Shadows in the Glass

Chapter 7 - Whispers in Moonlight

Aurelia's POV - 3rd Dimension

Aurelia stepped out of the steamy bathroom, her skin still warm from the hot water. Feeling her soft strands of hair cling to her back as the cool air kissed her skin. The familiar weight of the scars etched into her back was a dull presence, a reminder of the pain endured in those terrifying dreams. She ran her fingers through her damp hair, feeling the weight of the droplets cling to her strands. The apartment was quiet, but comforting in its familiarity, the soft hum of the heater filling the space. She padded across the wooden floor, her bare feet making light sounds with each step as she moved toward the large window that overlooked the city.

The streetlights were dim, casting an orange glow over the sidewalk below. It was late, and the world outside seemed so far removed from the chaos swirling inside her mind. Yet, being in her apartment always brought her back to the present, tethered her to something real, something safe.

The faint scent of vanilla lingered in the air from her shower, blending with the crisp coolness of the night. She pulled on a loose sweater and shorts, comfort clothing that wrapped her in a small shield of warmth. But no matter how cozy she made herself, her thoughts kept circling back to the nightmare and the strange world she had encountered in her dreams. The City of Glass.

A sudden knock on the door jolted her from her thoughts.

"Come in, Mom!" she called out, already knowing who it was. No one else would be visiting this late.

Her mother opened the door, a smile tugging at her lips as she peeked her head in. "Strawberry," she said teasingly, using the old nickname she had given Aurelia when she was younger. "I brought some tea and cookies. Thought we could have a little chat."

Aurelia smiled warmly at her mother. "You're still calling me that, huh?"

"Well, you did once inhale that strawberry scented VHS cover like it was the last of the world oxygen supply ," her mom replied, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "You were obsessed with Strawberry Shortcake—you'd sit there for hours with that pink VHS, your little nose pressed against the cover."

Aurelia let out a soft laugh, the memory washing over her like a wave of warmth. "That thing did smell like strawberries, I'm sure of it. I used to love watching it on repeat."

Her mother sat down beside her on the couch, placing the tea on the small coffee table. "I remember. You'd even fall asleep with it sometimes. I think I have a picture of you holding that cover while snoring away."

Aurelia chuckled, taking a sip of the tea her mother had prepared. The sweet, fruity flavour reminded her of simpler days—of childhood afternoons spent curled up on the couch, blissfully unaware of the complexities of the world. "Not to mention you are my strawberry head!" her mom quickly added. Aurelia snorted out.

"Thanks, Mom," Aurelia said softly, her voice laced with gratitude. "For being here."

"Always," her mother replied, gently patting Aurelia's knee. "But you know, Strawberry, you've been distracted lately. Is there something you want to talk about?"

Aurelia hesitated for a moment, glancing out the window before turning her gaze back to her mother. How could she explain the things she had seen? The dreams that felt too real, too vivid? The City of Glass, the council, and the strange power she felt awakening inside of her—it was all too much, and she wasn't sure how to even begin.

"I...I've been having these dreams," Aurelia finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her mother raised an eyebrow, her playful demeanour softening into concern. "Dreams? Like nightmares?"