Day 23: Sylkronia’s Journal

The river sounds were the first thing I noticed when I woke up. Not the usual whisper of water, but something deeper—like the earth itself was breathing. I didn’t sleep through the whole night, but I don’t remember how long I lay still before my mind started to move. Vex’s words from yesterday still cling to my throat: *’You’re not the only one who’s been watching.’* I tried to push them away, but the feeling lingered, heavy as wet stone. My stomach ached today too, but not in the way hunger would. More like a bruise from something I couldn’t name. I kept going back to the old ruins. That place where the stone feels warm even at night, where shadows move when you’re not looking. I think I’ve been there too many times to count. When I was younger, I used to believe the stones were alive, that they spoke in whispers only the wind could carry. Now I don’t know if it’s the stones or me who’s listening. But I know I’ve been here before, and I’ll keep coming back. The river sounds were the first thing I noticed when I woke up. Not the usual whisper of water, but something deeper—like the earth itself was breathing.