Chapter 17: Mysterious Creature

As Nia stared at the large green creature, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease in the pit of her stomach. His piercing eyes seemed to be searching her soul, as if looking for something she couldn't quite comprehend. And then, to her surprise, the creature spoke up in a voice that was low yet filled with energy.

"I see... you're interesting indeed," he said, his gaze never leaving hers. And just as suddenly as he had started speaking, the creature stood up and continued walking as if nothing had happened. Nia was still frozen in place, trying to process what had just occurred.

The creature seemed to sense her bewilderment and paused for a moment. "Nia Hortensius Cornix," he said, his voice ringing out through the air. Nia's heart skipped a beat. How did he know her name?

Feeling rising panic, Nia asked the creature how he knew her full name. But instead of answering her question, the creature simply shook his head and stepped closer. Nia instinctively took a step back, her eyes fixed on the small lime ball of energy that had suddenly appeared before the creature.

Out of the lime ball, a needle took form and shortly after the needle entered her arm, Nia felt a sharp pain that made her wince. The sensation was unlike anything she had ever felt before, as if her blood was being infused with some kind of energy. She looked at the creature, fear and confusion etched on her face.

"I see that this is all new to you," the creature said, noticing her unease. "But don't worry, the symbol on your wrist is not a curse. It's a sign of the energy that now flows within you."

Nia tried to move her arm, but found that it felt heavy and sluggish. The creature noticed her struggle and explained that it would take some time for her body to adjust to the new energy.

"It's clear that you are meant to play a role in our plans," the creature continued. "But first, you must learn to control this new power within you. It won't be easy, but I have faith in you."

As she looked down at her wrist, Nia noticed that the symbol seemed to be pulsing with an otherworldly glow.

As Nia tried to make sense of what had just happened, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over her. What did that creature mean by "control it"? And what was the significance of the symbol on her wrist? She had so many questions, but it seemed like she would have to wait to get answers.

As the creature disappeared into thin air, Nia was suddenly jolted awake, her heart pounding in her chest. She looked around frantically, trying to get her bearings. Was it all just a dream? It felt so real, but she couldn't be sure.

It was then that Yatia burst into the room, followed closely by the innkeeper. Nia felt relief flood through her as Yatia hugged her tightly, but the worry in her friend's voice was not reassuring.

Nia tried to sit up, but the dizziness that had been plaguing her since she woke up made her feel unsteady. She wondered how long she had been unconscious and what had happened to her during that time.

Nia rubbed her temples, still trying to process what had happened. "It wasn't a nightmare, was it?" she muttered to herself.

Yatia gave her a puzzled look. "What do you mean, Nia?"

Nia shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "Nothing... just a weird dream, I guess."

The innkeeper, who had been standing quietly by the door, spoke up. "Well, whatever it was, you gave us all quite a scare. You were out cold for hours."

Nia's eyes widened in surprise. "Hours? How is that possible?"

The innkeeper shrugged. "I don't know, but you were completely unresponsive. We were about to send for a healer when you suddenly woke up."

Nia frowned, feeling uneasy. "I don't remember anything after I went to bed last night. How did I end up on the floor?"

Yatia put a comforting hand on Nia's shoulder. "Don't worry about it now, Nia. You need to rest and regain your strength."

Nia nodded, feeling grateful for Yatia's concern. As the innkeeper and Yatia left the room, Nia lay back on her pillow, trying to piece together the fragments of her strange dream. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something important she was missing.