The Enchanting Rapture (#1)

Chapter 12

Annika

"Close your eyes," he instructed, "listen to the world around you."

It was most likely smart to fear the likelihood more threatening incomers arriving, but Annika sincerely believed Soren would protect the both of them, even as he taught her.

Annika willingly did as she was told. The sounds of night lifted up and down in diverse tones of relaxation. Nothing could interrupt the sounds of nature no matter how brilliant the force. Wind made an appearance as it skimmed against Annika's cheekbones, similar to welcoming pecks. It was shockingly tranquil.

"Annika, hear as those sounds fade away until the only noise is the blood rushing in your ears, until your heartbeat and breathing are the only sensations you feel. Let your muscles relax. There is no danger here, nothing to fear."

She inhaled. She exhaled. Each even breath coaxed Annika to slip into a concentrated state of mind. Out went the chaos. She allowed her muscles to loosen from top to bottom. The blood zipped through her veins in a consistent beat, but it was the warmth that became prominent to Annika. Her body was hot with life, more vibrant than she had ever acknowledged.

"Are you there?" His commanding yet relaxed voice was near, only a breath away. Though she was not startled. Surprisingly, his presence reassured her.

"Yes." Nothing seemed more fundamental than his voice. She latched onto it immediately without any dubious suspicion. Annika was well taken care of.

"Good, that's very good, Annika. Picture yourself standing in a plane room, there is no furniture, no windows. There is no breeze, just still yet fresh air. The four walls are white. Do you see it? The white room where all real life is snuffed out." Each syllable took her further into her own subconsciousness.

"Yes." The scene was clear as day, like she was snatched from reality and put into the picture Soren painted.

"There is a problem though, you want to leave."

"I do?" His voice was so hypnotic that all his words must have been true.

"Yes, but how can you leave when there is no exit?"

Annika looked around, though her eyes were still shut, she saw the white room anyways. No escape was in sight. But an idea arose.

"I... I must break through the wall."

"Precisely. How will you manage that?"

"I'm not sure, I have no tools." Doubt started like wild fire. Certainly someone like Annika was incapable of exiting on her own?

"Oh, yes you do. Look carefully."

Annika looked down at her hands, so stark against the white. "My hands."

"Not just your hands, your body. Use your body, it can break the wall."

"Right. My body..." Annika paused momentarily, and then she threw her whole weight into the wall, shoulder first, but alas, it was her who seemed to crack.

"It did not work!" Like usual, her attempts at using brawn were fruitless.

"This is because you did not use your body properly, did you?"

Annika placed her palms lightly against the walls. She realized they were rougher than they appeared. The frustration began to build. It was impossible!

"I can't! I cannot do it."

"Annika!" His voice was sharp as it was stern, "be calm. The only way to figure this out is with a clear head. Try again, but this time, use a different part of your body."