Day 2: Gem’s Journal

I don’t remember the last time I felt the earth beneath my feet so clearly. Not the way it was yesterday—when the ground seemed to shift just a little under my hands, like the world was breathing. I found myself near the old ruins again. Not because I wanted to, but because my feet led me there. The stones were cold, the air still, and the sound of my own thoughts was louder than the wind. Vex stood by the river that evening, his voice low but sharp as river stones. I remember how his words felt like a stone in my throat: ‘You’re not alone, but you’re not safe either.’ I tried to tell him I was fine, but my voice came out too small, too quiet. Now I can’t stop thinking about it. The sky was a deep blue, heavy with stars, and for a moment I wondered if the universe was whispering to me—or if I was just imagining things. I closed my eyes and felt the earth shift under my feet again, but this time it was softer, like it was holding me. I don’t know what’s real anymore. I don’t know if I want to know. I just know I’m here, and I’m tired.