The rain began softly as the group settled down for the night. The steady patter on the roof of Reya’s tent brought a sense of calm to the air, mingling with the gentle rush of the nearby stream. Reya lay back, her mind wandering as she listened to the soothing rhythm. Before long, she drifted into a deep sleep, the sound of the rain lulling her into a dream.
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She found herself in a vast room with a tall, domed ceiling. The stone walls were smooth, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings of stars and flowing water. In the center of the room, a long metal tube extended out of a narrow window, angled toward the night sky.
An older man stood beside it, bent over and peering intently into a smaller tube affixed to the side. His silver hair fell in loose waves around his shoulders, and the deep lines on his face seemed to tell the story of a life filled with worry. He muttered softly to himself, his words indistinct.
Reya hesitated in the doorway, unsure whether to step forward or remain where she was. She felt as though she didn’t belong here, but something about the man drew her attention. Slowly, she walked into the room, her movements quiet and deliberate.
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As if sensing her presence, the man spoke aloud without turning to look at her. His voice was deep and carried an air of authority.
“The stars speak of ill tidings,” he said, his words measured. “Of change coming... something as immovable as stone.”
He straightened, stepping back from the tube and turning to face her. His dark eyes locked onto hers, sharp and piercing despite the age etched into his face.
“Why are you here?” he asked, his voice suddenly accusatory.
Reya opened her mouth to respond, but no sound came. She didn’t know how to answer him, or even why she was in this place.
The man took a step closer, his expression hardening. “You shouldn’t be here!” he said sharply, pointing a finger at her. His voice grew louder, almost echoing in the room. “You cannot be here!”
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Reya jolted awake, her heart pounding in her chest. The words of the man still rang in her ears, as clear as if he had just spoken them. She sat up, her breathing uneven, and glanced around.
The rain continued to fall gently outside, and the rest of the group was still sound asleep. Nothing seemed out of place, yet she couldn’t shake the feeling that the dream had been more than just a trick of her subconscious.
The memory of the man’s intense gaze stayed with her, and as she lay back down, she stared at the ceiling of her tent, unable to close her eyes again.
Something was coming. Something the stars themselves had warned about.