Beyond The Sands of Time

Chapter 2: Awakened in a New World

As I regained consciousness, I was greeted by a chorus of unfamiliar voices, their words a jumbled mess I couldn't quite comprehend. My attempts to open my eyes were futile; my body felt utterly unresponsive. Oh, how I longed to hear Kayden's voice once more.

"Cassie, you need to wake up. Ivan is losing it. I know you think he doesn't care about you, but he does, more than anything," a voice reached my ears. It sounded oddly familiar, but I couldn't place it. And who was this Ivan they mentioned?

Come on, Cassandra, you can do this. Open your eyes and get up. I mentally rallied myself to fight, pushing past the weight that held me down. Slowly, I managed to pry my eyelids open.

"Cassie! How are you feeling?" The voice was a welcome beacon, and I blinked, taking a few moments to adjust to the light. I focused on the source.

"Kayden."

"Yes, I'm here. Pearl is here too."

Pearl? Eliza is here as well. Confusion swirled within me. Where was I? Could this be some form of the afterlife?

"Cass."

"Eli."

"Where are we?" Both Eliza and I voiced our shared uncertainty, realizing that Kayden had left to fetch the physician and inform Ivan.

"I guess we'll find out soon," Eliza shrugged, her expression mirroring my confusion.

Before we could delve further into speculation, a striking man clad in heavy metal armor approached us with urgency.

"Raven," he whispered, and I watched as everyone else vacated the chamber.

"I'm sorry, but who are you?"

"Don't you remember?" His voice trembled with a sense of sadness.

"No."

"But you do recall Lady Eliza and Kayden?"

"Yes, Eli is my best friend, and Kayden is my family."

"And what about your husband?"

"I don't have one. I'm not married."

"You are married to me."

"I believe you may be mistaken."

"Mistaken?" Confusion crept over his features.

He straightened, his demeanor growing colder. "I will request Lady Eliza to keep you company while I fetch the royal physician."

"Um... Mr...?"

"Ivan Hausen Crawford."

"Mr. Crawford, Kayden already went to get the physician."

"He knows?"

"Yes, Mr. Crawford."

"Just call me Ivan."

"Um... Where are we?"

"Our Palace."

"Palace?"

Before he could elaborate, the royal physician arrived, and it was only then that I realized the peculiar attire everyone was wearing. Had I somehow time-traveled?

After a thorough examination, the royal physician called Kayden and Ivan out to discuss something, leaving Eliza and me alone.

"I think we've traveled through time."

"Listen carefully. I looked around and found everything identical to what Kayden had written in the book he was creating for you."

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, Cass. I'm positive. These events mirror the book's contents. An accident causing you to lose your memory of your prince charming – it's all there."

"So, we've been given a second chance to live with Kayden?"

"Yes."

"Let's seize every moment, for we don't know how long this will last."

"What about Ivan?"

"I'm not sure," I sighed.

"Let's just embrace the present," Eliza reassured me, her words a balm to my uncertainty.

"Agreed."

Kayden entered my chamber with Ivan.

"Cassie?"

"Hmm?"

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Like what?"

"Like you've lost me?"

"Nah, I just missed you a lot," I replied, my emotions surfacing as I thought of my dear Kayden.

He approached me, enveloping me in a tight hug. "Just promise me you won't scare me like this again."

"I promise."

"I know you don't remember Ivan, but please give him a chance," he whispered before pulling away from the hug.

I nodded, and with Eliza and Kayden leaving us alone, I decided to trust this man. If my brother believed in him, then so could I.

"Raven, it's time for you to rest."

"I'm hungry," I muttered softly.

"Huh?"

"I'm hungry," I repeated, more clearly this time.

"They must be bringing you something to eat. Until then, rest, okay?"

He spoke with gentle reassurance, and as I closed my eyes, I couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious journey that lay ahead.

Author's Note:

As Cassandra embarks on this mysterious journey. I wanted to take a moment to thank you, dear readers, for joining her on this adventure. Your support and feedback mean the world to me. Stay tuned for more twists and turns in Cassandra's life as she navigates the enigmatic world she finds herself in.

Warm regards,
Ivory