Serion couldn't see anything. 

He tried to feel for the wall, but no matter where he turned, darkness surrounded him. He chose a direction and crawled that way, but to no avail. 

He was desperate and scared. 

Finally, he began to shout. "Help! Please! Someone!"

He heard a sound as if something was scraping the floor behind him. 

Serion shuddered and turned around in fear, but he couldn't see anything. Yet, he felt like he knew exactly what was following him.

Trembling, he tried to escape, but all his efforts were in vain. 

Something grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back.

"Found you,"a voice whispered in his ear.

The man screamed, but his attempts to break free from the grip were futile.

Then someone slapped him, and Serion woke up.

"What... What happened?" he asked the soldier standing over him, who had been shaking his shoulder.

"You were shouting in your sleep again. This is the third time in the last few days, even though the lights were on. Maybe you should consider getting some treatment."

"No! I don't need it! I'm just under a lot of stress lately, and I'm having trouble sleeping."

"No matter what, you missed the morning report again. The Grand Admiral was furious."

"She'll get over it," Serion muttered, rubbing his eyes.

"Tell that to her face! She said that when you're ready, you need to report to her. I mean, it's odd, I didn't think she even knew who you are. But she asked for you specifically. I wouldn't keep her waiting for too long."

"Was anyone else late?"

"No. Just you."

Serion sat up on the uncomfortable bed and sighed.

"All right... I'll go soon."

The soldier nodded and left, leaving the half-awake man alone.