The Dreamer: The Book of Godspells

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

"Come with me," Colik's voice cut through the silence, pulling me out of my thoughts. I recognized that voice anywhere, but I didn't want to face him. Not after the last time he left without a word, just like Blaze and all the other Dreamers, abandoning me in this mirrored cell. I started to doubt Blaze, as Patryk never came. And yet, I had no idea how much time had passed here, or at all.

"No," I replied, firm in my refusal.

"You don't even care where we are going?" he asked, sounding surprised.

"If it's with you, I doubt I want to go. Last time I 'followed' you, I found myself imprisoned," I retorted bitterly.

"I want to take you to your own room," he offered cautiously.

"My own room?" I echoed, skeptical of his sudden kindness.

"Yes, is that okay? I mean, if you want to stay here, then be my guest," Colik replied, rolling his eyes. His words stung, but I begrudgingly agreed.

"Fine," I snapped, refusing to make it easy for him.

"So stubborn," he muttered under his breath, but he held the cell door open for me to follow.

As we walked, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Colik's footsteps echoed in the corridor, leading us towards a stairwell. I glanced down a long hallway, noticing a flickering light, but Colik didn't seem to acknowledge it.

"What's that way?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

"Just more mirrored cells," he replied dismissively, but his tone didn't convince me. I made a mental note to explore it later.

As we ascended the steps, individually marked steppingstones guided our path. Colik waited patiently for me, ensuring I didn't misstep. Eventually, we found ourselves in the halls of the Citadel, a place I had only glimpsed briefly.

"Everything is white here, and yet outside of the Citadel, everything is much darker," I remarked, feeling a sense of contrast.

"The Citadel is the only haven from the nightmares creeping into this world," Colik explained solemnly. His words sent a chill down my spine as we continued down the marble hallway, adorned with crystal chandeliers and black-and-white checkered flooring.

As we walked, Colik's demeanor shifted, his words becoming more cryptic. Suddenly, he turned left, leading us down a corridor with open walls, offering a breathtaking view of the surroundings outside the Citadel.

"In here," he said, redirecting my attention to a grand room within a room. The doorways were adorned with carvings, each one unique and intriguing.

After a moment of hesitation, I stepped into the room, feeling like I had entered through a door to another sort of dream. The space was filled with clouds, bathed in white and gold. It was breathtaking, overwhelming, and utterly surreal.

"This room, it is like a..." I began, but Colik finished my sentence.

"...a dream? Yes, Piper, that is because it is. This room is for you," he explained, his smile mirroring Blaze's earlier gesture. But why? What did he want from me? Why were they all being so nice to me?

"Patryk will be here shortly to take you to dinner. Blaze said you were invited. Good job."

"Good job?" I asked, but Colik was already heading out the door, a small laugh echoing behind him.

I stood at the door, feeling Patryk's firm grip pulling me toward the Chamber room for a meal with the Royals. I only agreed to go because he promised me a full meal, and my stomach was protesting loudly. Time seemed distorted in this place, but hunger was a constant reminder. Still, I couldn't shake off the discomfort of the outfit Blaze had given me. It wasn't me, but then again, I hadn't felt like myself since arriving here.