Daniel Reid was a practical man, or well, a teenager. 17 years old, to be precise. He loved compartments. His little apartment was a small compartment that was just big enough to feel homey. Everything was neatly organised and compartmentalized.
His life was a mix of part-time jobs and side hustles on the streets. He was orphaned early. Father died in the second nightmare, and mother was killed by a nightmare creature.
He couldn't say he had gotten over it yet, even after 3 years. But his life felt just a little bit more manageable, just a bit more stable. But the universe heard. It heard of his comfort.
Everything came crashing down. Just three weeks after the last winter solstice, he started feeling chronically sleepy. Coffee helped nothing, not even the strongest espresso shots that used to jolt him awake like a lightning strike.
"Don't tell me it's the damn spell." I cursed. Who wouldnt. 3 weeks after the winter solstice? Not only does it crush the hope of a normal life, but it does so immediately.
Almost 6 days had passed since I started feeling sleepy. 6 restless nights, scared of what would happen if I truly dozed off. I couldn't handle it anymore, I was going to turn myself in immediately.
I put on a simple shirt and trousers, and left my little apartment, locking the door behind me.
"Well... straight to death, I guess." I wasn't sure why I was so calm. Not many people survived the first nightmare. My father was on the brink of becoming ascended, so I had some insider knowledge.
"Alright, first thing to do in the spell, check your aspect, check your surroundings, and find immediate shelter. Learn as much as possible about the situation. And always have a plan, and backup plans."
I groaned slightly. This was going to be a long, tiresome battle.
I finally fully descended the apartment, the worn glass door swinging out easily with my grip. I took a deep breath of 'fresh' air.
The sky was a dull gray. Even though it was morning, the sun felt like a mirage. I walked down the cracked sidewalk, my boots thudding softly against the dust covered concrete as I passed shuttered shops and a drunk slumped beneath a newspaper.
At the intersection of Halmer, I spotted the police station. It was clean and stood in stark contrast to the surrounding buildings and shops. The cracked concrete gradually gave way to fully intact and well-maintained pavement.
"Tsk." I clicked my tongue.
Of course, they get better living conditions... Before I could fully lament, I was already at the front doors. Staring into the building from the small glass openings.
Shaking my head, I grasp the handle and pull. It did not budge at all.
With determination, I grasped the door handle and pulled, only for it to refuse to budge. "A push door? Seriously?" My annoyance peaked, and I couldn't help but huff as I pushed instead. It swung open easily.
Heads turned momentarily as I stepped inside, curiosity drawing eyes their way before returning to their duties. I moved to the front desk and met the receptionist's polite smile with my own strained expression.
"Hello, sir. How can I help you?" she asked, her tone concise and professional.
"I think I'm infected with the nightmare spell," I managed to say, my voice faltering slightly. I guess I wasn't unfazed.
Her smile evaporated, replaced by a look of alarm.
"Are you sure? When did you start feeling the symptoms?"
"About six days ago," I said, shrugging as if to downplay the gravity of my situation.
Her fingers moved over the keys of her terminal, and panic flashed in her eyes.
"Code red in the lobby! I repeat, Code red!!!" Before I could fully process what was happening, I found myself surrounded by several officers, their movements swift and cold as they restrained me.
"Effective, aren't you?" I yawned, fatigue overtaking me as the lethargy encroached again.
One officer, a higher rank one, watched me intently, his face a mask of professionalism.
"It's our job, kid," he replied, his tone clipped.
I nodded, my head heavy. They swiftly maneuvered me into a bulky chair that felt more like a torture device than a medical apparatus. I didn't care.
The lead officer stepped forward, his gaze penetrating. "What's your name?"
"Daniel. Daniel Reid," I replied, struggling to keep my eyes open.
"Do you want me to contact your family?"
I shook my head, the only part of me free from restraints.
"Don't bother. It's just me." I caught a flicker of pity cross his face before he masked it with an impassive look.
"Can you stay awake for long?"
"Not sure… any second now," I mumbled, the world around me swaying like a dream.
"How much do you know about the spell?" he pressed, urgency creeping back into his tone. More than most, I thought, but the words hung heavy in my mouth. I could only manage a nod.
"My father died in the second nightmare, and my grandpa was an ascended."
The officer stared at me, surprise flickering in his gaze. "Good. Then you know the stakes." The words barely registered as I fought to stay conscious.
"Remember, there could be people in your nightmare, friends or enemies. But one thing is true, trust no one but yourself. The first nightmare is infamous for betrayal."
"Yeah…" I barely got out, my voice slurring as the darkness crept in. My eyelids grew heavy, and I felt the world slipping away, surrendering to the darkness.
Under my eyelids, I saw colours. Not the phantom colours when you just wake up, but real vivid colours. An abandoned medieval city, with stone walls cracked, wooden houses collapsed, and towers hanging on by a thread. It was desolate.
No people. No lights. No sounds.
Suddenly, I inhaled like I hadn't breathed in minutes, a ragged, desperate pull of air that burned my throat.
My eyes flew open.