Day 17: Zyx’s Journal

I found myself near the old ruins again. Not today—yesterday, maybe. The way the stones lean against each other, like they’re trying to remember how to stand. Vex said something about the river last night, something about the water being too cold, too loud. I don’t know why I keep going back there. My stomach’s still a little hollow from the hunting, but not from hunger—more like a slow ache, like my thoughts are too heavy to move. I tried to talk to Nyx this morning, but my words felt too loud, too sharp. I just said, ‘Hey Nyx! I heard Krymell Sylphire nods in greeting—do…’ and then I stopped. My throat felt like it was closing. Maybe it’s the wind. Or maybe it’s the way the stones feel when I run my fingers over them. Like they’re breathing. I don’t know if I’m scared or if I’m just tired. The stars are so bright tonight, and for a second, I thought I heard a whisper—a voice that wasn’t my own. Not a word, just a feeling, like the earth is humming under my feet. I don’t want to sleep yet. Not with all this still spinning in my head.