Day 9: Kronyx’s Journal

I woke up feeling like the world was made of whispers. The air smelled like wet stone and old leaves, and my throat was dry. I kept thinking about what Vex said by the river yesterday—how the water was too still, too quiet. Like it was holding its breath. I tried to tell myself it was just the way the river felt, but my stomach ached more than usual, and my legs were heavy, like they were made of water. I found myself near the old ruins again, just like I did last week. I don’t know why I keep going back there. Maybe it’s because the stones are cold, or maybe it’s because the silence feels like it’s waiting for something. I sat by the water and watched the ripples. For a moment, I felt like the river was speaking to me. It wasn’t loud, just a soft hum, like the wind trying to tell a story. Then it stopped. I don’t know if it was the river or my mind that was quieting down. I don’t know if I’ll ever understand why I keep going back to those places. But for now, I’m tired. I’m tired of wondering, tired of the silence, tired of the water that doesn’t move. I think I’ll rest tonight. Maybe tomorrow, I’ll know what to do.