During the day, Sooha was busy with her studies and blending in with her peers. She found herself increasingly drawn to her friends’ camaraderie and was beginning to feel like part of their circle. The conversations and shared activities helped distract her from the unsettling dreams that continued to plague her nights. 

That evening, as she sat with Heli and the others in the common room, they were discussing their plans for the weekend. Sooha laughed at one of Shion’s jokes, the warmth of the moment helping her forget the anxiety that had been gnawing at her. 

“Hey, Sooha,” Heli said, leaning closer. “You’ve been really great since you came here. It’s nice to see you fitting in so well.” 

“Thanks,” Sooha replied, smiling. “It’s been easier with all of you being so welcoming.” 

As the evening drew to a close, Sooha returned to her dorm room, feeling a mix of contentment and apprehension. The comforting routine of the day was a welcome distraction from her growing sense of unease. 

That night, Sooha fell asleep more easily than she had in days. However, as the hours passed, the nightmare returned with a new intensity. She found herself in the same dark, oppressive place as before, but this time the shadows were closer, almost tangible. The presence she had felt previously seemed to press in on her, suffocating her with an overwhelming sense of dread. 

Sooha’s heart raced as she tried to run, but her legs felt like they were mired in quicksand. The shadowy figure, once distant, was now almost upon her. The eyes she had seen before glowed brighter, and the feeling of being pursued was relentless. 

As the figure reached out for her, Sooha’s fear peaked. In a desperate attempt to escape, she flailed her arms and kicked, but the darkness seemed to tighten its grip. 

Just as the figure’s cold presence was about to engulf her, Sooha’s body reacted in a way she had never experienced before. Her limbs felt suddenly powerful, and with a burst of strength she hadn’t known she possessed, she pushed back against the shadow. The oppressive darkness seemed to recoil, and Sooha, in a state of panic and adrenaline, found herself breaking free from its grasp. 

She awoke with a start, sitting upright in bed, her breath coming in sharp, quick bursts. Her room was still dark, but the oppressive weight of the nightmare had lifted. Sooha looked around, her pulse still racing. The room felt eerily quiet, and the shadows seemed to have retreated, leaving her in an unsettling calm. 

As she tried to steady her breathing, Sooha glanced at the bed next to her and noticed that the bedside lamp had been knocked to the floor. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something significant had changed within her. 

The next morning, Sooha was exhausted but tried to maintain her usual demeanor. She joined Heli and the others for breakfast, her mind still preoccupied with the events of the previous night. 

Heli noticed her tired appearance. “Did you sleep alright? You look a bit worn out.” 

Sooha forced a smile. “I had another bad dream. But I’m okay, really.” 

Jakah, always observant, glanced at her with a hint of concern. “Nightmares can be draining. If you ever need to talk about it, we’re here for you.” 

Sooha nodded appreciatively. “Thanks. I think I’ll be okay.” 

As the day went on, Sooha couldn’t shake the memory of the nightmare or the strange sensation of strength she had felt. The shadows from her dream seemed to linger in her mind, and she was left wondering about the true nature of her experiences. 

With each passing hour, Sooha tried to focus on her classes and interactions, but the unsettling feelings from the night before persisted. Her newfound strength, though still unexplained, was a constant reminder of the mysterious changes happening within her. 

As she prepared for bed that night, Sooha cast a glance out of her window, where the moon hung brightly in the sky. She felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension for what the future might hold, knowing that her life at Decelis Academy was becoming increasingly intertwined with mysteries she had yet to fully understand. 

With a deep breath, Sooha turned off the lights and settled into bed, hoping for a peaceful night but bracing herself for whatever might come next.