When he saw Valia, he didn’t think anything odd about it. 'Golden eyes?' Lyde thought in confusion before shuddering with realization. Wait, that means someone needs to bring back Brother Bruce. She drew closer to Lyde in a prowl, studying him up close. Upon finding Lyde, she grinned widely, fangs peaking from her lips. Lyde smiles and waves at the tidy gentleman.Ī green-haired elder much younger than his counterpart walked beside the silver-haired elder with childlike curiosity. The elder stopped as if sensing something, wore his glasses, and glanced to his right. He took out a white handkerchief and wiped the filth from his glasses. Either that or make a mess of the place… again.”Īn elderly man with short grizzled gray hair and spectacles walked through the entrance. Argh, that blundering behemoth is going to frighten the child. He imagined his fate if he ran the hallway instead. Lyde stayed seated, watching the elephant disappear down the corridor. He stampeded through the hallway vibrating the walls with each step. The door slammed open as a giant black-haired man almost the size of the room burst through, nearly breaking the door off the wall. Lyde slowly closed the door, walked to the wall on the side of the foyer, and sat on the floor. Numerous eyes stared at him as ten elders stood frozen as they observed their unexpected intruder in silence. The door rumbled as the intricately designed stone moved smoothly with a push. He walked briskly to the large doors, hoping this would be an exit from this white labyrinth. He sighed in relief as progress was a good sign. He walked down the path for a few more feet before two large doors in a foyer greeted him. Should have listened to Pops about training. ‘Ugh, this body is severely physically lacking. His footsteps remained silent even with his current speed, but his stamina and legs couldn’t keep this up for long. He grimaced as his body reacted not the way he expected. Lyde rushed down the hallway silently and swiftly. The distance between Lyde and the corridor’s end appeared far, with no cover if anyone happened to walk by. A long narrow hallway with numerous similar-looking doors aligned the walls. He peaked from his location to survey the area. With a little effort, Lyde pressed on the spot shifting the door sideways. Eventually, his search bore fruit as his fingers brushed over a small divot unnoticed to the naked eye. He placed his hands on the stone, sweeping from top to bottom. Recalling the last room, the white rooms were a natural illusion, with the door blending perfectly with its surroundings.

He stepped towards the wall next to his bed. Lyde observed the room, searching for an exit. Knowing she was alive somewhere invigorated his motivation.

The silence was a heavy blow to his spirits. Valia’s image shimmered before disappearing, leaving his bed desolate and alone.

A Seed Is Sleepy by Sylvia Long