Chapter 48: 48 - First nightmare

[Olivia's POV].

I scowled as I reached down to pick up the object that had tumbled off the table. I took it up and gave it a close inspection. It was a precious stone. I ran my fingertips over the gemstone's contours. It had a lovely blue carving on it, and something was written in a gorgeous script. However, based on how worn out it was, it appears to be really old. I pondered in my mind. This little gemstone, which is carved from the original piece, is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and gives its wearer visions of the future and heavenly insight. I recalled that I had slain Cecaelia with this very stone.

It was still stained with her blood. I held it in my hand. I ran my hand over the gem's surface, causing a thin line of dried blood to remain behind. I traced the symbols etched on the stone with my finger, but I had trouble making sense of them. Six words in all were carved on it, yet some were merely smeared letters and some words were completely missing. It was impossible to understand the meaning of the phrases, which appeared to have been etched hundreds of years ago. I attempted to write them down in a diary.

*Σ* *Ω* *Ψ* *Δ*

I gingerly set the gemstone down next to the half-filled glass of tea on the table. I scanned the page with my eyes, attempting to make out what it meant. My spine began to tingle strangely. I shuddered a little at the feeling. There was something not quite right. I simply rolled up the page and tossed it on the cave floor. The cave's inside was serene and silent. The sound of the wind rustling the leaves of the trees and flowers, along with the faint sounds of insects buzzing and clicking, was all that remained after the rain had ceased.

Outside, I could hear a heavy sighing sound, like someone breathing heavily. I scratched frantically at my hand since it was beginning to itch. My nails penetrated my skin deeply, causing me great agony. I attempted to sleep, ignoring the agony. At the moment, all I wanted was to sleep.

*************

I was working really hard on my horticulture inside the pavilion, perspiring a lot under the scorching sun. I heard a noise out of the blue, and as I slowly turned to face the sound, I noticed two persons approaching me. A man with medium-length black hair and another with short grey hair. They were my close buddies and the keepers of Heaven's west gate. I got up from the ground and straightened my clothes right away. They halted next to me, panting and trying to catch their breath. I met their concerned gaze. They had anxiety and worry on their faces.

"What's wrong?" I inquired quietly. "Have you found out about that knife?" I went on.

They looked at one another and shook their heads slowly in fear. With a sigh, I moved aside and motioned for them to come in. They were hurried as they sat at the table, so I followed them in. I noticed their worried expression and scowled as I gave them a close look. They continued to steal looks at one another. Something is making them uneasy. I waited patiently while seated across from them. They looked at each other, then back at me. As I waited for them to share their concerns, I crossed my arms across my chest.

"What happened, James?" Glancing at the males with grey hair, I inquired.

James' voice was raspy with terror as he stated, "We found something, something terrible." I gave him a perplexed look.

"They are going to kill you, Olivia, they are going to murder you," James said, clearing his throat with a cough. He talked in a frenzy now, his voice low. He was on the verge of shouting, and his terror was growing by the moment.

"Whom? James, who's going to kill me?" I let out a startled cry.

"A...." James started to say something, but Smith interrupted him in the middle. "We don't now have enough time to talk about this. Simply flee through the west gate; Iggy was waiting for you. "Don't return, Olivia," he murmured, gasping for air. Even though he was crying, he was adamant about telling me what it all meant. After wiping away the tears, he said, "You have to get out before they do.

"Leave!?" I let out a cry. "You're not serious at all. How do I get out of here? Where ought I to go? I am without a place." I objected.

It's in your best interest! You have to go. This place is hazardous. Have faith in us. "We'll work things out," James begged her. They both understood he was concerned for my safety. I was also aware. I gave a tentative nod. "And don't worry about the place, Iggy already arranged everything for you, just leave." He checked to make sure nobody was nearby. The hairs on my neck and body stood up. I was numb and freezing. I was unable to move or speak.

James uttered the urgent words, "You have to find the knife."

"Where is it?" At last, I was able to ask calmly, albeit my voice was shaking.

"No one knows where it is but you have to find it, no matter what Olivia," stated James. I understood and nodded. "Just don't worry about anything else except finding the knife and getting out of here." He gave me a comforting squeeze and firmly held my shoulders.

"All right," I gave a nod. I laughed, attempting to defuse the situation, saying, "I swear I won't die."

With a comforting smile, he continued, "I hope so. We won't give up until you are back at the palace safely with us." A relieved smile returned to his face.

I looked over to James and Smith. I responded, "Thank you," with tears welling up in my eyes. They smiled back at each other.

"Go now," I said to them. "Please wait for my return." Both give a nod of approval before returning to the west gate. I exited through the west gate and crossed the Elysian Viaduct. The Elysian Viaduct is built of dazzling ivory stone that gives off a delicate inner light that makes it seem as though it is floating above the shimmering clouds covering the sky. The arches are decorated with detailed sculptures that portray angelic beings and scenes of harmony in paradise. I strolled along the bridge, the sound of my footfall resonating on the marble floor, the wind blowing across my face. The clouds darkened the sky, and a black mist shrouded them, as if hiding everything beneath their shadow. My gaze was fixed on the clouds that reflected off the river beneath the bridge. I was crying and feeling heartbroken over leaving my house in this manner.

As I turned to look, I heard someone yell, "Come," but I was shoved and fell off the Elysian Viaduct Bridge. I passed out as the wind blew away everything that was left of me and the bridge vanished from view.

***************

I opened my eyes and peered about abruptly. I remained within the cave. I let out a moan and clutched my heart in agony. I stroked my face and felt a throbbing sensation steadily spread throughout my face. I also felt a severe stabbing pain on the left side of my heart. I sat on the bed for a few minutes before finally gathering the strength to get up, shakily but slowly with help. What did that consist of? Who was she? I pondered while I made an effort to recall the dream. Which knife was it that they were discussing? She was having trouble remembering any specifics of that weird dream, and I was getting a little impatient.

She could see the ray of light entering the hole over my head since the sun was shining so brightly. With a sigh, I massaged my temples and made my way to the wide archway that led to the cave's exterior. The sunlight struck me hard and sharply once I was outdoors. In addition to calming my body, the warm sunlight caused my skin to scald. I turned to face the walls of the cave and the lovely flowers that surrounded it. Despite yesterday's rain, the flowers were flowering in vibrant colors.

I heard a quiet bird chirping in the distance. The temperature of the air was warm. It was the ideal day. There were a few clouds floating overhead, and a light breeze was blowing. There was a nice rustling sound as the grass swayed in the light air. Except for my heart, everything appears so peaceful and quiet. I strolled close to the tree, feeling the soft wind brush my face and lightly strike my body. I looked around me, let out a long breath, closed my eyes, took off my arm cuff, and allowed myself to transform into a werewolf. I closed my eyes and lay down next to one of the tree's roots, hoping to forget all about the dreams I had just had. They appeared to be deceiving me with their words. I wasn't using my head. I understood what they meant when they talked about nightmares.