Dream Message

The Eagle Parrot rocked gently on the waves as the crew settled in for the night. Darius sat on the deck, staring at the cryptic letter he had found in his pocket at the tavern. The strange script swirled in looping patterns, almost shifting before his eyes.

Elara plopped down beside him, Rockford curling up at her feet. "Still staring at that thing?"

Darius sighed. "It doesn't make any sense. I swear the words move when I try to read them."

Elara took it from him, squinting. "Looks like nonsense to me." She tossed it back. "Maybe you just need sleep."

He grunted, stuffing the letter into his coat. "Maybe."

Eventually, exhaustion won. Darius retreated to his cabin, closing his eyes the moment his head hit the pillow.

Then, he was falling.

The world around him blurred into a storm of colors; blues, greens, and golds twisting into impossible shapes. He landed, feet sinking into soft moss, surrounded by towering trees that glowed with an eerie light. It was Temptation Forest; but different. Alive, but without the malevolence.

A whisper echoed through the air. You are not ready.

Darius turned quickly, reaching for his sword; except it wasn’t there. His hands were empty.

From the shadows, a figure emerged; a tall being with glowing golden eyes, its form shifting like mist.

"Who are you?" Darius demanded.

The figure didn't answer. Instead, it lifted a hand, and the cryptic letter from before appeared, floating in the air. The symbols twisted, forming new words.

Follow the path of fire, or be lost to the tide.

Darius staggered back. "I must be dreaming."

The figure tilted its head. Not for long.

Then, everything vanished.

Darius jolted awake, heart pounding. The letter was clutched in his hand, but now, the words had changed.