Officials, never being noticed or going against orders. She would've expected Official Grant to abort ship sooner than he.

"What would you suggest be our next course of action?" Scarlett tilted her head towards Official Alich, already knowing what she'd have to tackle first. The rebelling Dreamers and Dreammares would have to wait. Her first order of business would be –

"We need to figure out how to break the curse, Miss Scarlett."

Before another word could be said, the door to their meeting room opened.

"Miss Scarlett' seems a bit informal with this new power of yours, doesn't it?"

Everyone's head snapped toward the woman that entered the room.

Her brown hair was braided into a crown with loose strands framing her round face. A single wrinkle line decorated her forehead, and her eyes were a foggy brown. Her thin lips were held in a straight line as she shot her eyes to Scarlett.

"To still be addressed as 'Miss. Scarlett' would be an insult to not just you, but to us others," said the woman.

Her voice was airy and yet, felt like a whip to Scarlett's ears. She straightened at the stranger's presence and took notice of the two females that followed closely behind her. They wore their armors but with an 'H' emblem over the right breastplate. The Havened.

"I mean this with no disrespect, of course. I simply mean to bring to light the fact that you are no longer like the rest of us. For those that call themselves royalty and are lower than your status, well, that wouldn't sit right with some."

Official Samsus rose and lightly bowed his head in the woman's direction. "Queen Esma."

She tipped her head in the Official's direction before giving Scarlett her undivided. "I suggest you take on a new title if we are to stand any chance in running this Realm the way it should've been a long time ago."