Chapter 47: Admitting Defeat

I had no idea how long I was out for. When I opened my eyes, I was standing in a purely white room. I didn't even know if you could call it that. It was more like an endless void. I took a few hesitant steps forward. Was I dead?

I couldn't remember anything. It was all a haze. I was fighting…there was a curse. And then, I was here.

Slowly, the white light dissipated, and I found myself standing in the middle of a forest. Birds sang their song in the distance, and the sound of rushing water penetrated my ears. I closed my eyes to take it in; the glow from the sun peeking through the green tree tops, lightening the darkness that took over as they shut. It was so peaceful. I couldn't remember the last time I felt calmness like this—was it days, weeks, decades?

Suddenly, footsteps on leaves appeared. They were getting closer, but I felt no immediate danger. Rather, it was a soothing presence—one that felt comforting and holy.

"Open your eyes, child," the voice said, singing its wor