Eiran found himself immersed in a world of scarlet hues, a vivid reflection of his newfound magic. The dream realm seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy, every corner bathed in the warm, intense glow of crimson.
As he ventured deeper into the scarlet dreamscape, Eiran's senses sharpened, his perception attuned to the subtleties of this unique realm. The air crackled with a palpable energy, and he felt an inexplicable connection to every scarlet-tinged object that surrounded him.
As Eiran explored the scarlet dreamscape, his eyes were immediately drawn to a striking reflection in the ornate mirror. It was his own image, but with a profound difference. In the reflection, his eyes blazed with a vibrant scarlet hue, emanating a radiant intensity that mirrored the swirling scarlet magic enveloping him. The sight left him in awe, a profound realization dawning upon him—that his dreamscape was a reflection of his own scarlet powers.
As Eiran gazed into his own scarlet-eyed reflection, a surge of energy pulsed through the dream realm. The scarlet light intensified, engulfing everything in its vibrant glow. The world around him seemed to tremble and quake, as if responding to the awakening power within him.
Abruptly, Eiran's eyes snapped open, and he found himself back in the waking world. The scarlet dreamscape dissipated, replaced by the soft, muted hues of reality. His body tingled with remnants of the dream's energy, and he glanced down to find Lira sleeping soundly beside his cot. Her head rested on the edge, her hands clutching his tightly as if seeking solace in his presence.
A rush of affection and gratitude surged through Eiran's heart as he took in the sight of his sister, her peaceful expression a comforting balm to his soul. Lira had been there, holding his hand, throughout his journey in the dream realm.
Feeling a slight movement, Lira stirred from her sleep, her eyes fluttering open. As she adjusted to the dimly lit room, her gaze met Eiran's, and her heart skipped a beat. The warmth in his eyes and the gentle curve of his smile filled her with a profound sense of relief.
"Eiran," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion as tears welled up in her eyes. "You're awake... You're really awake."
A single tear trickled down Lira's cheek as she leaned closer, her hand reaching out to touch his face, as if to confirm that he was truly there, present and alive. Her voice quivered with a mixture of overwhelming joy and lingering fear.
"I was so scared, Eiran," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "When you were injured, I... I didn't know if I would lose you. The thought of facing the world without you by my side... it terrified me."
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Eiran's gaze never wavered from Lira's, his eyes shining with unspoken love and understanding. He reached out and took her hand in his, squeezing it gently, their fingers intertwining in a gesture of unwavering support.
"I'm here, Lira," he assured her, his voice filled with a quiet strength. “I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere.”
Overwhelmed by a surge of emotions, Lira couldn't hold back her tears any longer. They flowed freely down her cheeks as she leaned forward, her forehead resting against Eiran's, their tears mingling.
"I love you, Eiran," she whispered, her voice trembling with the weight of her feelings. "More than anything in this world. You mean everything to me, and I can't imagine my life without you."
Eiran's grip on Lira's hand tightened, his voice filled with unwavering determination. "You'll never have to," he vowed, his words filled with a quiet resolve.
After a moment, Eiran's gaze softened, and he turned his attention to Lira, his voice filled with concern. "How long have I been unconscious, Lira?" he asked, his brow furrowing slightly.
Lira's eyes met his, her voice gentle yet tinged with worry. "Four days," she replied softly, her hand still holding his. "It's been a long and difficult journey, but you're finally awake."
Eiran's eyes widened in surprise. "Four days?" he repeated, disbelief evident in his voice. "You've been here with me the whole time?"
Lira nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Of course, Eiran," she affirmed. "I couldn't leave your side. I wanted to be here when you woke up, to make sure you were safe."
Eiran's expression softened, gratitude shining in his eyes. "I appreciate everything you've done, Lira," he said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "But it's late now, and you must be exhausted. You need to go home and rest."
Lira's brow furrowed, concern evident in her gaze. "But Eiran, I want to stay with you," she protested, her voice filled with an unwavering determination.
Eiran reached out to gently cup Lira's cheek, his touch tender and reassuring. "I know, Lira, and I'm grateful for your presence," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "But you've been taking care of me for days now. You need rest, and I'll be fine here. I promise."
Lira's eyes filled with a mix of emotions—reluctance, love, and concern. She sighed softly, finally nodding in agreement. "Okay, Eiran," she relented, her voice filled with a mix of gratitude and exhaustion. "If you're sure you'll be fine, then I'll go home and rest."
Eiran smiled, his gaze filled with appreciation. "Thank you, Lira," he said softly. "You've done more than enough. Get some rest, and I'll see you tomorrow morning."
Lira leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss on Eiran's forehead. "Take care of yourself, Eiran," she whispered, her voice filled with love and concern. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call on me."
With one last lingering touch, Lira released Eiran's hand and stood up, casting a final glance over her shoulder before stepping out into the night.
Eiran watched her retreating figure, a wave of gratitude and love washing over him. He settled back into his cot, his body tired but his heart filled with a newfound sense of peace.
Lira, grateful for her brother's recovery, offered a silent prayer of thanks to the gods before retiring to her own bed. Exhaustion quickly overtook her, and she succumbed to a deep slumber.
In the stillness of the night, as Lira peacefully slept, a solitary raven descended from the sky and perched on her windowsill. Its eyes gleamed with an otherworldly red hue, capturing the faint moonlight that filtered through the window. Lira stirred slightly, sensing a presence in her dreams.
The raven remained motionless, its gaze fixed upon Lira with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. Its beady eyes bore the mark of a mysterious symbol, etched in crimson, almost as if it contained a hidden message within.