The Light Within - Book 1

Chapter 6

As I drift deeper into sleep, I feel a strange sensation wash over me. Suddenly, I am no longer in the guest room, but standing in a vast, open space. I can feel a presence nearby, and a voice echoes in my mind. "Hello, Kaida," the voice says. "I've been waiting to meet you."

My heart races as I try to identify the source of the voice, but there's nothing to see in the darkness. "Who are you?" I ask, my voice trembling with fear and anticipation.

"I am your dragon," the voice replies. "The one that resides within you."

My eyes widen in surprise and disbelief. "My dragon?" I repeat, still struggling to comprehend what I'm hearing.

"Yes," the voice says. "I've been dormant within you, waiting for you to awaken me. And now that you have, we can finally communicate."

I try to wrap my head around the idea of having a dragon inside me, but before I can ask any more questions, the dragon speaks again. "I have much to teach you, Kaida," it says. "But first, we must establish a bond between us. Close your eyes and concentrate."

I do as I'm told, and a warm sensation spreads through my body. I feel as though I'm being enveloped in a cocoon of light and energy. When I open my eyes again, I find myself standing in a different place altogether.

This time, I can see the dragon. It's massive, with shimmering golden scales and piercing green eyes. It regards me with an air of calm wisdom.

"Welcome, Kaida," it says. "We have much work to do."

I am about to ask a follow up question when a sudden sound startles me awake and I am snapped away from my dream. It takes me a few moments to realize that it's the sound of running water coming from the adjacent bathroom. I sit up in bed, rubbing my eyes and trying to shake off the remnants of the dream. Was that all in my head?

As I look around, I notice that the room has been transformed. The furniture has been rearranged, and a tray with a pitcher of water and a glass sits on the nightstand. There's also a stack of dresses folded over the chair next to the window..

I get out of bed and make my way to the bathroom. The door is slightly ajar, and I push it open to find the tub filled with steaming water. The scent of lavender fills the air, and I can't help but smile at the thoughtfulness of my hosts.

I quickly undress and sink into the tub, letting the warm water wash away the weariness of the past day. It feels wonderful to be clean and relaxed. I stay in the tub for what feels like an eternity, until the water begins to cool, giving me a short break from my current reality.

When I step out of the tub, a servant is waiting with a towel and a fresh set of clothes. "Your highness asked me to assist you with your dressing, miss," she says with a bow.

"There is no need for that," I tell her. "I am perfectly capable of getting myself dressed.

The servant insists, saying, "It's no trouble at all, miss. Your highness has instructed me to see to your every need, and it would be my pleasure to assist you."

I hesitate for a moment, but ultimately, I give in. "Very well," I say with a sigh. "Thank you for your help."

The servant helps me dress in a simple but elegant gown and brushes my hair into a neat braid. Once I'm ready, she leads me out of the room and down a winding staircase to the dining hall. The walls are adorned with tapestries and artwork, and the room is filled with the aroma of fresh bread and coffee.

As I take a seat at the huge table, I realize that I'm starving. The servant brings me a plate of eggs, toast, and fruit, and I dig in with relish. It's a simple meal, but it's delicious, and I savor every bite.