11

An old man stepped out of the darkness wearing a black robe, pulling his draping hood down revealing his aged face. His skin was wrinkled and weathered, and his eyes were a piercing shade of blue that seemed to glow in the darkness.

"It is so good to finally see you again, Uriel," he said in a voice that was both kind and urgent. "We haven't much time. They are coming for you once again. You must come with me if you want to awaken from the illusion they have cast upon you."

The old man grabbed Sarah/Uriel by the hand and pulled her into a portal, teleporting them outside of her illusionary world and into a cave covered with moss and sea water dripping from the ceiling little by little. The air was damp and musty, and the sound of water droplets echoed through the cavern.

"What did you just do? Where are we? What is this?" Sarah asked, her voice trembling with fear.

The old man had transformed into a younger version of himself as he turned to face Sarah. His hair was long and silver, and his eyes were bright and full of life. "There is much we need to discuss, Uriel," he said, his voice gentle but firm.

"It's Sarah, not Uriel," Sarah said, her voice rising in frustration.

The old man started chuckling as he removed his cloak. His laughter was warm and infectious, and Sarah found herself smiling despite her fear.

"In all actuality, my dear, your name is not Sarah. It is indeed Uriel, but I will call you what you wish," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Sarah pulled away from his grasp and took a couple of steps backward. "Who are you?" Sarah asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I am Galán, although you used to call me father," Galán said, his voice soft and full of emotion.

Sarah looked at him puzzled and confused as her hands started shaking. "Father? Are you saying that you are my dad?" Sarah asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

Galan closed the distance between them, his long strides carrying him across the room in a few quick steps. He wrapped his arms around Sarah in a long, warm embrace, pulling her close to him. Sarah's heart raced as she felt the warmth of his body against hers.

"Oh, how I've missed you, my little one," he said softly, his voice filled with emotion.

Sarah stood there, her body stiff in his embrace, as tears started streaming down her cheeks. Her heart was pounding in her chest, her mind racing with thoughts of what could have possibly happened to bring him back into her life.

She tried to pull away, but Galan held her tightly, refusing to let her go. "I am confused, please, enough of this. Tell me what is going on?" Sarah begged, her voice choked with emotion.

Galan released her from his embrace and moved her hair out of her face, gently brushing it back into place. "My dear girl, there is much to discuss, and I only hope it helps untangle the lies that they have poured into your mind," Galan said, his voice low and soothing.

Sarah fell to her knees, her head spinning as she looked around the room, trying to make sense of what was happening. Her heart was racing, her palms sweaty, and her mind was a jumbled mess. She closed her eyes, trying to steady herself, but it was no use.

Her body shook with emotion, and she felt like she was going to collapse. Her eyes went blank, and she passed out, her head hitting the floor as she lost consciousness.