Welcome to my Dream World || (deukae)

Chapter 10: Fears Resurfacing

"Keep your voices down," Handong hissed. Her gaze darted among the gnarled trees, seeking out the unseen eyes she felt boring into her back. They were vulnerable in this changing landscape, and her heartbeat quickened with each step they took forward.

"Handong, what's wrong?" Siyeon asked, catching the note of urgency in her voice.

"Can't you feel it?" Handong replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "We're being watched."

"By what?" Gahyeon's question was almost swallowed by the fog that seemed to be thickening with their every breath.

The low growl sounded again, the shadows peering in with piercing eyes.

"By eyes that don't wish us well," Handong answered, her own eyes reflecting the growing terror within. She recalled Yoohyeon's words, her promise that safety lay ahead—if only they could reach it.

"Let's not jump to shadows," Dami said, trying to inject some calm. "The Nightmare wants us afraid. We can't give in."

Minji nodded but clutched her arms as if to ward off a chill that came from somewhere deeper than the skin. "Fear is a chain around our ankles here," she whispered.

"Then we must break it," Handong declared, squaring her shoulders. "We move forward. Together."

As they continued on, the whispers of their own making gave way to the susurrus of something else—something other. The wind seemed to carry voices, taunting and distant. The path before them twisted and forked, with no signpost or guiding star to light their way. It was as if the Nightmare was weaving the path into a labyrinth, intending to trap them forever within its sinister design.

"Stay close," Handong commanded, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm. The feeling of eyes upon her grew stronger, more insistent, as if the gaze itself was a tangible thing, wrapping around her like a cloak. In her mind, she saw Yoohyeon's face, imploring her to find courage, to lead them through this nightmarish realm.

"Something isn't right," Handong breathed out, her voice laced with dread. The noises sounded closer, getting closer to their path.

"Has anything been right since we entered this place?" Bora quipped, though her attempt at levity fell flat, choked by the rising tension.

There was a sound—barely audible—like the soft pad of footsteps trailing them. Handong turned sharply, her eyes piercing the murk, but there was nothing. Only the echo of their own movements greeted them mockingly.

"Whatever is out there," Handong began, her resolve steeling, "we face it head-on. We cannot let fear dictate our steps."

"Agreed," Siyeon said, rallying beside her. "We have come too far to cower now."

"Forward," Handong announced, leading the group deeper into the darkening dream. But the sense of unease coiled within her, tightening with every step toward the unknown dangers that lurked just beyond sight, waiting for them in the shrouded depths of the Nightmare's domain.

The darkness of the dream world coalesced into tangible fear, its shadows thickening with every heartbeat. The air grew colder, a chilling foreboding that seeped into their bones. Handong's breaths came in shallow gasps as she pressed forward, her thoughts tethered to the image of Yoohyeon. It was for her—the memory of her warm smile and steadfast belief—that Handong drew her courage from, a silent vow that she would not let the nightmares claim them.

"Keep close," Handong urged through gritted teeth, her gaze darting across the opaque expanse. Sweat beaded her brow despite the chill, each droplet an echo of her mounting dread. She knew the shadows were going to come but they were playing a game with them, daring them to step forwards.