Lost Identity: Eloria Series Book 1 | ✓

34: Woman in the Pond

7/23/3028

I was in the dark forest again. It was cold, and the air was still, just like I remembered. The difference now was that I knew where I was going and I wasn't following anyone. I strode with full confidence, keeping a floating orb of light hovering over the palm of one hand and occasionally brushing aside any obtrusive branches with the other.

The sound of wings flapping overhead made me stop. I wasn't afraid—rather, I was emboldened and at ease. I glanced up to try to catch a glimpse of what flew by but could only see the wild limbs of the trees.

Nothing would deviate me from this objective because I was determined to complete it. I had already come too far. There was no going back.

I continued on until I came to a spacious, open spot in the forest. I pulled back my hood and looked up to the sky as I waited for him. I didn't have to wait long for the boy to emerge from the woods.

***

My back was soaked in cold sweat when I woke up. I sat straight up and glanced at the stone clock. It was just after five in the morning.

Maybe I was too stressed because I was trying to retain every bit of Elorian information that I could for my dahi today, but something about the dream didn't quite sit right with me. It was the same dream I had when I first arrived in Eloria but the perspective had changed. Why?

Air. I need some fresh air to clear my mind.

Thinking a stroll in the garden was a good idea, I threw on a long coat and made my way out the mansion. By the time I got to the pond, I was starting to feel better. The pond was tranquil, and the wind breathed gently on the surface of the water, causing calm ripples. Small fish of bright, vivid colors swam in its serenity.

I inhaled deeply, filling my lungs with fresh morning air. A pleasant scent of earthy minerals and moist vegetation hung in the air. I had to admit, it helped me to relax. I shut my eyes so that I could enjoy the calm.

That didn't last long.

When I opened my eyes, everything real around me was gone, and all I could see was the water which now appeared to surround me.

This must be an illusion.

I tried to resist the pull of the vision, but its forceful draw made it impossible. Fighting against it was futile, like trying to swim against the flow of a whirlpool.

I stared at my reflection forming in the rippling water.

"Who are you?" I asked. When the water stilled, I realized that it wasn't my reflection at all.

Peering back at me was the beautiful woman from the portrait in my room. Sye-Liene.

I turned my head to the side and the reflection turned as I did. I touched my hair and she touched her blond hair as well. I touched my nose and so did she. Martin was right about the similar looking nose. I moved my arms, but she didn't follow me this time. I repeated the same motion again but still no movement from her.

"If you're my reflection, you're supposed to move with me," I said. Her mouth didn't move when I spoke, and she looked at me resolutely, maintaining an unmoving stance.

I walked a few steps to my right, but she stood in place, turning only her head to look at me.

"I guess you're a disobedient reflection." I sighed. "Are you going to come?"

She folded her arms across her chest, standing her ground.

Our eyes locked for a long moment before I turned away out of frustration. I surveyed my surroundings instead, hoping that this vision would soon lift, and I'd return to reality. After a while I looked back. She was still staring at me.