Ethereal Madness

Chapter 47- 181

I opened my eyes the door I'd gotten used to seeing in this admittedly creepy hallway.

I took a deep breath.

What am I so anxious for? It's not like it's the first time I've met with Ória. I should be used to this by now.

I pressed my fist against my chest and took another deep breath.

Remember. All you're doing is talking to her.

I clamped my hand around the doorknob and gently pulled it open, being careful not to make a creak.

Inside was the same brown bedroom I've been met with several times. Everything was as it usually was, with the t.v up in the center of the wall and the dresser to the side that I had to question if it even had clothes in it. And in the center of it all, fast asleep in her pristine king sized bed, was the feared 'sleeping princess.'

Why does she even have such a title like that? I know she sleeps a lot, but princess?

I walked over to the side of the bed. I couldn't ignore how helpless she looked. So small. So frail. Like anyone could snatch her away. Yet, whenever I'm here, she always awakens at just the right time. Like she's watching me even in her asleep.

I wonder, is she watching me even now?

I reached for her, expecting her to suddenly waking up but she didn't.

Maybe not.

I shook her shoulder gently and her eyes slightly opened.

She slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Good morning Arthur."

"Good morning...? Does this place even have a morning?" I looked around the somewhat gloomy bedroom.

"Do you want it to?" She asked.

"Not particularly."

"Then it won't."

"You say that like it was morning to begin with."

She smiled. "Can you prove it wasn't?"

"I—." I bit my tongue. No matter how I argue this, I don't see myself winning. Not only can I not prove it isn't morning, I can't even prove this place has an outside. Or day. Or night.

Ória giggled. "Looks like you're thinking a lot."

"Huh? How can you tell?"

"You always look spacey. Detached even."

"Do I really?"

"Quite often."

"Mmm." That's annoying, but I don't exactly know how to stop that.

"So, what do you need help with?" She asked.

I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. There were so many things I needed to ask her help about but I had no clue what to start with. I wanted to ask about Mary. Ask about my memories that came flooding back. About my mother...existing.

Ória slapping the bed covers snapped me out of my mind.

"Come here, sit down."

I blindly followed her orders but unsurprisingly, I couldn't force myself to relax.

"Don't be so stiff. Relax."

Easy for you to say. You don't have to worry about anything besides making sure Miss Mya doesn't make cities into dystopias.

"You're probably overthinking, right?" She asked.

I hesitantly nodded.

"I know you're dealing with a lot right now Arthur. So clear your mind and tell me the first thing that comes to mind." She put a hand on my back.