Dark Moon: The Awakening Vol.1

Chapter 3: Shadows and Surprises

Sooha tossed and turned in her bed, the darkness of her dream wrapping around her like a suffocating blanket. Shadows lurked at the edges of her vision, and she could feel an ominous presence closing in on her. She tried to scream, but no sound escaped her lips. A pair of piercing eyes glowed through the darkness, and the sense of dread intensified. Just as the eyes seemed to reach for her, Sooha jolted awake, her heart pounding in her chest.

She sat up in bed, breathing heavily, trying to shake off the remnants of the nightmare. The room was dimly lit by the moonlight filtering through the curtains, and her surroundings seemed ordinary once again. Still, the unsettling feeling lingered.

As Sooha tried to calm herself, a soft knock sounded at her door. The door creaked open slightly, and Heli's concerned face peeked in.

"Hey, Sooha," Heli said gently. "We heard you moving around and... well, we wanted to check if you're alright."

Sooha rubbed her eyes, trying to appear more composed. "Oh, it's nothing. I just had a bad dream."

Heli nodded, though his expression showed he was still worried. "Bad dreams can be tough. Do you want to talk about it, or maybe just get some fresh air?"

Sooha managed a small smile. "I think I'm okay. Thanks for checking in. I'll just try to get some rest."

Heli gave her a reassuring nod. "Alright. If you need anything, we're right next door."

As Heli left, Sooha took a few deep breaths to steady herself. The nightmare had felt so real, and the shadows seemed to linger even in the waking world. She tried to focus on the comforting thought that she wasn't alone, especially with friends like Heli and the others nearby.

The next morning, Sooha headed to the cafeteria for breakfast, hoping a good meal would help shake off the remnants of the previous night. As she entered, she saw the group already seated at their usual table.

"Good morning!" Shion greeted her with his usual energetic flair. "How'd you sleep?"

Sooha sat down with a sigh. "Not too great, actually. I had a nightmare."

Jakah, who had been reading through some notes, looked up. "Nightmares can be unsettling. Do you want to talk about it?"

Sooha shook her head. "It was just a dream. I don't want to bother you with it."

Noa, sitting quietly next to Jakah, looked at her with a hint of concern. "Sometimes it helps to talk. But if you'd rather not, that's okay too."

Sooha appreciated their concern, though she didn't want to delve into the details. "Thank you. I'm sure I'll be fine. I'm just hoping today will be better."

As breakfast continued, Sooha's mood gradually improved with the company of her new friends. They chatted about their plans for the day, and Sooha found herself laughing at their anecdotes and jokes. The conversation shifted to their upcoming Nightball game, and Sooha listened with interest as they discussed strategies and preparations.

After breakfast, Sooha joined Heli and the others as they walked to their first class. Despite the lingering effects of her nightmare, the camaraderie and warmth from the group helped her feel more at ease.

During her free periods, Sooha spent time in the library, immersing herself in her favorite books. The peaceful environment was a welcome contrast to the tension of her nightmare, and she found solace in the quiet reading nook she had discovered.

As the day wore on, Sooha felt increasingly comfortable in her new surroundings. The supportive presence of Heli and his friends helped her push through the unease from the night before. By the time evening arrived, she was feeling more like herself.

The group met up again for dinner, and the conversation was light and cheerful. Sooha was grateful for their companionship and the sense of normalcy they provided.

As she headed back to her dorm room that night, Sooha couldn't help but feel a growing sense of hope. The nightmares from last night still lingered in her mind, but the friendship and support she had found in Decelis Academy offered her comfort and strength.

With a final look at the moonlit campus, Sooha entered her room, ready to face whatever the future might bring.