Chapter One: The beginning

Do you ever wonder what happens after death? Or how many lives have you lived before this one? Or ever wonder what waits beyond the astral plains? Do you ever wake up from a dream that made you question your current lifetime?

I used to see things that no other could. I had a different way of thinking that many couldn't comprehend.

I had a dream once that I was living the everyday life of a baker. I made doughnuts, croissants, and cake. I swear I could sense every touch and smell of the food on each counter, the irresistible aromas of each baked good. My loving husband supported me no matter what; he worshipped me... It felt nice to be loved by someone like him... It was so peaceful and filled with brightness and happiness. A smile grew on my sleeping body's face.

I came to my senses only to be greeted by a run-down room of wrecks and my roommate snoring below me on the bottom bunk. I sigh only to remember that…it was only a dream.

I sigh in anguish. As I turn my head toward the window as the moon glistens through the pale curtains, I feel comforted by the moon's silver glow on the point of drifting back into slumber.

A vision appears before me, a woman in a long white gown comes before me followed by seven other figures hidden in the dark .she reaches her hand towards me, her face veiled by a white lace as she slightly lifts her veil, revealing what appears to be her mouth her face was as pale as snow as her lips move in movement I couldn't understand.

My expression appeared stunned and unsure of what she had said as she slowly faded from my view. My feet move as I chase after her, bawling, "wait! Where are you going? I didn't hear what you were saying! Wait.."

Her pale figure fades from my vision as I fall into slumber within this vision.

I was interrupted by the sound of my door slamming up against the wall, awakening both my roommate and me. I flung up, yelling, "wait!! Come back!"

I managed to catch the attention of Leila, our dorm mother, accidentally... her fist rested on her hips as her chest was puffed in my direction. Her face is displeased " are you okie, Elora ?" her tone is as stern as the knives in my tummy.

Stuttering, I try to convince her of my reasons, but she immediately stops me. "I don't need to hear it! get up and come to the dining room for roll call and breakfast !". stunned and unsure how to react to her response.

She turns her head again, and this time in a louder tone, " hurry up !" as she exaggerates her gestures, telling me to hurry. Then leaves the room.

I jump down, starting to get ready for my day.

I entered the dining room as the matron was roll-calling names. She notices me coming in late. I apologize for my tardy attendance" I'm sorry, Denise, for being late," her expression goes from displeased to pleased " good morning, Elora! you need to try to be more on time! or else you will miss out on breakfast! which is the most important meal of the day " my eyes to the floor as I shook my head and headed to the nearest seat.

Denise has always been the Matron that everyone loves, but Elda, on the other hand, is not so much. After all, she is the headmistress of the home.

Long after breakfast, we were all given chores to complete before lunchtime. I was tasked with sweeping the outdoor courtyard covered with leaves from last autumn. I was paired up with Danny, a 15-year-old boy who has been in this home since nappies. And was everyone's older brother and has decided to remain here after 18 to help many other lost children and is also my closes friend.

He would always look out for me... no matter what.

While sweeping, I notice Elda(headmistress), Leila (dorm mother), and Denise discussing something beneath the archways. It seemed important. Danny observed that I had stopped sweeping, my attention fronting the direction of Elda, Leila, and Denise.

He casually parades in my direction. Curious about what had caught my interest. His head scopes the area I was fronting " what are you looking at?" he states. I quietly grunt " it just seems like they are talking about something important…." Danny slightly tilts his head towards me, curious," what do you think they are talking about ?" I quietly grunt again " I'm not sure, but whatever it is. it seems crucial ".

Elda, Leila, and Denise observed us two standing around. Their faces appeared concerned as they realized we were examining them.

Danny and I quickly returned to our chores, trying not to make it seem like we were inspecting them intently in the act of leaving the scene.

We both chuckle while sweeping the leaves below the broom, fully aware we could get in trouble for this.

After all the chores, we sat down on the nearest seat in the courtyard and sighed in relief from finishing cleaning.

As we sat down, I remembered my last night's dream and became anxious. Danny noticed the sudden shift in mood and challenged my swift shift, "what's wrong? "I sat up properly to express my concerns about the dream to him as the wind blew the hair out of my face. "I had a strange dream last night, "he responded in the act of sitting up " like what?" I reciprocate, " well, it was of a woman with a long silk dress of lilac silver, her arms decorated in jewelry you see in fantasy, her face protected by a white lace …she reached her hand out to me as seven other figures followed behind …she said something… I couldn't follow, and ever since, it has bugged me. What did she say? " Danny acknowledged that I was bothered by this dream and tried his best to comfort me " it was probably nothing, Eliv…maybe you're just overthinking it." I clearly stressed, I counter," but it felt real…like she was there...like...I could feel her…grab her…" he responded "stop worrying about it. Let's forget about this and eat; I'm sure lunch will be ready by now… "I come eye to eye with him, still agitated " maybe it's for the best," I retort

He beams, "I heard that they will be serving honey cake for lunch today... And I know it's your favorite " his smile grew wide. He jumps up, still holding the broom in hand, and challenges me," last one to take the brooms back is a lousy looper!" he began running. I jump up, not ready for the challenge of running. "Wait, that's not fair!!" I was left behind; I tried my best to keep up.

Meanwhile, at the headmistress's office

"Elda! the seven councils have threatened to stop sponsoring us if we do nothing about our debts! We cannot lose this home! What about the children? We can't send them out there to live on the streets. ! they are too young" Denise nodded in agreement with Leila and burst, "we need to do something or else…." Denise Expresses Concern among the children within the orphanage as silence fills the room.

Elda stood firm, and Sharpe remained calm" I hear your cries…we will have to sort something out before we are at the loss of our home," Elda responded in a cold demeaning matter, "but as for the children… well... we will just have to keep it quiet … we do not need an outcry… for now …just continue with things as usual !" Denise and Leila both nodded their heads in defeat.

Later on,

It was about 6 pm when dusk prepared for dawn in the next 12 hours. I realized I had misplaced the bracelet given to me when I was sent here to this orphanage. I had disclosed to Danny that I'd be right back, and he nodded his head while leading the younger ones inside for our usual bedtime ritual of dinner, bathing, and then bed at 9:30 pm as the younger ones headed to bed at 7:30

I came near the forest where I last was, underneath the tree exploring the weirds and wonders of the blue flowers near this part of the forest.

"I swear I had left it here somewhere..' I continue to search the blue flowers for any sign of my bracelet. I noticed a bright light from the corner of my right eye. This light caught my attention as my eye wonders towards this luminescence.

A bright white light foreshadows the darkness of the forest. Curious, I wander towards this light while reaching out towards the phosphorus, only to find that the glowing was emitting from my bracelet. I pick up my bracelet, scoping it from end to end.

A cold mist emits from the forest. My head follows where this mist is coming from. The tall female figure I had seen in my dreams that night stood in the trees ahead of me.

Without thinking, my legs started to move at a fast pace calling out to the figure, " wait ! where are you going!?... I need... I need to... I need to talk to you!..." when I got closer, the white figure started to run further into the dark forest, without any thought I continued to follow as my need for answers had overwhelmed me.

The figure finally pauses, floating elegantly in front of a tall willow tree. A door was carved into the tree, and a glowing light of white emitted through the gaps of the entrance. The figure stood floating by the door as it slowly reversed into the door, vanishing like a ghost passing through the walls.

The door opens slightly, tempting me to enter. The luminous comforts me as I calmly approach the door and casually enter.

What lay behind this door of wonders was like nothing I'd seen before . a fireplace dimly lit lounge.

I gradually stroll towards the sofa, examining my surrounding. My hand was apperceiving the leather of the sofa as I casually glid at the head of the sofa, situating myself comfortably inquisitive of this very moment.

In front of me placed a single empty armchair. An aroma of food attacked my nose. I glance down at a small coffee table with a small plate of croissants and cake purposefully placed to catch my attention.

The sound of sandals pitter-patters behind me... stunned, I quickly jump to my feet, immediately operating towards the sound. A tall female silhouette, yet a familiar form, settles behind me.

She wore a long greek styled dress, her shoes were decorated with embroidered ninfides, and her arm flashed the finest jewels of their time.

Her hair was as black as the night that reached the length of her tail… decorated with embroidered head accessories. Her eyes were black but alluring.

She gently comforts me with an unsophisticated smile. Yet… I couldn't help but wonder …

"Who are you?! "