Chapter 60 CHAPTER 60

Chapter 60 CHAPTER 60
As Aurora opened her eyes, she was met by a green sky streaked with ribbon-like lights. Her head throbbed, and her stomach was in such a knot that she felt like vomiting. Her legs were still stiff, though not as badly as when she was submerged under the sea.

She still couldn't believe her terrifying ordeal had been just a dream. It felt real! The anxiety, the fear, and the pain of every wound from her flesh being torn—it was all too real. Everything had been so detailed that she was convinced she had truly experienced it.

The faces of the Tirong in her dream were vivid. Every scene, from the moment they reached the shore to her conversation with Arnold.

Damn! Even when he kissed her, it felt so real! What she didn't understand was why she actually liked the kiss in her dream. She couldn't believe she had betrayed Fiel, even if only in a dream, and she felt a wave of self-guilt.

The most terrifying part of the dream, however, was when she forgot her family, Fiel, and her friends. That was so unlike her. If there was any consolation, it was hearing the voices of her mother and father. She even heard Aliyah’s voice! Those two great women were already dead, so it made sense for them to appear in her dreams. But her father? Perhaps her father loved her so much that he would find any way to help her—and to Aurora, that was truly magical.

She got up and sat down.

A fire was burning not far in front of her, keeping her from feeling the cold. But while her body was protected from the chill, her stomach was not. She was hungry and nauseous at the same time, unsure of what she was actually feeling.

She scanned her surroundings and saw Arnold nearby. Sensing her gaze, he turned toward her and nodded. He walked over carrying a coconut shell containing a liquid that, based on the scent, was some kind of herbal extract.

"How are you feeling, Hybrid?"

"I can't say that I'm fine, but it’s such a relief to realize it was all a dream."

He handed her the shell, and she took it. It was filled with a thick, lilac-colored liquid. "What is this?"

"An extract from a mix of medicinal plants. It’ll get rid of your joint pains and headache."

She sampled the medicine first. There was a hint of bitterness, but the taste of honey was more prominent.

Not bad, she thought to herself, tossing the extract back in one gulp.

"Is there honey bee in this?"

Arnold took the shell back and placed it near the fire. "Hmm, actually, I didn't get it from a honey bee."

"Then why does it taste like honey?"

"Because there really is honey in the medicine you drank." He sat down beside her.

"You're confusing to talk to," she said with a laugh. "You say it's not from a honey bee, but it has honey. Which is it?"

"Your comprehension is just low, Hybrid." He pinched the bridge of her nose. "There’s a plant here shaped like a honeycomb that produces honey. I gathered some along with the medicinal plants because I knew you wouldn't like the taste of herbal medicine. Herbal medicine is more effective and efficient, especially where we are, so you’re lucky my grandmother planted so many medicinal herbs."

"How did you know my head and joints hurt?"

"That’s the standard effect when you're put under the Nightmare created by Atang."

"Atang? The who?!"

"A sorceress who serves Morgana. Of course, they knew we were up to something."

"Cowards, then, hitting us from behind. So, what about you? Obviously, you know about healing. Where did you learn?"

"My Grandma Celia was a healer. She used to treat people in the village, but when they found out her family had ghoul blood, the villagers mobbed them. That’s how they ended up on this island. My lineage doesn't eat human flesh; they chose to distance themselves from people rather than seek revenge."

"Wow! To me, that’s bravery!" She even clapped, amazed by the lineage of the ghoul she was with. She scanned the endless darkness. "So, this is your home, huh?"

"Hmm. This island is called Isla Muerte. Do you know why mortals named it Isla Muerte?" he asked, causing her to frown.

Déjà vu?

Impossible. Just a coincidence, she told herself.

But she decided to test it, just to see what would happen next!

"A lost fisherman passed by here once, and because of what he saw on the shore, he branded it the Island of Bones," she answered, knowing exactly what the young ghoul was about to say.

"So you noticed the ground we're sitting on is full of bones, too. Wait, how did you know that? Did you hear the story?"

Aurora looked him in the eyes. "Yes. I heard that story from you," she answered seriously.

"Wait, what? I haven't told you the origin of why this is called Isla Muerte yet. I think you’re still dreaming. To wake you up, I’m going to catch a deer so we can eat." Arnold stood up, and she followed suit. "Coming with?"

She wanted to test if the events of her dream would truly come to pass. Her dream about Yfraim and her recent dream in the water were too clear, hitting every beat without fail.

"I'm coming," she said.

"Fine. Let's have a contest."

Fuck! This is not happening! she screamed in her mind.

Tears welled in her eyes as her heart hammered against her chest.