The Greenwood Witches

~2~

The morning sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow into my room. I blinked groggily, my body protesting as I shifted under the warm embrace of the duvet. Another restless night had left me feeling drained, my mind still lingering in the tangled web of dreams that seemed more real than the waking world.

Glancing at the clock, I saw it was 6:00 AM—two hours before Ria and I were scheduled for our shift at the Greenwood Cinema. With a sigh, I reluctantly pushed back the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed. The cool wood floor met my bare feet, grounding me in the present moment despite the lingering fatigue.

Dragging myself to the bathroom, I turned on the shower, letting the hot water wash over me in a soothing cascade. The steam enveloped me, offering a brief respite from the weight of exhaustion that clung to my shoulders. I stood there for a moment, letting the water ease the tension in my muscles and clear my mind.

For as long as I could remember, visions had been a part of my life. As a witch of the Greenwood Coven, I am the Seer. I have the ability to see glimpses of the future so  otherworldly scenes wasn't so uncommon. Aunt Vivian often referred to them as glimpses into the tapestry of fate, threads woven together to form a picture that only the gifted could interpret.

Most of my visions had been cryptic, veiled in symbolism or riddles that required careful unraveling. They ranged from simple premonitions of a friendly neighbor visiting unexpectedly to more ominous glimpses of storms on the horizon. But last night's dream was different—it wasn't just a fleeting image or a vague sense of foreboding. It was vivid, visceral, and deeply personal.

As I reflected on it while sipping a cup of tea with Ria at breakfast, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered. It wasn't the first time I had seen something unsettling in my dreams, but the intensity and clarity of this vision were unprecedented. The man's desperate plea for help had struck a chord deep within me, stirring emotions I hadn't known I could feel in a dream. Ria greeted me as I entered the kitchen. "You look like you could use another hour or two of sleep," she remarked sympathetically, setting a plate of pancakes and fruit on the table. "But since that's not an option right now, breakfast is served."
 
"Ria," I began tentatively, setting my cup down on the kitchen table. "Last night's vision... it was unlike anything I've experienced before. Usually, my dreams are strange or eerie, but they're not so... real. I mean, I could feel his presence, his emotions."

Ria leaned forward, her brow furrowing with concern. "Are you saying you think it was more than just a dream?"

I nodded slowly, tracing the rim of my cup with my fingertip. "It felt different somehow, like a connection rather than just a glimpse. Aunt Vivian always says dreams can be messages or reflections of our subconscious, but this felt... urgent. Like there's something important about him, about why I saw him."

Ria reached across the table, squeezing my hand reassuringly. "Maybe it's a sign, River. Maybe there's a reason you're meant to find out more about him."

I sighed, staring into my tea. "I just wish I knew how to trigger more visions like that. Maybe then I could understand what he needs from me."

Ria tilted her head thoughtfully. "You know, Aunt Vivian always talks about meditation and focusing your mind. Maybe that could help you tap into whatever allowed you to see him so clearly."

I nodded, considering her words. "You're right. Maybe I need to practice more, to try and enter that state of deep concentration again. If he appeared once, maybe he'll appear again."
I returned her smile gratefully, feeling a surge of determination. "Thank you, Ria. Let's finish up here and head to work. I have a feeling today's shift at the theater will be eventful."