The Dreamer: The Book of Godspells

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

I made my way back to the Vanis rooms, drifting through the enigmatic passages of the Citadel. The dreamers were nowhere to be found. In fact, it was oddly quiet for the usual sounds surrounding me were livelier. However, it felt liberating, reminiscent of those moments of sneaking out with Morry back at Olympus House. Morry. Even though I was allowed to wander the corridors of the Citadel. Blaze said so, even Lulu seemed more open to the idea. But another thought crossed my mind.

How had I forgotten about Morry until now? How could I have let myself feel so distant from him, from my own world? What was going on in my world now? I shook my head to try to forget, try to remain in the moment here, in this new world.

During the last outing, at the ball with Colik, I had been too preoccupied with not stumbling to appreciate the beauty around me—the Willows, the Citadel. But now, standing amidst its corridors, I couldn't help but wonder how many times others had observed me from these shadows.

The Citadel loomed before me, ancient yet not foreboding. It was alive, vibrant, with whispers echoing and secrets waiting to be discovered. Colik had said everything here was alive, and as I wandered through its greenery-covered walls, I felt like I was walking into the heart of this world.

Approaching the Vanis Rooms, but not seeing anyone else around, I decided to do a little exploring on my own, of the dreamers Vanis Rooms. I did it all the time at the Olympus House, sneak in the other childrens rooms to learn who they were. It was how I knew how to annoy them, how to push their buttons and how to get what I wanted. Penelope doesn't know I did snuck into her private corridor one time too.

Lulu's room was opulent, filled with riches I could only dream of. Ornate furniture adorned the space, each piece a testament to lavish craftsmanship. The walls were painted in deep reds, evoking a sense of passion and power. Gold accents shimmered under the soft light, casting a warm, inviting glow that contrasted with the cooler hues.

I found myself drawn to a darker room, filled with ancient objects that stirred something deep within me. The rich, deep blue walls seemed to ripple like the ocean at midnight, creating an ambiance of mystery and serenity. Intricately designed artifacts lined the shelves, their histories whispering secrets to anyone who would listen. The air was thick with the scent of old books and polished wood, grounding me in the present while simultaneously transporting me to a different era.

They seemed to speak to my soul, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. In that dreamlike space, I surrendered to the comfort of the bed, the soft sheets a balm to my weary soul. The bedspread was a lush forest green, evoking a sense of life and renewal, while the cushions were a harmonious mix of reds and blues, blending passion with tranquility.

As I gazed up at the constellation above, meticulously painted on the ceiling, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, as if I had finally found where I belonged in this vast, mysterious world. It was the Vanis room alright, but something about this room seemed different, more enticing. The interplay of red, blue, and green created a sanctuary that was both invigorating and calming, a perfect balance of energy and peace.

"Comfy?" A voice cut through the silence, jolting me from the borderline relaxed state of mind I was about to embrace. My heart skipped a beat as I glanced up, cursing inwardly when I saw it was Colik, his grin mischievous as ever. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I felt like I'd been caught red-handed, though I hadn't done anything wrong.

"It's creepy to sneak up on someone, especially when they're lying down," I snapped, unable to meet his gaze directly.

"Just as creepy as lying down in a bed that isn't yours, especially when it's the bed of the one you're yelling at?" he countered, and I felt a thousand times more embarrassed.