Swirls of clouds move across the sky. The day is sunny, rays of light drip through thick foliage. The drive is quiet while my mind is anything but. Excitement runs through my veins as we approach the Plaza, a huge circular hollow just beyond the city where the jungle takes dominance.

Trees the size of skyscrapers surround the Plaza, providing refuge from the ruthless sun. A rigid net-like material covers the top, stopping insects from dripping down onto the people below.

The crowd is heard louder and louder until the car stops. Holding my brother's hand, we step outside into the madness of yells, cheers and applauses. An elegant stage lays before us, stretching from one side of the Plaza to the other, it ushers us closer until we climb onto it.

Everything is hazy. The screams, the pictures. I cannot understand the voices, but I know people are talking. I know when the speech ends and when the celebration begins. However, I cannot feel it.

I’m detached, watching everything from somewhere far away. I stuff shaky hands in my pockets. Suddenly, a cold chill runs through my body. The world darkens; I cannot understand anything anymore. People disappear and fear replaces happiness.

The events that transpire are now clear before my eyes. Even when I cling on to the worst-case scenario, nothing can prepare me for the first shot. A boom resonates through the Plaza. The cries of joy are now replaced by those of horror. I don't realize I'm surrounded by guards until people start running. The second shot reverberates through my body.

In no time, I'm in the car again. Scared and holding onto someone's hand -- probably my brother’s, I can feel tears dripping down my cheeks. This is a recurring dream. The scariest nightmare I know. Not because it's fantasy, but because it's real.

My eyes open to the darkness. Panting, I jolt up. The first thought that comes to mind is, where am I? Before my eyes adjust and three beds come into view. Thank the Lords! A breath of relief slips out of my lips as I plunge back into the bed.

Calm down, Yuidan, calm down. My heart won't stop pounding. You're safe at the academy… you’re safe. I swipe the tears rushing down my cheeks. My heart stills just enough for me to grasp at reality.

Moonlight floods in the room from the window above. The only thing I love about this room is the window. I can see all the starts from here. I'm trying to take a look at the constellations. If my memory serves right, the one that resembles the head of a hound is called Hustous. I can vaguely see the Sasfire constellation too, but the windowsill cuts my vision.

The need to go out and stare up at the stars almost takes hold of me, almost because I'm starting to remember why I went to bed so early.

Shit! Tomorrow is the annual opening day. A groan stifles in my throat. I'm going to look like a zombie tomorrow! I'm not even sure if I can go back to sleep... not after that nightmare.

Out of frustration, or lack of sleep – I'm not entirely sure, I start furiously rubbing my eyes. That's weird, my eyes are stinging... my eyes are stinging! It stings more, why does it sting? Throwing the blankets of me, I hurriedly step outside the room and into the hallway.

A yelp echoes through the hall when I slam my body against the bathroom door. As soon as I'm in front of a mirror, the redness of my eyes becomes apparent. Holy shit. This isn't good. Red, bloodshot eyes stare back at me. They sting and burn and I want nothing more than to take these stupid contact lenses out and throw them away.

My stupidity has reaches critical levels. How could I have forgotten the contacts on! Tears start dripping down my cheeks from the intense burn; I don't waste time splashing water on my face, trying to wash the pain away.

Obviously it does not work.

After minutes of swearing and poking my eyes, I’m finally contact lens-less. However, my eyes still burn from irritation. I hope I didn’t do any irreversible damage. Tori told me these were safe to use! Of course, I should have known to take them out before going to sleep.

That should’ve been self-explanatory, but I forgot them on! I got so caught up in my nervousness that I forgot about being Yue. It’s totally my fault.

The door squeaks open before a person joins me in the bathroom. They stare at my tear-streaked face for a couple of seconds before awkwardly walking towards a stool. It's with the same awkwardness that I stumble back to my room and cocoon myself with blankets, hoping to get a wink of sleep.

It feels nice, wrapped around in my trusty blanket. Nights are so cold in here, how can anyone sleep without a thick blanket on? I say as I peek at Taillon across the room, where he lays asleep with his blanket on the ground. Madness.

Just as I begin to feel myself drifting off to sleep, a strong snore brings me back to the land of the awake. Noreen's chest falls and rises with each breath, accompanied by an almost monstrous snore. Tired and very frustrated, the pillow that used to be under my head is now pressed against my ears in an attempt to dampen Noreen’s sounds, of course, to no avail. In a short time, sunlight drips through the window.