The Lightbringer's Heir

The forest floor was covered in a light dusting of snow, the trees around you glowing faintly in the moonlight. Their branches curved upwards like frozen waves against a night sky the color of dark amaranth. You trudged along, the unfamiliarity of the place unsettling. A fleeting memory, just out of reach, vanished like smoke.

Drawing your silver cloak tighter, you continued until you reached a clearing. A high stone wall enclosed the space, centered by a wrought-iron gate adorned with swirling female faces. Beyond lay an enormous, faintly lilac mansion with glowing windows. A mix of desire and dread pulled at you.

You pushed the creaking gate open and walked the snow-covered path, past sculpted bushes, to the porch. Grecian columns wrapped in dead vines held up the portico. Reaching for the tarnished silver knockers on the wide mahogany doors, dread intensified. Taking a deep breath, you grasped the cold handles and knocked three times. Silence. Then, the doors creaked open, revealing darkness. As you stepped across the threshold, the world dissolved.

You jolted awake in your own bed, the bright red numbers of your alarm clock flashing 10:30 am, its buzzing a grating sound. Groaning, you shut it off. Time for work.