《One Shot - Ángel - 03 GNK》


 è°©ngel

    They say dreams are born from imagination, a vast ocean of creativity where our thoughts float freely, unbound by logic or reality, and that nightmares, then, become the reflection of our deepest fears and unresolved problems. So, I wonder, what problems could I have had back then, being just a child?


    From a young age, I always felt different. Despite my age, my way of reasoning was deeper than that of many children in my generation. I was kind to everyone, as I had been taught to be. However, each night, I was tormented by terrible nightmares. Even now, I wonder, what was going through my mind to generate such horrifying images? I never fully understood it, but I can still clearly remember the first time it happened. I was barely four years old, and all I had known until then were children¡¯s TV shows, just like any other child. So, where could such a macabre imagination come from, capable of creating visions of mutilated bodies and hallways filled with blood and entrails?


    Those dreams terrified me. It was inevitable that I would end up asking for help. My parents, always attentive and loving, didn¡¯t hesitate to offer their support. They were devout, like many families, and turned to what they knew: they blessed me, placed crosses, bracelets, and necklaces, even left holy water under my bed. They didn¡¯t let me sleep alone after that. However, all of it proved to be only temporary relief. After a few nights, the nightmares returned, sometimes with greater intensity or in subtler forms, but they always managed to instill fear in the child I was.


    Over time, I stopped telling my parents about my nightmares. I knew that worrying them would only make things worse, so I pretended everything was fine. I grew accustomed to the routine of suffering, night after night, a different form of torture. But as I grew, so did my fears. What had once been mere visions of mutilations transformed into something much darker. I found myself trapped in unknown streets, surrounded by blood and shadows, ghosts whispering, hiding as if they, too, were fleeing from something worse.


    That was when they appeared. Creatures I had never seen before. Some were small, others enormous, impossible to ignore. Some with massive wings, others without legs, writhing as they turned to look at me for the first time. In that instant, the first thought that came to my mind was: demons? Terror paralyzed me, and before I could move, I woke up. From that moment on, each night became a battle for my survival. I had two options: run or die.


    Those creatures pursued me relentlessly. They slowed me down, making me feel heavy, as if my legs wouldn¡¯t respond. If I managed to lose them, I would finally wake up, but if they caught me, they would torture me in indescribable ways before killing me. Then, I would wake again, with the echo of the pain still present in my body. Sometimes, even after waking, I could feel the same pain in the places where they had mutilated or stabbed me. It was a slow, persistent sensation¡ªunfortunately, it was only the beginning of everything that was to come.


    Many times, I spent the entire day pondering how to stay calm and remind myself that it was all just a dream. But at night, as soon as I closed my eyes, and the images began to take shape, I often felt like I was no longer myself, instead becoming someone else, someone with a predetermined role in that world.


    I seemed to know what to do at every moment, and sometimes, I would instinctively move through places that felt strangely familiar, even though I had never seen them before. Every corner, every shadow, seemed known to me. It was as if the version of myself in the dream knew what needed to be done but was always trapped in the same routine of terror. No matter how hard I tried to remember it was just a dream, something pushed me to accept that role of victim, repeating the cycle of fear and despair over and over again.


    As I grew older, I honed my reflexes within the nightmares. I learned to be more aware, to read my surroundings, and to endure the pain. Although, to be honest, I had never been stabbed or shot in real life, so I couldn¡¯t be sure if what I felt in the dreams was the same. However, something curious happened: everything I learned in my dreams seemed to have some kind of utility in the real world. I remember one dream in particular¡ªone of many¡ªin which I managed to lift myself into the air. My inexperience worked against me, and I ended up spinning out of control until I fell headfirst and woke with a jolt.


    It was around that time that I met someone special.


    It was a Saturday afternoon, and I decided to take a walk in the park. The sun was shining, and the laughter of children filled the air, but my mind was lost in dark thoughts. I walked distractedly, watching the people around me, when suddenly, I heard her.


    ¡ªHey, kid! ¡ªsaid a cheerful voice to my left. I turned, and there she was, sitting on a bench with an ice cream in her hand, pointing at me¡ª. Do you know where the orphanage kids go after a nuclear missile? ¡ªshe asked, tilting her head¡ª. Everywhere! ¡ªshe shouted, raising the arm that wasn¡¯t holding the ice cream.


    I was startled and let out an involuntary laugh.


    ¡ªOr do you know why they don¡¯t send self-guided missiles to Africa? Because they can¡¯t find the white!


    The way she said it, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, made me feel like I was watching a show rather than just hearing a joke. It was clear she meant it in good humor, as if trying to lighten life¡¯s absurdities with dark humor.


    Intrigued, I approached her. ¡ªDo you always make fun of people like this? ¡ªI asked, enjoying the lighthearted tone.


    ¡ªYes, of the world in general. ¡ªshe replied, shrugging with a playful smile¡ª. Besides, what better way to deal with the absurdity of life than by making dark jokes about random things?


    Taking the opportunity, I sat beside her. ¡ªSometimes, I think humor is the only thing that keeps me sane. Though my jokes tend to be... darker.


    She turned her head, looking at me curiously. ¡ªDarker, you say. Something like, ¡°My life is so dark it should have its own horror movie¡±? ¡ªHer laughter was infectious, and soon I found myself laughing along with her.


    ¡ªMore like, ¡°My nightmares are so bad, I¡¯m thinking of suing my brain for damages,¡± ¡ªI replied, letting out a nervous laugh.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s brilliant! ¡ªshe exclaimed, leaning forward¡ª. We should start a support group for tortured dreamers. We could have weekly meetings to share our horror stories... or not. What a waste of time.


    I couldn¡¯t help but observe her more closely and continued talking to her for quite some time. It was obvious she was brilliant; she always had a sharp response and a unique perspective on things.


    ¡ªI never struggled much with school subjects or anything like that ¡ªshe said with a mischievous smile¡ª. Though sometimes, I wish math had a bit more excitement.


    She told me about how she spent hours drawing and painting, creating worlds full of color and vibrant characters. ¡ªMy drawings are the only thing that really connects me to the world, ¡ªshe confessed¡ª. It¡¯s like I can pour everything I feel onto paper, even the things I can¡¯t say.


    But despite all those qualities, there was a shadow that followed her. Her tone turned melancholic when she mentioned the loneliness she felt. ¡ªSometimes, I feel so alone, ¡ªshe admitted, watching her ice cream melt in her hand¡ª. I¡¯m good at almost everything, but I never quite fit in. I don¡¯t have real friends, just acquaintances who stay on the surface. It¡¯s like they can never see beyond the girl who stands out in class. And when I saw you... that look, your lost look, I decided to do for you what I¡¯d like someone to do for me when I¡¯m feeling that way. When I saw you, I thought we¡¯d get along well.


    Her confession resonated deeply within me. It felt like looking into a mirror. I, too, was someone who excelled at many things but often felt isolated. ¡ªSometimes I feel like my life is a blank canvas, ¡ªI replied¡ª. An incomplete work that never becomes what it should be.


    ¡ªExactly. ¡ªshe said, her eyes shining with understanding¡ª. Sometimes, I wonder if I¡¯ll ever find someone who truly understands my words, who really gets who I am. It¡¯s like everyone around me is living in a colorful landscape, while I¡¯m stuck in a gray forest.


    ¡ªI feel the same, ¡ªI said, realizing how our experiences intertwined¡ª. Most people don¡¯t see beyond the surface. Like my nightly nightmares¡ªthey should at least have some logic or sense, but when I tell people about them, they either laugh or look at me with pity. It¡¯s like everything I feel doesn¡¯t make sense to them.


    In that moment, I realized that despite being so different on the surface, we shared a unique connection. We were both good at almost everything and carried a void that seemed impossible to fill. In that connection, I found some comfort amidst our loneliness.


    She was always willing to listen to everything I had to say. She never seemed bored by our conversations, and her constant laughter brightened every meeting from then on. Although I had tried to talk about my dreams with other people before, no one, except my parents, had ever taken me seriously. But she was different. She believed me. She listened to every detail, and in the end, not only did she validate me, but she also seemed to understand me in a way no one else ever had. Her words echoed in my mind over and over, filling the space that doubt had previously occupied with relief.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡ªWell, I guess I¡¯m not so crazy after all, ¡ªI told her, letting out a sigh of relief, feeling understood by someone for the first time.


    ¡ªMaybe you are, ¡ªshe replied with a smile.


    ¡ªHuh? ¡ªI turned to look at her, slightly puzzled by her comment.


    ¡ªBut if that¡¯s the case... we''re already two. ¡ªshe concluded, smiling warmly, making the idea of being crazy seem not so terrifying for the first time.


    Over time, I started to notice something strange, something I couldn¡¯t easily explain. The nightmares were still the same¡ªintense and terrifying. But what began to unsettle me more wasn¡¯t the monsters or the ghosts tormenting me; it was the fact that, each time I woke up, the pain I felt in the dreams seemed more real.


    At first, I thought it was just my imagination playing tricks on me. After all, who hasn¡¯t had nightmares so vivid that, upon waking, the fear still lingers? However, over time, those echoes began to leave marks.


    I remember one particular night. In the dream, one of those creatures caught me. I felt its claws tear through my arm, a sharp pain that made me scream until I woke up. But when I opened my eyes, the pain didn¡¯t go away. Looking down at my arm, I saw three thin marks, almost like scratches. They were superficial, but they were there. I couldn¡¯t stop staring at them, frozen, trying to convince myself that I had scratched myself while sleeping, that it was just an accident... but deep down, I knew that wasn¡¯t true.


    And that wasn¡¯t the only time. As the nightmares intensified, the marks on my body became more frequent. Sometimes I¡¯d wake up with small cuts, other times with bruises I couldn¡¯t explain. It was as if the pain from the dreams not only followed me into the waking world but was beginning to manifest on my skin.


    What scared me the most was that, with each passing night, those injuries seemed to become more real. They were no longer just scratches; they became scars that lingered for days, even weeks. The pain, once only a fleeting sensation upon waking, began to accompany me throughout the day, as if the nightmares refused to let go of me.


    I knew something wasn¡¯t right, but how could I explain it? How do you tell someone that the wounds from your nightmares are real? It was something I was terrified to admit, even to myself.


    One afternoon, as we were sitting in the park, the topic of my nightmares came up again in conversation. It had been a while since I¡¯d talked about them, but that day, after so many nights of anguish, I felt I couldn¡¯t keep it inside any longer.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s the same every night, ¡ªI said, staring at the ground¡ª. Those monsters, those creatures¡­ They chase me, they torture me. And no matter what I do, they always catch me. I feel like I¡¯ll never be able to escape them. It¡¯s... terrifying.


    She stayed silent for a moment, watching my trembling hands. Then, she took one of them in hers, warm and soft.


    ¡ªYou know, ¡ªshe began in her calm and sweet tone¡ª, I think all those things chasing you in your dreams aren¡¯t real. They¡¯re just fragments of your imagination. And as scary as they are, they can¡¯t actually hurt you.


    I looked at her without saying a word, hiding my injuries at that moment, while her words began to sink in.


    ¡ªBut the most important thing, ¡ªshe continued¡ª, is that you don¡¯t have to run from them. Maybe what you need isn¡¯t to escape but to face them. What if, instead of running, you stand your ground and show them you¡¯re not afraid? They¡¯re just dreams. And you¡­ you¡¯re stronger than anything your mind can create.


    Her smile was so soft and understanding that it almost made me forget the terror I¡¯d been feeling for so long.


    ¡ªWhat if they hurt me? ¡ªI asked in a whisper, as if saying it aloud might summon them.


    ¡ªThe pain isn¡¯t real, ¡ªshe said, gently stroking my hand¡ª. You only feel it because your mind tells you to. But if you decide they can¡¯t touch you, then they won¡¯t be able to. You control your dreams, even if you don¡¯t realize it. You have the power to change what you see, to turn those monsters into smoke, into nothing. All you need is to believe you can.


    Her words brought me a sense of calm I hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. For the first time, the idea of facing those horrors didn¡¯t seem so impossible. With her by my side, I felt braver.


    ¡ªTrust yourself, ¡ªshe said softly¡ª. It¡¯s just a dream, and you¡¯re the master of your dreams. Don¡¯t let them control you. Make them disappear.


    That made me think. I was scared¡ªan intense, constant fear¡ªbut I knew I couldn¡¯t live like this forever. That very night, I tried to mentally prepare myself to face whatever was haunting me in my nightmares. I repeated to myself that those creatures wouldn¡¯t be my hunters anymore¡ªthey¡¯d be my prey. After imagining how I¡¯d confront them for a long time, I finally lay down. But sleep didn¡¯t come.


    Minutes, maybe hours, passed before I got up, feeling the weight of insomnia and anxiety. I stepped out into my backyard, seeking fresh air, and lay down on the grass, trying to calm myself. I pulled out my phone and called her number, but there was no answer.


    I stayed there, staring at the sky. Then I saw something strange: the moon seemed to be growing, getting bigger, as if it were moving closer to the Earth.


    ¡ªWhat...? When did I fall asleep? ¡ªI wondered aloud¡ª. Or is this not a dream?


    But it had to be. Something like this wasn¡¯t possible.


    ¡ªAngel!


    The voice made me turn, and when I looked toward the backyard door, I saw my parents. Their faces were filled with a terrifying panic.


    ¡ªWe have to get out of here, honey! ¡ªmy mom shouted, running toward me, her eyes full of desperation.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t get distracted, ¡ªwhispered a horrible voice in my mind. When I looked up, I saw them¡ªthose creatures, descending from the roof like hungry shadows, their eyes fixed on us.


    Before I could react, the creatures pounced on my mother. In one swift, brutal movement, one of them tore her arm off and severed both of her legs. She fell to the ground, screaming in pain. Her cries pierced the air, and they tore through my soul. I was frozen in place.


    ¡ªDanna! ¡ªmy father roared, his face a mixture of rage and despair as he ran toward the creatures, sobbing.


    The creatures laughed, looking at me with disdain. One of them extended its long, grotesque arms and grabbed my father by the neck, lifting him several feet off the ground. They looked at me as if I were nothing, as if they were merely waiting their turn to play with me.


    I couldn¡¯t move. Fear held me captive, pinning me to the ground. My legs, my arms¡ªnone of my muscles responded. I was trapped in my own body, helpless and terrified, watching everything I loved being destroyed.


    ¡ªAngel¡­! Ru...n... ¡ªmy father managed to say, his voice weak and strained, before one of the creatures grabbed his head and, without mercy, crushed it completely.


    Then, all of them turned toward me, their empty eyes and sinister smiles fixed on me. Their lips didn¡¯t move, but their voices echoed in my mind in a chilling, synchronized chorus.


    ¡ªWe warned you, don¡¯t get distracted.


    I felt a cold hand on my shoulder, and its pressure froze my blood. I saw them advancing, their twisted forms writhing as they came closer, while the moon continued to descend behind me, so close it seemed ready to collide with the Earth. In front of me, my father lay lifeless, and my mother barely clung to life, letting out faint whimpers of pain that blended with the echo of the creatures¡¯ laughter.


    ¡ªI¡¯m going to die¡­ I¡¯m going to die¡­ ¡ªI whispered repeatedly, tears blurring my vision and a crushing weight on my chest making it hard to breathe.


    But then, in the middle of the terrifying silence, her voice echoed in my mind again, so clear it felt as though she were right beside me.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s just a dream, ¡ªshe whispered, as if trying to cut through my fear¡ª. And you¡¯re the master of your dreams. Don¡¯t let them control you¡­ Make them disappear.


    Her words were like a spark. It was her voice, so familiar and strong, that somehow managed to calm me, even amidst the chaos. I clung to that sensation like an anchor. Because in that moment¡­ she was the only thing that made sense.


    In an instant, all the fear, the paralysis, the pain¡­ simply vanished. None of it remained. In its place, the only thing I felt was a burning fury, an indescribable hatred toward those creatures that had hunted and cornered me until now.


    The peace of her voice resonated in my mind, transforming my fear into something primal. It was as if everything I had endured up to that moment turned into a single emotion that I needed to release. And then, I screamed. A scream so deep that it felt as though it ripped through the air around me. The entire world of my dreams began to shake, to distort as if the ground itself were giving way beneath my feet, and the creatures, who until now had relentlessly pursued me, were also consumed by anger. Their bodies twisted and contorted as they tried to reach me. But now, they couldn¡¯t touch me. They were trapped in a storm of their own hatred, and I, at the center, finally felt like I was in control.


    Suddenly, I woke up with a jolt, my heart pounding wildly, gasping as if I had just run for miles. But as I blinked, I noticed something terrifying: I could still see the world of my dreams blending with the reality of my room. The shadows of the real world and those of the nightmare seemed to merge. The walls of my room were warped, the floor trembled beneath my feet, and the moonlight streaming through the window distorted, casting strange shapes and shadows that shouldn¡¯t have been there.


    And then, before I could understand what was happening, something dark and dense shot out of my body as I woke. It was them¡ªthose creatures¡ªpropelled like specters against the walls, crashing violently before collapsing to the ground. I saw them writhe, dragging themselves toward me with those empty eyes, their mouths frozen in sinister grins. The world seemed to shake with their growls, and my breath quickened, but I couldn¡¯t move. I stayed there, frozen, watching as they faded away, leaving only their shadows behind.


    Everything went silent. I stayed there, unmoving, unsure if what had just happened had been a dream¡­ or something much more real.


    In the middle of my destroyed room, I stared into the void with a strange, unfamiliar calm... and a barely contained smile. Something inside me wanted to laugh, to let out this euphoria, almost as if enjoying the chaos around me was the most natural thing in the world. It was absurd and yet so liberating. For a few seconds, I felt like I was watching everything from a different angle, as if I were merely a spectator enjoying a great show.


    Part of me reveled in the hatred those creatures had left behind, in the chaos of the room, in the sight of the dark remnants crawling and fading into the floor. A delicious shiver coursed through me, so unlike the fear that used to suffocate me.


    However, the sound of hurried footsteps in the hallway abruptly brought me back to reality. The door to my room flew open, and my parents appeared in the doorway, panic painted on their faces.


    ¡ªWhat¡¯s going on? ¡ªmy mother asked, her voice trembling with fear¡ª. We heard a loud crash¡­ are you okay?


    I blinked, exhaling the breath I¡¯d been holding and lowering my gaze to the floor. Slowly, I regained my composure, suppressing the laughter that still threatened to escape my chest.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s nothing, ¡ªI replied, struggling to keep my voice steady, trying to sound normal¡ª. Just¡­ just a nightmare.

 Nightmares

    Everything started to crumble the next morning, as if fate had decided to erase the only person who truly understood me from my life. I went to the park as always, waiting for her under the tree where we used to meet. I stood there, staring at nothing, imagining her smile appearing at any moment as she started making fun of something random just to make me laugh. But hours passed, and she didn¡¯t come. I tried calling her; her phone was off. I sent messages that never received a reply.


    The following days were the same. No one could tell me what had happened. I asked at her house, but no one lived there anymore, as if her entire family had vanished overnight. That¡¯s when I began to accept that she was gone, ripped from my life without warning, without explanation, without even a goodbye.


    The pain weighed on me, as if something inside me was being torn apart. But that emptiness transformed into something else. I felt her absence in every corner of my life, and little by little, I realized that the only thing I could do was hold onto her memory. If she wasn¡¯t here, I had the hope that one day, somewhere, we¡¯d meet again. But by then, I wanted to be someone stronger, someone who didn¡¯t need to depend on anyone to face his own demons.


    That¡¯s when I decided I would master my nightmares. Every creature, every shadow, every threat in my dreams would be mine. I would train, challenging my fears night after night, until I could control them. Because if she ever came back, I wanted her to find me ready¡ªand to be able to help her the way she helped me.


    From that morning, when I discovered she was gone, my mind couldn¡¯t stop circling one idea: I had to learn to control my dreams. If I could keep calm, understand that everything was just an illusion, maybe I could stop running from those horrors that haunted me every night. The idea seemed simple, almost obvious, but I had no clue how to put it into practice. And I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about that night, because part of me knew it had really happened¡ªit was no illusion.


    During the day, I kept repeating to myself: ¡°It¡¯s a dream. Just a dream.¡± I whispered it while doing anything, as if saying it enough times would embed it in my brain. Sometimes, I said it out loud, as if I could truly convince myself. ¡°It¡¯s just a dream, just a dream,¡± I repeated in the lonely corners of the house.


    But when night fell and the shadows seeped into my mind, everything slipped through my fingers. I tried to remember what I had practiced during the day. I tried to tell myself it wasn¡¯t real, that I could wake up, but the terror was stronger, the creatures more intense. I could barely stay calm long enough to react; my thoughts disappeared, and my reflexive fear took over. It was like trying to hold water in my hands¡ªit slipped away helplessly.


    No matter how hard I tried, the fear always came back stronger. Night after night, I woke up drenched in sweat, having failed again to gain the control I had so desperately imagined. It was frustrating. During the day, I could repeat it a thousand times, but in the dream world, everything overwhelmed me. Yet despite every failure, I refused to give up.


    Several nights passed before I began to notice a change¡ªsmall, almost insignificant, but it was there. Every time I closed my eyes and the dream trapped me, it became a little easier to remember the purpose I had set for myself. Although the fear was still there, latent and oppressive, it no longer controlled me in the same way. There was something different in me, something that allowed me to observe the situation without immediately succumbing to despair.


    After a while, in one dream, I made significant progress. I found myself in one of those endless dark hallways, with walls stained as if with dried blood. I could hear the grotesque, dragging steps of those creatures approaching, as always. But this time, instead of running, I managed to stay in place, taking a deep breath and reminding myself that it wasn¡¯t real. I noticed how their steps seemed to slow down, as if my calmness weakened their presence, reducing the power they held over me.


    Over time, I started experiencing a level of control that had once been unthinkable. In another nightmare, when one of those beings extended its claws toward me, I focused all my mental strength on thinking it couldn¡¯t touch me. And surprisingly, its hand stopped mere inches from my skin, immobile, as if something invisible had stopped it. I felt a strange satisfaction, a spark of triumph amidst the chaos.


    Night after night, I gradually gained ground. I began experimenting with other things: changing the direction of the hallways, moving objects with my mind, even making some of those creatures vanish with just a look. It was still incredibly hard to stay firm with each attempt, and sometimes my own fears betrayed me. But for the first time, I felt like I had a sliver of power over my own world.


    I was far from mastering it entirely, but those small victories motivated me to keep going, to push a little further each night.


    Over time, I started trying something different: before sleeping, I would focus on a single image, a place, or even a specific thought. At first, it was just another attempt to break the cycle of nightmares, something I didn¡¯t believe would actually work. But that night, something changed.


    As I closed my eyes, I thought of a peaceful forest with tall trees and the soft sound of rustling leaves. I imagined how the wind moved through them, and I could almost smell the fresh scent of damp earth. When I finally drifted into sleep, there it was¡ªthe forest, exactly as I had imagined it. The crunch of leaves under my feet felt real, and though not everything seemed completely lifelike, the atmosphere was just as I had envisioned.


    The change was subtle, but it filled me with a kind of confidence I hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. Instead of facing creatures or wandering through dark, unknown places, for the first time, I was the one in control¡ªthough only slightly. Each night, I tried the same thing, gradually managing to choose my settings and feeling that, perhaps, I could go even further.


    I remembered a particular night when I had managed to lift myself into the air¡ªa dream that seemed to break the rules of my mind. That memory gave me a new goal, an obsession: I wanted to feel what it was like to fly again, and, if I could, to do it better each time until I mastered my movements.


    Each night, as I fell asleep with the intention of practicing, the dream always took me to the same place: the backyard of my house¡ªthe same spot where that nightmare began, where the moon had loomed like a crushing threat. There it was again, the grass under my feet, and the dark sky above.


    At first, I tried to lift myself by focusing all my energy, tensing every muscle as if I could "push" myself upward. The harder I tried, the more I managed to rise, though only a few feet, and the effort left me exhausted. The real challenge came when I attempted to move forward: as soon as I tried to propel myself, my concentration crumbled, and I plummeted, crashing into the ground before even getting off properly.


    After several attempts, I began to understand that brute force wasn¡¯t the solution. Slowly, I found a way to lift myself with less effort, maintaining a kind of balance that allowed me to ascend higher without burning through my energy too quickly. This progress let me advance short distances, though I still lacked the control I needed.


    When I finally dared to cover more ground, the next challenge was speed: I often went so fast that, before I realized it, I had already crashed into power lines, trees, or even poles that seemed to appear out of nowhere. I moved too quickly, unable to slow down or change direction with precision, and each collision sent me plummeting back to the ground.


    I realized I needed a specific space to practice my levitation or flight. Imagining such a place was a challenge in itself. It wasn¡¯t just about changing the setting but also learning to project every detail of that vision before falling asleep and keeping it intact as the dream began. It felt like painting in the air, piece by piece.


    As the setting I envisioned began to form, the first thing to appear was the sky¡ªa vast, clear space dotted with faint clouds. Next, on the right side, solid structures began aligning in a row, each separated by a gap that seemed to invite me to use them as markers, like a training ground. Knowing I needed clear reference points to measure my progress and maintain control, I realized I had unconsciously designed them to act as ¡°checkpoints,¡± places where I could see how far I¡¯d improved in each dream.


    Once the space was ready, I launched into practice. To start lifting myself, I tensed every muscle in my body as I had before, though this time, I felt lighter. The ground gradually receded beneath me, but I still struggled to maintain altitude. When I tried to move forward, I lost focus and plummeted again. I couldn¡¯t help but feel frustrated, but I knew it was just a matter of practice.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    After several attempts, I began to control my height with less effort and stay steady. I even managed to move in a straight line for a few meters before losing control, though the problem with speed remained a challenge: I accelerated too quickly and often crashed into the edges of the structures or became stuck between the markers, unable to stop in time.


    Over time, each numbered structure became a symbol of my progress. Each time I successfully reached the next one without losing height or veering off course, it felt like a small victory. I started using the gaps between the structures to change direction in midair, flying diagonally and gradually improving my ability to adjust my speed.


    Deciding to relinquish control and let my mind surprise me was an experiment in itself. I no longer tried to decide where to begin or where to go; I simply let the dream envelop me, trusting that I could escape if I needed to.


    At first, everything was the same: I appeared in the most sinister places my mind could conjure, surrounded by twisting shadows and lurking creatures, ready to catch me. But this time, I didn¡¯t freeze. As soon as they appeared, I was already in motion¡ªdodging, evading. I could feel the fear pulsing within me, but it no longer paralyzed me. It was as if my own instinct to escape and survive confused them. And though they still managed to catch me at times, it was no longer the end. Every second I resisted, every maneuver I perfected, made me stronger.


    After weeks of practice, something began to shift. Each night, the dreams that had once been pure chaos turned into a domain I could almost fully control. Flying was no longer an exhausting effort¡ªI could lift myself effortlessly. My movements became fluid, natural, as if I¡¯d always had the power to control every corner of my mind while asleep. I could enter and exit the spaces I created and face my worst nightmares as if they were mere challenges.


    One night, floating in that bright, cloud-filled space, I experienced an unexpected sense of peace¡ªsomething I hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. The control I had longed for was finally mine, and the satisfaction of having tamed my dreams made me smile.


    But something still lingered in my mind. That night in the backyard, with the moon descending, the screams, the shadow that touched my shoulder¡­ What if I could do more? The doubt crept into the pride I felt. Maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªit was possible to take things one step further and bring something from my dreams into reality.


    The thought was both unsettling and seductive. The idea that I might try, that I could actually succeed, gnawed at me. And though fear lingered somewhere deep within my chest, there was something about the possibility that made me feel alive.


    Each night became a new opportunity. Within my dreams, I knew I could control almost everything now. I had a clear goal: to take an object, feel it in my hands, and bring it with me upon waking. The idea of pulling something out of that world, no matter how small, was irresistible¡ªalmost like the ultimate test of all the effort I had invested.


    I started with simple things: a small rock, a leaf plucked from some tree in my dreams, or even a pencil. I would hold the object, grip it tightly, focusing on every detail¡ªits weight, texture, even the tiniest imperfections¡ªwhile preparing to wake up. I could feel my breathing slow, reality on the other side calling to me, drawing closer until, in a blink, I was awake in my bed.


    But always, always, my hands were empty.


    It was frustrating, yes, but also intriguing. I knew I was close¡ªI could feel it in the way my pulse quickened every time I woke up, in the fleeting sense that something had almost, almost crossed the threshold.


    One night, without thinking too much about it, I simply let go. I didn¡¯t practice every day within the dream world; it was exhausting, and like anyone else, there were nights when I didn¡¯t dream at all. But that night began without warning. I found myself in an old house, the kind that seemed suspended in time. The air was thick, and the darkness was broken only by the faint light filtering through the broken boards of the windows. The first thing I noticed was the smell¡ªmold and dust, as if no one had stepped inside for decades.


    As I moved down a long, narrow hallway, I realized the walls were covered in cobwebs, thick and intertwined, almost like living tissue.


    A shiver ran down my spine as I remembered my arachnophobia. I tried to move carefully, avoiding the dense webs, until, without realizing it, my face collided with one of them. The sticky, rough texture froze me in place as the strands clung to my skin. It was then that I heard the sound¡ªsoft but constant: the movement of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of tiny legs crawling over the wood and within the walls.


    My breathing quickened, and panic flooded me. I tried to rip the web off, but the more I struggled, the more I felt something moving, something closing in. I wanted to run, but my legs felt anchored to the ground. The sound of the spiders grew louder, as if they were just a step away.


    I woke up with a gasp, my heart pounding. As I opened my eyes, I realized my room was covered in cobwebs. Thick, real cobwebs hung from every corner, draping over my furniture, with a pair of spiders slowly crawling toward me from the edge of the bed.


    I stared at the webs and the two spiders moving toward me. My mind was still trapped in panic, but something inside me told me not to lose my composure. Slowly, I began to breathe more deeply, focusing on the here and now¡ªon the rhythm of my breath and the reality that I was awake. That¡¯s when I noticed the cobwebs seemed to disintegrate, dissolving into the air as fine dust that vanished with every blink. Within seconds, everything was exactly as it had been before: my room, clear and calm, with no trace of webs or spiders.


    I sat there in silence, processing what had just happened. My heart was still racing, but this time it wasn¡¯t entirely out of fear¡ªit was mixed with surprise and excitement. I had done it. Although not in the way I had planned, I had brought something from my dreams into the real world, even if only for a moment.


    I collapsed back onto the bed, still trying to process it all, and a smile crept onto my face.


    That night, I couldn¡¯t sleep. The excitement I felt was like a torrent of ideas and thoughts swirling endlessly in my mind. I stayed awake, replaying every detail of what had happened: how the cobwebs and spiders from my dream had truly appeared in my room and how they had slowly faded away. I tried to decipher what had allowed something from my dreams to take form in the real world, and the only conclusion I could come to was that fear had played a crucial role.


    The next day, I could barely focus. At school, during every class, my mind kept drifting back to the same thought. I remembered that first time¡ªthe night when the creatures from my nightmare burst forth from my aura. The panic and the sensation of death had been so intense that they seemed to have broken through the barrier between the dream world and reality. And now, it had happened again with the cobwebs and spiders, though on a smaller scale.


    Perhaps, I thought, bringing something from my dreams depended on the emotions I associated with it¡ªthe connection between my mind and each element of my nightmares.


    At lunch, I barely touched my food, fixated on the theory that fear might not be the only trigger but one of many intense emotions. What if I could bring something into the real world using a different feeling? Perhaps something unrelated to terror¡­ something controlled. This theory grew inside me as I walked home, filling me with a mixture of anxiety and excitement.


    While heading back, a new question struck me: how long could these things exist outside of my dreams? The cobwebs and spiders had appeared, yes, but they had quickly faded. Why? Was there some kind of limit, like a fleeting reflection of my emotions? Or maybe... was there some sort of strain on me to sustain them here?


    I tried to imagine what would happen if I managed to make something last longer. Could there be a way to keep it stable in the real world? Or, like dreams themselves, would they only last for fleeting moments before vanishing? I couldn¡¯t find a clear answer. The more I thought about it, the more it intrigued and frustrated me.


    It felt as though every attempt to understand the limit of time left me with more questions. What exactly did it depend on? The object itself, the emotion, my control over the dream¡­ or something entirely different? The uncertainty of not knowing how long anything I brought back would last¡ªor if I could ever make something permanent¡ªfelt like yet another barrier on this strange path. And as the sky darkened, I realized that this mystery would be one of the challenges I¡¯d have to tackle, step by step.


    With this new theory in mind, I decided to run a few experiments. If fear and intense panic had allowed me to bring things from my nightmares, what would happen if I tried to do the same with different emotions? Could I bring something into the real world that wasn¡¯t tied to fear?


    That night, before falling asleep, I focused my mind on something that filled me with calm. I imagined peaceful fields and clear skies, trying to immerse myself in feelings of happiness and serenity. As I entered the dream, I conjured a clear image of a small white flower¡ªsomething simple and pure that gave me a sense of peace. I held it in my hand, concentrating on every detail: its soft scent, the feel of its petals, the freshness it gave as I inhaled its fragrance.


    With the moment etched in my mind, I took a deep breath, carefully held the flower, and focused on waking up. I felt the pull of reality, the transition drawing closer, and when I opened my eyes, there it was¡ªbarely visible in my hand: the small white flower, exactly as I had imagined it. For a moment, I stared at it in awe. It wasn¡¯t just an illusion; it felt real.


    But, like before, it lasted only a few seconds. Its color began to fade, and in the blink of an eye, it dissolved into the air as if it had never existed. Once again, time had become an obstacle. Though now I could bring things into reality without relying on extreme panic, the duration and size of what I brought back were still problems.


    After many nights of practice and concentration, I began to notice progress. At first, I could only manage small objects like the flower, and they lasted mere seconds. But over time, by adjusting my focus, I managed to extend those moments of materialization. It became less difficult each time to make them last a few seconds longer, just enough to see and feel them tangibly in my hands.


    I started experimenting with larger objects¡ªbooks, decorative items¡ªand discovered that the emotions I felt while creating them influenced their duration. It was as if, by staying calm and focused, the objects responded better, anchoring more firmly in reality. With patience, I managed to extend the duration to a couple of minutes, long enough to observe them or hold them completely in the real world before they inevitably faded.


    Little by little, each attempt made me feel more confident. They were no longer just small, insignificant items; I even managed to bring a table from my dream, keep it in front of me, and run my hands over its surface before it inevitably disappeared.

 An unexpected proposal

    However, I soon discovered that bringing larger objects into the real world came at a cost. The bigger or more detailed they were, the more I felt something inside me drain away, as if those objects consumed my energy with every second they existed in this plane. No matter how much I concentrated, maintaining something like a table or a chair for just a few minutes left me exhausted, with a lingering weakness that lasted hours.


    Realizing this, I knew I had to prepare beyond just my mind. If I wanted to control this ability without being left completely drained after every attempt, I needed to strengthen my body as well. So, I started training¡ªnot just to increase my physical endurance but also to improve my focus. I woke up early to run, did resistance exercises, and practiced breathing and concentration techniques to better control my energy.


    Over time, the combination of these efforts began to pay off. Although I still felt fatigue when materializing larger objects, I was able to endure it for longer and with greater control.


    I continued training and practicing every night, honing my concentration and stamina. At first, I could barely maintain a few items in my room before they vanished, but little by little, my effort bore fruit. I began materializing multiple things simultaneously: small objects, figures I had drawn in my dreams, and even a few extravagant creations just to test my limits. It became a sort of workshop of trial and error.


    With every attempt, I felt my limits expanding. My room filled with objects that seemed almost real: a stack of books I had never read, a plant in an antique pot, even a lit lamp in the corner. Although they still disappeared after a few minutes, they lasted longer each time. To my surprise, I noticed that my body was better able to endure the fatigue as time went on.


    With each physical and mental training session, the weight of materialized objects on me became more manageable. My stamina grew, and that motivated me to keep going because if I could already fill my room with objects for a considerable amount of time, what else could I achieve with enough practice?


    One night, after a long day of practice, I decided I didn¡¯t want to keep this to myself anymore. I went to my parents¡¯ room that evening with a pair of small flowers I had materialized from a dream. The idea was for them to see it for themselves since I knew they wouldn¡¯t believe me if I only explained it.


    I knocked on the door and walked in. My parents looked at me, puzzled, and I handed them the flowers.


    ¡ªWhat¡¯s this? ¡ªmy mother asked, taking one in her fingers.


    ¡ªThis is what I wanted to tell you about, ¡ªI said, watching their skeptical expressions. I knew it sounded strange, but I launched into my explanation¡ª. I can bring things from my dreams and make them real, for a while. It¡¯s hard to explain, but...


    At that moment, the flowers began to fade slowly in my mother¡¯s hands, almost turning to dust, and she dropped them with a slight gasp. My parents¡¯ expressions shifted from disbelief to a mix of astonishment and fear.


    ¡ªHow... how did you do that? ¡ªmy father asked, staring at me, speechless.


    I took a deep breath and gathered the courage to tell them everything from the beginning. I talked about the creatures, the nightmares, the training, and how, night after night, I had managed to gain more control over the objects and details of my dreams. Their faces reflected every emotion I felt as I recounted the entire process.


    When I finished, my parents exchanged a glance and then looked at me with a mix of sadness and guilt.


    ¡ª¨¢ngel... we¡¯re so sorry, ¡ªmy mother said, her voice slightly breaking¡ª. We had no idea you were going through all this alone.


    ¡ªI¡¯m sorry, son, ¡ªmy father added, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder¡ª. We weren¡¯t there for you when you needed us most.


    I smiled a little, trying to reassure them.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t worry, ¡ªI said¡ª. I chose to do it alone at first. I wanted to understand what was happening to me before telling you. But now... now I know I have your support, and that¡¯s enough for me to keep going.


    My parents promised to keep my secret, and at that moment, I felt the weight of everything I had been holding in finally lift a little. With their support, I knew I could understand and control even more of what I was capable of.


    After that conversation with my parents, I became more serious about my training. I practiced every night, and after a while, I also tried doing it during the day with small objects. I wanted to see how far I could go, and each day I got closer.


    At first, it wasn¡¯t easy. I spent several weeks trying without success. But with every attempt, I felt something changing within me. It was as if the boundary between the dream world and reality was becoming slightly thinner. The first time it worked, I was alone in my room, staring at a small stone I had found in a dream. As I focused all my energy on it, I closed my eyes, and when I opened them, the stone was there, in my hands.


    It was small, almost insignificant, but it was there. I smiled, barely able to believe it. But after a few seconds, the stone began to fade, as if the air dissolved it. I knew I couldn¡¯t hold onto it for long, but this was a start.


    I kept practicing, and each day the object I materialized lasted a little longer. It was exhausting, yes, and I felt that each attempt demanded more from me to maintain the connection. Sometimes, after a couple of hours, I was so tired that I fell asleep at my desk. But I didn¡¯t mind. I knew that each small breakthrough brought me closer to mastering this ability that, until recently, I hadn¡¯t even known was possible.


    With my parents'' permission and after several serious conversations about what I was doing, I began spending weekends in a forest a little outside the city. It was the perfect place¡ªfar from prying eyes and quiet enough to focus without interruptions. I knew it wouldn¡¯t be easy, but something inside me told me I needed to take this step to improve.


    The first time I went, everything seemed calm. I ventured deeper until I found a clearing surrounded by tall trees, where sunlight barely filtered through. Closing my eyes, I began to concentrate, recalling all those nightmares that had once paralyzed me¡ªthe deepest terrors I had ever felt. Strangely, these emotions, so dark and raw, seemed to flow more naturally, as if they were an intrinsic part of me.


    When I opened my eyes, they were there: shapeless shadows, figures writhing in the dim light of the forest. It was astonishing to see how easily they materialized, as if fear was the easiest emotion for me to manifest. However, I noticed that releasing so much of my energy left me drained, as if each of those entities drew from me to exist.


    As I practiced, I improved my control over the shadows. Every weekend, the forest filled with these entities that seemed to come to life only to dissolve into the air moments later. I realized that fear was the most intense emotion I had ever experienced, and now, oddly enough, it was becoming my greatest ally.


    With each session, my abilities grew at an impressive pace. I was no longer limited to materializing shadows or fragments of my nightmares; I began to recreate complete structures and full figures. Entire creatures, with defined forms and the same twisted expressions that had once terrified me, emerged around me. Yet, I felt in control. Now, the elements of my dreams manifested with a precision and scale that made me genuinely proud.


    After one of these sessions, I stood in the middle of the forest, observing the scene with a satisfied smile. I finally had control, and that made me feel strong, secure. I knew this was all part of a larger purpose, one I had begun pursuing since that night when everything changed. She, the one who had helped me see that I could master my nightmares, remained my primary motivation. Though I didn¡¯t know where she was or when I¡¯d see her again, I had decided that someday, I would be ready to face anything, even the distance that separated us.


    The forest, with its fading shadows and clearings barely illuminated by the last rays of sunlight, became my sanctuary. With a mix of melancholy and hope, I thought that maybe, just maybe, the same life that had separated us would bring us back together. Until then, all I could do was keep practicing and growing stronger.


    As I stood there in silence, still caught in the mix of pride and nostalgia, a soft applause broke the tranquility of the forest. I turned immediately, unsure of where it came from. And then I saw her: a woman leaning against a nearby tree, clapping slowly, her expression a blend of fascination and amusement.


    ¡ª Well, well! This really is something rare to see, you know? ¡ªshe said in a carefree voice as she took light steps toward me. Her smile was mischievous, as if she was enjoying some inside joke¡ªYou¡¯ve done all this on your own, haven¡¯t you?


    I immediately tensed, on guard against her overly familiar attitude and the curious familiarity in her tone. Yet, at the same time, I couldn¡¯t help but feel intrigued. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    ¡ªWho are you? And what are you doing here? ¡ªI asked, unable to hide the distrust in my voice. Though I didn¡¯t sense an immediate threat, there was something about her that made me uneasy, as if she knew too much.


    ¡ªOh, how direct! ¡ªshe replied, her carefree smile unwavering. She circled me a couple of times, observing me with a playful gaze¡ªConsider yourself lucky; not everyone gets the pleasure of meeting someone like me. My name is Aura, and let¡¯s just say I have a rather special position. I¡¯m an an¨®mala of divine category, so it¡¯s normal that you have no idea who I am.


    The way she introduced herself left me stunned. Not only had she appeared out of nowhere, but she spoke of herself as if it were the most natural thing in the world. A divine-category an¨®mala¡­ how had she even found me without me noticing?


    ¡ªHave you been watching me this whole time? ¡ªI asked, trying to stay calm, though her presence continued to unsettle me with its blend of discomfort and curiosity.


    ¡ªOh, absolutely. It was so entertaining to see you so focused, so immersed in your own world! Besides, seeing someone do what you do¡­ well, that¡¯s rare, you know? ¡ªShe looked at me with a mix of curiosity and amusement, as if I were some sort of fascinating experiment¡ªDo you really think you can handle these abilities on your own, without help?


    I stared at her, trying to process what she had just said. A divine-category an¨®mala? What did that even mean?


    ¡ªAn¨®mala? What does that mean? And why mention a "category"? ¡ªI asked, trying to mask the unease in my voice.


    Aura smiled as though my ignorance amused her. Crossing her arms, she began explaining in a playful yet clear tone, as if she were revealing a secret to a child.


    ¡ªYou see, there are... anomalies in the world. Beings or phenomena that escape what you and other humans would call "normal." To maintain balance amidst all this chaos, we exist¡ª"an¨®malas." You could say we¡¯re the ones in charge of controlling and, in certain cases, eradicating these anomalies, ¡ªshe said, making a dismissive gesture with her hand¡ªNow, as for the "category," that defines our level. Like in video games, you know? The higher the category, the more powerful the an¨®mala.


    ¡ªSo... you¡¯re like a monster hunter or something? ¡ªI asked, still trying to make sense of it.


    She let out a laugh, as though my comparison amused her.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s oversimplifying it, but you¡¯re not far off. The difference is that not everything we hunt is visible monsters. Many are beliefs, ideas, or embodied fears... things humans don¡¯t fully notice but that can affect their lives and the places they inhabit. In fact... ¡ªher gaze grew sharper, as if she were observing something I hadn¡¯t yet understood¡ªI¡¯m here because we received a report. Someone detected an incredibly heavy aura in this area every weekend. Something so strong and suspicious it seemed like an anomaly manifesting.


    Her explanation hit me like a bucket of cold water. She wasn¡¯t here by chance. Her original mission wasn¡¯t to watch me; she had come with the intention of hunting a potential threat.


    ¡ªAre you saying you thought I was an anomaly? ¡ªI asked, surprised.


    Aura laughed, stepping closer with a confident expression and a hint of curiosity in her eyes.


    ¡ªI thought I¡¯d find a pretty dangerous anomaly, yes... and instead, I found something even more interesting: you, someone developing abilities on their own. That doesn¡¯t happen every day.


    I fell silent, processing what Aura had just said. If her job was to eliminate threats... did that include me? But if she wanted to get rid of me, wouldn¡¯t she have already done so?


    ¡ªSo what are you planning to do with me? ¡ªI finally asked¡ªIf you thought I was a threat, you could have stopped me already, but you¡¯re still here... what are you really waiting for?


    Aura smiled, crossing her arms again as if she enjoyed watching me try to figure her out.


    ¡ªRelax, I¡¯m not here to eliminate you, ¡ªher smile widened, and her eyes seemed to shine with genuine excitement ¡ªI have a much better offer for you than risking ending up on one of our blacklists.


    She took a step closer, speaking in a tempting voice.


    ¡ªJoin us at the Academy of An¨®malas. There, you could perfect your abilities, refine them in ways you haven¡¯t even imagined. You¡¯d have access to training, knowledge, and everything you need to thrive. I can see your potential, and that¡¯s not something that should go to waste.


    I stared at her, stunned by her proposal. It was tempting, I admit, though something in me remained wary.


    ¡ªWhy would you make me such an offer? ¡ªI asked, wanting to ensure there was no hidden catch.


    Aura chuckled softly and shrugged.


    ¡ªLet¡¯s just say the world of an¨®malas is vast and not without its conflicts. Not everyone has what you have, and that¡¯s something worth supporting. If you decide to accept, the path won¡¯t be easy, but I promise you¡¯ll have everything you need to accomplish whatever you set your mind to¡ªeven finding her.


    Her last sentence struck me. She mentioned the person I had been searching for all this time without me telling her anything. How much did this woman know? And more importantly, how far would her help extend?


    I took a deep breath and asked the question burning in my mind.


    ¡ªWhat about my parents? They already know about... this. ¡ªI gestured around the area where I had been practicing.


    Aura tilted her head with a knowing smile.


    ¡ªThey know, huh? That makes things easier. We have solutions for situations like this, don¡¯t worry. ¡ªShe took another step closer, maintaining her relaxed but professional demeanor ¡ª. If you join the Academy and work as an an¨®mala, your parents will be safe and at peace. The pay is quite good, actually, and confidentiality is strict. No one outside our organization knows about us, so nothing that happens will be compromised.


    I nodded, considering her words. If everything she said was true, then... it made sense why I had never heard of the an¨®malas before. But how many others like me were out there, hidden among ordinary people?


    Aura looked at me, a mischievous spark in her eyes.


    ¡ªI know, it sounds crazy, right? But it¡¯s a system that has worked for centuries. Besides, when it comes to her... ¡ªAura paused deliberately, studying my reaction¡ª. Well, let¡¯s just say I have a friend who keeps me informed about these things.


    I looked at her with curiosity and a mix of anxiety.


    ¡ªHow do you know about her?


    Aura raised a finger, stopping me with a small gesture.


    ¡ªI¡¯ll tell you more, with details and everything you need to know... but only if you accept my offer. I assure you, it¡¯s worth it. ¡ªShe smiled confidently¡ª. So, what do you say?


    I remained silent, turning the idea over in my head. All of this seemed surreal, yet at the same time, tempting. It was an opportunity that could change everything¡ªnot just for me, but for my parents. Still, something deep inside told me I should decline the offer. I had managed this process alone so far; perhaps that¡¯s how I should continue.


    But then I thought of her. Of the void she left when she disappeared without warning, of how that absence had fueled every practice and every effort I had made. My mind returned to Aura¡¯s words, to the implicit promise that there was a way to find her again, and I felt it was impossible to say no.


    I looked up, certain of my decision but with a condition.


    ¡ªAll right. I¡¯ll go to the Academy... but I want something in return. ¡ªAura looked at me curiously¡ª. I want your help to find her, to see her again. And I want you to assure me that you¡¯ll do it when I ask.


    Aura nodded without hesitation, her calm smile intact.


    ¡ªDeal. The Academy is here to support you. When you feel ready, we¡¯ll move heaven and earth to reunite you with her. ¡ªShe extended her hand toward me, sealing the agreement¡ª. Welcome, ¨¢ngel.


    Aura looked at me with a mix of seriousness and camaraderie before saying:


    ¡ªSo, will you take me to your house? We need to talk to your parents and get everything sorted out at once.


    I nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. As we walked back, she pulled out her phone and made a few calls. Her tone was calm, almost casual, so I didn¡¯t pay much attention, focusing instead on what I would say to my parents and how they might react to something so surreal.


    When we arrived home, my parents were in the living room. They were surprised to see Aura; after all, it wasn¡¯t common for me to bring someone home. Especially someone like her, so self-assured and exuding an aura of confidence.


    ¡ªMom, Dad, ¡ªI said, trying to stay calm¡ª. I have something important to tell you.


    They exchanged a worried glance, and my mom quickly invited Aura inside. It was clear they were trying to hide their doubts, but they weren¡¯t doing a great job. We sat down, and while I took a breath to begin, Aura flashed a kind smile, as if she already knew exactly how to handle the situation.


    Aura took the lead and spoke, her tone calm and reassuring as she looked directly at them.


    ¡ªMa¡¯am, sir, I understand this might sound a little strange, ¡ªshe began confidently¡ª. Your son has unique abilities, abilities that not just anyone possesses. What he¡¯s achieved so far is remarkable, enough to catch our attention, and we believe it¡¯s important for him to develop his potential in a place where he can be safe and learn to manage it.


    My parents exchanged another glance, trying to process her words. My mom¡¯s expression was a mix of amazement and worry, while my dad remained serious, evaluating Aura.


    ¡ªWho exactly are you? ¡ªhe asked, his voice wary.


    ¡ªMy name is Aura, and I work for an organization dedicated to training people like your son. People with special abilities ¡ªwe call them an¨®malas. What we do is train and guide them so they can develop their capacities in a controlled and safe environment, away from the risks of not understanding the scope of what they can do.


    My parents looked at each other again, clearly struggling to process this information.


    ¡ªI know this might feel overwhelming, ¡ªAura continued¡ª. but I assure you your son will be in good hands. Our program will not only allow him to advance his abilities but also provide stability. And... ¡ªshe added, her tone turning more persuasive¡ª, this comes with benefits for you as well. You won¡¯t have to worry about keeping everything that¡¯s happened a secret; the organization provides financial support and ensures that both he and you are in a comfortable and secure situation.


    ¡ªHow... safe is all of this? ¡ªmy mom asked, biting her lip, still filled with doubt.


    Aura nodded understandingly.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s completely safe, ma¡¯am. We¡¯ve been working with boys and girls like him for years, and we¡¯ve perfected our methods to ensure no one gets hurt or put in danger. In fact, our training is specifically designed to avoid risky situations.


    My dad leaned forward, his expression thoughtful.


    ¡ªWhy our son? ¡ªhe asked¡ª. Why now?


    Aura met his gaze directly, maintaining her serene demeanor.


    ¡ªBecause he has immense potential, ¡ªshe answered¡ª. It¡¯s not something I see often, and I believe denying him this opportunity would be limiting him. I can¡¯t guarantee it will be easy for him, but I can say he¡¯ll be in a place where he¡¯s understood and can advance safely.


    Then, my parents looked at me, searching for any signs of doubt in my expression. But I could only look at Aura, filled with a sense of hope and determination.


    My dad frowned, locking eyes with Aura.


    ¡ªThis sounds great in theory, but I don¡¯t think you train kids like my son just to give them a "better life," ¡ªhe said firmly¡ª. If you¡¯re training him for something, that means there¡¯s a real risk, doesn¡¯t it? What are you really preparing him to face?


    Aura kept her composure, but her smile faded slightly. After a brief pause, she sighed and nodded.


    ¡ªYou¡¯re right. It¡¯s not just about learning to use their abilities; we also prepare them to face threats that, yes, can be dangerous. ¡ªShe paused, her gaze scanning our faces with seriousness¡ª. I¡¯m sorry, I wanted this to be a less heavy moment for you, but the truth is... yes, there is a risk. On this path, one might face difficult situations, even the possibility of death.

 The Beginning of My New Conviction

    The reaction was immediate. As soon as Aura finished speaking, my parents stood up almost simultaneously, as if the reality of her words had triggered an alarm in their hearts.


    ¡ªDo you really think we¡¯re going to let you take our son just because you say he has ¡°potential¡±? ¡ªmy dad exclaimed, his voice filled with indignation and fear. Mom nodded, her eyes nearly brimming with tears as she stepped closer and placed her hands on my shoulders.


    ¡ª¨¢ngel, you¡¯re our son, do you understand? ¡ªshe said, her tone barely containing the mix of love and desperation¡ª. It doesn¡¯t matter what abilities you have; I¡¯m not going to let you expose yourself to something so dangerous. We don¡¯t even know who this person is or what she really wants.


    ¡ªListen to your mother, ¨¢ngel ¡ªmy dad added, his lips pressed tight as he glared at Aura with a mixture of disbelief and defiance¡ª. She shows up out of nowhere, just like that, and expects us to believe her... And you? Do you really think we¡¯re just going to let you leave so easily? With a stranger offering you¡­? ¡ªHe gestured vaguely but with such tension that his frustration filled the room¡ª. This isn¡¯t a game!


    I felt their worry like a suffocating embrace. I could see the fear, the uncertainty, and their instinct telling them they couldn¡¯t even consider letting me go. They were confused, as if they had just realized how far I had come without them being able to do anything about it.


    I took a deep breath, and with the firmest voice I could muster, I said:


    ¡ªI know this sounds crazy, and that you want to protect me¡­ but I¡¯ve thought about this a lot, more than you can imagine. ¡ªI looked at Aura, then at my parents, trying to reassure them¡ª. She¡¯s someone I can trust. If she wanted to hurt or deceive us, she could have done it already, and yet she¡¯s here being honest with us.


    My words seemed to pause them, though disbelief still lingered on their faces.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s not that I don¡¯t appreciate everything you¡¯ve given me or everything you do for me ¡ªI continued, trying to ease the tension but keeping my conviction¡ª. But I can¡¯t deny who I am or who I want to become. With what I know now, with what I¡¯m capable of doing¡­ I don¡¯t want to spend my life suppressing it. And besides, at the academy, I¡¯ll learn to control what I carry inside. It¡¯s a chance to ensure not just my safety, but also the safety of those around me.


    My mom took my hands, looking at me as if searching for any doubt, any sign that I was rushing into this decision, but I held her gaze firmly.


    ¡ªI know there are risks, and I¡¯ve considered them. I know this isn¡¯t easy for you, but I need you to trust me¡­ trust that this is truly what I want. I want to become someone who can rise to the occasion. I promise I¡¯ll come back and be the person you want me to be.


    My dad dropped his shoulders, resigned, though his expression held a mix of pain and pride. Mom swallowed hard, and though her eyes filled with tears, she slowly nodded.


    ¡ªIf this is truly what you want¡­ then we¡¯ll trust you, ¨¢ngel.


    Aura stepped forward with a calm smile, raising her hands in a peaceful gesture.


    ¡ªI know this is overwhelming ¡ªshe said gently, addressing my parents with patience¡ª. I¡¯m not here to take your son away or impose anything on you. My role here is to ensure that both ¨¢ngel and you are well-informed about what this entails and what it can offer him.


    My parents exchanged worried looks. My dad crossed his arms, his gaze never leaving Aura.


    ¡ªHow can we trust you? ¡ªhe asked, still frowning.


    Before Aura could respond, I stepped forward, determined.


    ¡ªYou can trust her, Dad, Mom. I promise you everything will get better from now on. I know this sounds strange, but since I met her, I¡¯ve felt¡­ ¡ªI paused to collect myself, overwhelmed by emotion¡ª that with her help, I have a chance to understand myself, to be safe.


    My words seemed to ease some of the tension in their expressions, though worry still lingered. My mom took a deep breath, her eyes wet, and nodded slowly.


    Aura waited a moment before continuing, her tone turning more serious and assured.


    ¡ªAs I mentioned earlier, we belong to an organization that remains anonymous, not just for precaution, but because we work closely with the government and other agencies. Our purpose is to maintain the balance between this world and those phenomena that most people cannot see or understand. The ¡®anomalous,¡¯ like us, exist to prevent those energies or creatures that only ¨¢ngel has seen from causing harm. That¡¯s why our organization is highly confidential.


    My parents looked at me, still with tears in their eyes, trying to process everything. The idea that all of this was real, that there was a hidden side to the world, left them in shock. But seeing my determination and Aura¡¯s assurance, they gradually nodded, as if understanding that this decision was for the best.


    ¡ªI know it¡¯s not easy for you to accept this ¡ªAura said softly¡ª, but I¡¯m here to make sure ¨¢ngel is protected, prepared, and that along the way, he has the support he needs to become who he wants to be.


    Aura gave them a conciliatory smile and, with a professional tone, explained the next step of the plan.


    ¡ªTo ensure no one suspects and to protect the confidentiality of all this, you¡¯ll tell everyone that ¨¢ngel has received a full scholarship to a prestigious private school abroad. It¡¯s the story we use for all who join our organization as apprentices ¡ªshe said calmly, as if everything was perfectly calculated.


    At that moment, my dad¡¯s phone buzzed, interrupting the tense atmosphere. He frowned as he checked the notification, and upon seeing the message, his eyes widened.


    ¡ªE-eighty thousand dollars¡­? ¡ªhe whispered, incredulous, looking between me and Aura, trying to grasp if this was real.


    Aura nodded slightly, as if expecting the astonishment.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s an advance payment for his first role as an official anomalous, even in his apprentice status. I apologize if it seems modest compared to other ranks, but I assure you that as he progresses, his earnings will increase. Additionally, this will cover any extra expenses you may need for his preparation. All I ask is that you consider the impact of keeping this secret and the security we can offer.


    My parents were utterly stunned, their gazes darting between Aura, me, and the phone. Their teary eyes now held a mix of surprise and confusion.


    Aura turned to me.


    ¡ªWell, ¨¢ngel, you¡¯ll need to pack your things and be ready to leave early tomorrow morning. Bring whatever you want, but remember that where we¡¯re going, you¡¯ll have everything you need.


    My parents exchanged one last look. Although it was still hard for them to accept everything, the sense of responsibility they saw in my eyes gave them the reassurance they needed to finally nod, accepting the opportunity.


    Aura rose from the couch and, after giving my parents a look of respect and gratitude, bid them farewell with a calm smile.


    ¡ªThank you for your time and for listening. I know it¡¯s a lot to take in, but I assure you, you¡¯re making the best decision. We¡¯ll be in touch, and if you need anything, just ask.


    With that, she walked to the door and left without another sound, as if her presence hadn¡¯t changed anything in the room when, in reality, it had changed everything.


    My parents and I stayed in heavy silence, each of us trying to process what had just happened. The surreal nature of it all, mixed with the gravity of what it implied, made it difficult to absorb. I could feel their eyes on me, each glance filled with unspoken questions and concerns that none of us had ever had to confront in this way before.


    Finally, my mother broke the silence, her voice low and hesitant.


    ¡ªAre you sure about this, ¨¢ngel¡­? Do you really want to leave like this?


    I nodded, trying to convey the certainty I felt.


    ¡ªYes¡­ I know it¡¯s hard to understand, but I need this. For the first time, everything I¡¯ve experienced feels like it has a purpose, like I don¡¯t have to keep hiding it. I¡¯ll be okay, and so will you.


    My father sighed, his expression a mix of pride and sadness.


    ¡ªWe¡¯re going to miss you, son. But if this is what you want¡­ and if this can give you the life you deserve, then¡­ go ahead.


    We stayed like that for a while, knowing that any additional words would feel inadequate. And although we were all trying to be strong, there was a melancholy in the air that connected us.


    Dinner that night was a little strange, the atmosphere shifting between excitement, nostalgia, and nervousness. We ate mostly in silence, each lost in our own thoughts, until my parents broke the stillness by offering to help me pack. Together, we carefully filled a suitcase with the essentials I had decided to take with me. My mom folded each piece of clothing meticulously, while my dad offered advice here and there, though he could barely finish a sentence without his voice breaking a little. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    That night, I barely slept, and at dawn, a gentle knock on my door woke me.


    ¡ª¨¢ngel, it¡¯s time. I made you something for breakfast ¡ªmy mother said softly.


    The three of us sat together in the kitchen, where she had prepared one of my favorite breakfasts. The familiar taste brought back memories of so many normal mornings that now felt like they belonged to another world, so distant from what lay ahead. Time flew by, and before we knew it, there was a knock at the door.


    Aura was there, her calm smile unchanged, but this time she was accompanied by a tall, well-dressed man standing by a black car parked in front of our house. The man approached and, without saying much, began loading my luggage while my parents stepped closer to say their goodbyes.


    I felt the warmth of my mother¡¯s embrace, and she couldn¡¯t stop the tears from filling her eyes.


    ¡ªWe¡¯re going to miss you so much, my boy ¡ªshe said, gently caressing my face¡ª. But we know you¡¯ll do great things.


    My father, with a look of pride and sorrow, gave me a firm handshake before pulling me into a hug.


    ¡ªTake care, ¨¢ngel. Always remember where you come from and how much we love you.


    I nodded, trying to hold myself together as I felt the weight of their emotions blending with mine. With one last look at them, I turned and got into the car, knowing that this marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one filled with uncertainty but also endless possibilities.


    The drive was long, and the scenery slowly changed as we left the city. Nearly two hours passed with barely a word exchanged, the silence in the car broken only by the soft hum of the road.


    Finally, Aura glanced at me from the front seat and broke the silence.


    ¡ªNervous? ¡ªshe asked, her playful smile still present.


    I took a moment before responding, staring out the window into the void.


    ¡ªNervous? I guess¡­ a little ¡ªI said, clasping my hands as a small smile crept onto my face¡ª. But, really, more than that, I feel determined. More than nervous, I¡¯m¡­ happy. This is what I want.


    Aura nodded, as if my answer was exactly what she had expected. Her smile widened slightly, and at that moment, I felt her confidence in me, which gave me even more trust in the path I was about to take.


    After a while, we arrived at a gated residential area, surrounded by tall walls and camouflaged by trees. As we passed through the entrance, the atmosphere became more mysterious and serene. We entered an underground parking lot, and when the car stopped, Aura stepped out first and gestured for me to follow.


    We walked through a softly lit corridor to an elevator that took us directly to a small complex of buildings. The place was modern yet welcoming, and everything was impeccably organized. We walked in silence until Aura glanced at me and asked:


    ¡ªWhat do you prefer, an apartment or a private house?


    I thought for a second before replying without much hesitation.


    ¡ªAn apartment is fine, something comfortable and practical.


    ¡ªPerfect, this way then ¡ªshe said, leading me toward one of the buildings with a discreet yet elegant appearance.


    We took a small elevator and soon stopped on the floor with the door marked 28. As she handed me the keys, I couldn¡¯t help but look around, intrigued, and my curiosity spilled into a question:


    ¡ªHow many of us are there? It doesn¡¯t seem like many¡­


    Aura let out a small laugh and nodded.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s true; there aren¡¯t many here, and not all of us live in Mexico. There are apartments and houses like this in various places around the world. It¡¯s part of the system to keep us connected while maintaining secrecy ¡ªshe explained¡ª. But feel at home; you¡¯ll have everything you need here.


    With a mix of excitement and nerves, I opened the door and let the reality of this new life wash over me.


    Aura and I stepped into the apartment, and as I took it all in with fresh eyes, she sat on the couch and gestured for me to join her. Once I settled in, she watched me with a blend of interest and professionalism before speaking in a serious yet kind tone.


    ¡ª¨¢ngel, before we start your training, I need you to be completely detailed about everything you¡¯ve been able to do so far. Don¡¯t leave out a single detail, even if you think it¡¯s irrelevant or small. To guide you properly, I need to know every single thing you¡¯re capable of.


    I nodded, understanding the importance of what she was asking. I took a moment to organize my thoughts and began recounting everything from the beginning. I told her about my dreams, the times I felt trapped and out of control, and how that had turned into an obsession to conquer my fears. I described how I started flying in my dreams, the initial difficulty, and how, over time, I had improved until I gained full control of my movements and the scenarios around me.


    Then, I explained how I began bringing objects from my dreams into reality, initially unintentionally and with small items, but with practice, I managed to do it consciously. I admitted that my greatest ease had always been materializing objects tied to my nightmares, which emerged effortlessly due to the intense fear I had experienced in the past. I spoke about the effects it had on me, how the strain increased with the size and duration of the objects, and how I had to train my body to endure it.


    Aura listened in silence, never interrupting, occasionally nodding to show she was following every detail. When I finished, I sighed, feeling as though I had unloaded a heavy weight. She remained quiet for a moment, processing all the information, before finally looking up with a slight smile.


    ¡ªYou¡¯ve made great progress on your own, and that¡¯s already an impressive achievement. But what¡¯s coming next will be different. We¡¯re going to take those abilities to the next level, and I believe you¡¯re more than ready for it.


    As she finished speaking, I couldn¡¯t help but voice a question that had been circling in my mind since the day before. I leaned back against the couch and looked at her, a mix of curiosity and suspicion in my gaze.


    ¡ªHey¡­ Aura ¡ªI said, trying to sound casual, though the question had been burning inside me for a while¡ª. How did you know about her? How did you know about¡­ the person I¡¯ve been searching for?


    Aura observed me for a moment, as if weighing how much to tell me about her abilities. Then, with a somewhat mischievous look, she began to explain.


    ¡ªWell, ¨¢ngel, my ability is as unique as yours ¡ªshe said, giving me a slight smile¡ª. I have the ability to summon anomalies. I basically have a pact with entities from a dimension we call "The Sky."


    The way she said it was so natural that it felt almost surreal, but it kept me fully attentive.


    ¡ªJust as there are dangerous anomalies, there are also embodied beliefs that originate from good things ¡ªshe continued¡ª. Not all anomalies are born from fear or negative feelings. Some are based on aspirations, desires, or human kindness. They¡¯re less known because people rarely fear them, but they¡¯re there, and I have access to them.


    Aura paused, as if carefully choosing her next words to explain something more specific.


    ¡ªThere¡¯s a particular anomaly ¡ªshe said, a mysterious glint in her eyes¡ª that has the ability to see a person¡¯s greatest desire. And it was thanks to that anomaly that I learned about your search for¡­ that person you long to find. Of course, the information isn¡¯t very detailed. It only showed me that, for you, this desire is essential. So, here I am.


    Her response left me with a mix of awe and gratitude. The idea that there could be good anomalies, even ones capable of seeing such profound desires, made me see the world of anomalies in a new light. Aura watched me silently, waiting for me to process her words.


    ¡ªSo¡­ does that anomaly know more than it reveals? ¡ªI asked cautiously.


    ¡ªIt knows enough to point me in the right direction. From now on, it will be your effort that brings you closer to that desire. I can only guide you and provide resources ¡ªshe replied with a confident smile¡ª. Ready to seize this opportunity?


    ¡ªBut¡­ could you tell me more about that dimension? ¡ªI asked, genuinely amazed.


    Aura¡¯s expression grew a bit more serious, though she didn¡¯t lose the carefree touch that characterized her.


    ¡ªYou want to know more about "The Sky"? ¡ªshe said, crossing her arms¡ª. Then you¡¯ll have to train hard, ¨¢ngel. Don¡¯t think I¡¯ll make it that easy for you.


    I accepted without hesitation, determined to improve. Upon hearing my answer, she smiled and nodded.


    ¡ªPerfect. Then we¡¯ll start right now. Come, I¡¯ll take you somewhere.


    She led me to a wide green space, a sort of park with perfectly trimmed grass, clean and open air. There was no one else around, just us and an immense open field.


    ¡ªI want you to show me everything you can do ¡ªshe said, watching me with expectant eyes.


    I took a deep breath, focusing all my energy on the desire to show her my true potential. Closing my eyes, I concentrated on the image from one of my nightmares. It was the perfect scenario to challenge myself and let her see everything I had achieved so far.


    When I opened my eyes, the scenery had completely changed. We were no longer in the park; in the blink of an eye, we found ourselves in a long, shadowy hallway, dimly lit by flickering lights. The walls and floor were smeared with dried blood, creating an oppressive atmosphere that was all too familiar to me.


    At the far end, I could see a creature lurking. Aura, unfazed, watched me with curiosity, carefully evaluating every detail. She glanced at the creature, a spark of interest flickering in her eyes, before turning back to me.


    ¡ªAnd that? Does it move?


    I shook my head, feeling a pang of frustration.


    ¡ªNo, I haven¡¯t managed to bring them to life that way yet ¡ªI admitted, trying to catch my breath¡ª. I can only materialize them in detail, but they remain... inert.


    Aura nodded, her gaze lingering on the figure for a moment before it began to dissolve, along with the rest of the hallway. The scene faded like mist in the wind, leaving us once again in the open courtyard. The sudden shift left me drained, and I fell to my knees, panting heavily.


    ¡ªThat¡¯s my limit ¡ªI muttered, gritting my teeth in frustration¡ª. I did my best, but I just can¡¯t sustain it for long.


    Aura knelt beside me, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. Her usual playful demeanor had softened, and her voice was warm and reassuring.


    ¡ª¨¢ngel, you¡¯ve done an incredible job for someone who¡¯s come this far on their own. What you¡¯ve accomplished is remarkable, and it¡¯s only the beginning. With time and training, you¡¯ll achieve things you can¡¯t even imagine yet.


    She paused, then added with a sly grin:


    ¡ªAnd did you know? You¡¯ve got an unusually strong aura.


    I looked up at her, confused, and couldn¡¯t help but smirk as I replied:


    ¡ªAre you saying I have "aura" because, well¡­ you¡¯re literally here?


    She laughed softly, shaking her head.


    ¡ªI¡¯m not referring to me, but to "aura" itself. Everyone has aura; it¡¯s like the very essence of the soul, a fundamental type of energy needed to live. However, not everyone has the same amount. ¡ªHer gaze grew a bit more serious¡ª. You have quite a lot, that¡¯s undeniable. But it¡¯s still not enough to accomplish everything you aim for, and that¡¯s why you end up exhausted after just a little of this.


    Her explanation left me feeling both proud and frustrated. I had given it everything I had, yet it still wasn¡¯t enough.


    ¡ªSo what are you saying? First, you praise my abilities, and now you¡¯re telling me they¡¯re not enough?


    Aura chuckled at my reaction, her expression turning serious but still kind.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t take it the wrong way. What you¡¯ve achieved is extraordinary, and I¡¯m genuinely impressed. But to grow, you need to understand your own limits. They¡¯re not weaknesses; they¡¯re opportunities to push yourself further. That¡¯s how you¡¯ll reach your full potential.


    Aura watched me with that look I was starting to recognize: she had an idea in mind, and it didn¡¯t seem like just any idea. After a few seconds, she let out a sigh, as if weighing the possibility in her head.


    ¡ªI have an idea¡­ a bit crazy, I must admit. But it might work ¡ªshe finally said, a small spark of excitement lighting up her eyes¡ª. Considering that your ability to materialize comes from your dreams, it¡¯s possible you could achieve unlimited aura¡­ if you also dream of it.


    I stared at her incredulously, trying to process her suggestion.


    ¡ªYou mean¡­ create aura within my dreams and use it as if it were real? But how can I generate aura using more aura? ¡ªI asked, a mix of curiosity and skepticism in my tone.


    She smiled and nodded, as if she had anticipated my question.


    ¡ªExactly. The key is that, just as you can duplicate objects in your dreams, you could also duplicate your own energy. Think of it as making "one equal to two." If you focus your aura on duplicating itself, like a projection, you could expand your limit and keep building it up consecutively.


    I thought about it for a moment. It seemed illogical, and yet, what part of everything I had experienced so far had ever been logical? I nodded slowly, feeling a tingle of excitement and anticipation.


    ¡ªI suppose it makes sense. Calling it illogical doesn¡¯t really fit anymore after everything I¡¯ve seen¡­ and lived through ¡ªI agreed with a smile, starting to grasp the infinite possibilities of her plan.

 My category?

    One month later, I had achieved what I could barely imagine at the beginning. My aura had grown exponentially under Aura''s guidance, and now, in the training field, the atmosphere had become so intense and dark it felt like something out of a nightmare.


    I was ready¡ªor at least I thought so. As the space around me transformed into that dark and terrifying prison I had created in my mind, adrenaline began coursing through my veins. Aura watched silently, waiting for me to finish manifesting the scene. This time, I had done it all: walls stained with blood, flickering lights, a long, narrow hallway shrouded in shadows, and a horde of deformed creatures, towering and monstrous, just like in my worst dreams.


    The moment I saw Aura was ready, I gave the first command with just a thought. The horde of creatures began to move instantly, charging at her with axes and saws, their bodies covered in nails and blades that reflected the hallway''s flickering lights. Hovering in the air with the control I had fought so hard to master in my dreams, I directed them to attack from every possible angle, testing her limits.


    But Aura was an unstoppable force. With almost superhuman agility, she dodged every strike, slipping between the creatures with quick, fluid movements, as if she had been training for this her whole life. I watched her deliver precise, deadly blows while opening portals around her. From these emerged strange limbs and attacks from other dimensions¡ªone moment a burst of fire erupted, the next an icy wave froze any of my creatures that got too close.


    My attempts to surprise her seemed almost futile. I focused harder, trying new maneuvers, aerial strategies, and faster attack combinations, but Aura always seemed one step ahead. She blocked attacks with gleaming scales that appeared over her blind spots, countering every assault instantly. She was unstoppable, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of frustration and respect.


    In a rapid series of movements, exploiting a momentary lapse in my concentration, she countered one of my coordinated attacks. A final portal opened behind me, releasing a surge of energy that destabilized me. In seconds, my creatures vanished, and I fell to the ground, defeated and exhausted. Victorious, Aura approached with a calm smile, offering her hand to help me up.


    As the training scenario faded and silence filled the space, Aura stepped closer, her gaze filled with genuine pride and a satisfied smile.


    ¡ªYou did exceptionally well, ¨¢ngel. You''ve made incredible progress in just one month, ¡ªshe said, pulling something from her pocket.¡ªI think it''s time to give you this.


    She handed me a small, sleek identification card that shimmered under the light. Intrigued, I took it, and my eyes widened in surprise as I read the word at the top: "Divine."


    ¡ªThe same rank as you? ¡ªI asked, incredulous, examining the card. It was a prestigious, rare title that I was only beginning to comprehend.


    Aura nodded, pride evident in her demeanor.


    ¡ªThat''s right. From the moment I met you, I knew you had the potential to reach this rank, but earning it wasn¡¯t easy. ¡ªShe explained, her tone turning serious.¡ªEven a "Divine" like me can''t recommend someone for this rank without rigorous trials. For the past month, I''ve been documenting your progress and sending daily reports to the higher-ups. They needed to see with their own eyes what you''re capable of and the control you have over your abilities.


    I listened attentively, feeling both honored and grateful.


    ¡ªAll your hard work has paid off, ¨¢ngel. You''re now officially a "Divine."


    As I admired my ID, it suddenly disappeared from my hand in a blink. Startled, I turned and saw a boy with a mischievous grin holding my card.


    ¡ªDo you really think someone deserves the "Divine" rank when they don''t even notice they''ve been robbed right in front of them? ¡ªhe taunted with a challenging tone.


    Before I could respond, a girl beside him sighed, visibly exasperated.


    ¡ªIgnore him, ¡ªshe said to me.¡ªHe''s just jealous you spend more time with Aura.


    The boy glanced at her, flustered.


    ¡ªThat has nothing to do with it! ¡ªhe retorted, avoiding eye contact.


    Aura, amused, stepped in to diffuse the situation.


    ¡ªWell, ¨¢ngel, you won''t be alone anymore. Let me introduce you to Axel and Angela, both anomalous of Category B. I thought you''d need some time alone to focus on your training this past month, so you hadn''t met them until now, ¡ªshe explained with a smile.


    I greeted them, still taken aback by Axel''s speed in taking my ID. Despite the initial awkwardness, the atmosphere quickly lightened.


    ¡ªTo celebrate this major milestone and your new ID, I''m treating the three of you to lunch, ¡ªAura announced enthusiastically. Hearing this, the three of us perked up, leaving behind the tension from before.


    ¡ªPerfect! ¡ªAngela exclaimed, while Axel merely smiled, clearly excited but trying to hide it.


    Aura asked them to get ready, and in an instant, Axel and Angela headed to their rooms, leaving me alone with Aura for a moment. I turned to her, questions swirling in my mind.


    ¡ªWhy introduce me to them now? Are they¡­ like a team or something? ¡ªI asked, trying to grasp my new role now that I had the official ID.


    Aura nodded.


    ¡ªExactly. You''ll train and work alongside them. They''ll be your practice partners in the field and your allies on future missions. In the world of the anomalous, having trusted companions can be the difference between success and failure.


    The idea of having a team felt strange yet comforting. During my training, I had grown accustomed to solitude, mainly to improve my focus, but now I would have to learn to rely on others.


    Shortly after, Axel and Angela returned, ready to head out. Aura led us to the parking area and directed us to an elegant, spacious vehicle.


    During the ride, Angela glanced at me through the rearview mirror and broke the silence.


    ¡ªSo, ¨¢ngel, ¡ªshe said with a playful smile,¡ªwhat''s your ability?


    Still adjusting to openly discussing my skills, I explained simply:


    ¡ªI can materialize things from my dreams, including¡­ nightmares.


    Axel''s eyes lit up with interest.


    ¡ªReally? So you can bring out monsters and creepy stuff¡­ Sounds pretty useful. ¡ªA hint of approval slipped into his tone.


    Aura chimed in to clarify.


    ¡ªAnd not just that. ¨¢ngel can generate detailed scenarios and sustain them for increasingly longer periods. Not to mention, he has advanced aura control for someone who''s only just entered this world.


    Hearing this, ¨¢ngeles smiled even more, intrigued.


    ¡ªInteresting. Then you should definitely be the one to lead the "darker" missions. Though¡­ I hope that doesn''t mean you can''t handle something less terrifying, ¡ªshe joked.


    Amid laughter and comments, the journey became more pleasant. We arrived at a discreet restaurant, ready to celebrate my official start in the world of anomalies.


    The atmosphere in the restaurant felt different from any other moment in my life. Aura had reserved a table in an elegant place, one I definitely wasn¡¯t used to visiting. We sat down, and as we got comfortable, she raised her glass with that typical smile of hers, full of pride and satisfaction.


    ¡ªTo you, ¨¢ngel, our new official anomalous. ¡ªShe said, her eyes gleaming with genuine emotion. Axel and ¨¢ngeles also raised their glasses, smiling.


    ¡ªTo me, ¡ªI repeated softly, feeling my hands tremble as I lifted my glass and toasted with them. I had never been in a moment like this, nor imagined being the reason for anyone''s celebration.


    As we ate, Axel asked me a question that seemed to have been on his mind all evening:


    ¡ªWhat do you feel when you materialize your dreams? ¡ªhe asked, with a seriousness that caught me off guard.


    I stayed quiet for a moment, searching for the right words. I remembered something she had said to me when we met. "It¡¯s like putting everything I feel on paper, even the things I can¡¯t say." Maybe something similar was the best way to explain it.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡ªIt¡¯s¡­ like painting in the air, ¡ªI finally answered, recalling how I got lost in every detail when creating those scenarios and creatures¡ª. It¡¯s like filling a blank canvas, only here I can pour everything I feel. Even the things I don¡¯t know how to say.


    I saw how Aura watched me, as if she had understood something about me that she had only suspected until now. With a melancholic smile, she stepped a bit closer.


    ¡ªHow much do you miss her? ¡ªshe asked in a soft tone, one that seemed to reach the part of me I had been trying so hard to hide.


    I felt a wave of emotion tighten in my chest. Of course, she knew. Despite all the control I had tried to maintain over my feelings, it was hard to contain myself in that moment. I forced myself to be strong, to not let the pain slip into my words, and I smiled with a determined air.


    ¡ªNo matter how much I miss her, I know I''ll see her again. ¡ªMy voice sounded firmer than I truly felt, and that gave me some peace.


    Aura looked at me with a soft smile, and without warning, she pulled an envelope from her jacket. She extended it toward me, her eyes gleaming with a conspiratorial light.


    ¡ªHere¡¯s a surprise, ¡ªshe said, and her words instantly caught my attention¡ª. Everything you need to know about Luna is in this envelope. From her current address to the reason she disappeared. I wanted to give it to you as a gift, ¨¢ngel. Open it when you''re ready.


    My hands trembled slightly as I took the envelope. I could feel the weight of everything it meant. It wasn¡¯t just an envelope; it was the key to what I had been searching for, to all the answers about her, about Luna. I hadn¡¯t even mentioned her name before, but somehow it didn¡¯t feel strange that Aura already knew it. In my mind, a whirlwind of emotions and questions swirled as my fingers grazed the flap, hesitant to open it right away.


    ¡ªThank you¡­ truly, Aura. You have no idea how much this means to me.


    She just nodded, respecting my decision not to open it yet, and I noticed in her expression a mix of understanding and pride.


    That night was truly memorable, one I could hardly erase from my memory. It wasn¡¯t just the excitement of my new life or the possibility of seeing Luna again but also the fact that Aura trusted me enough to reveal so much. I carefully stored the envelope and, upon arriving home, placed it under my pillow, feeling it was like a precious treasure waiting for the perfect moment to be opened. That night, I fell asleep with a sense of hope I hadn¡¯t felt in a long time, as if my steps finally had a clear direction.


    That same night, before waking up, I dreamed of her. We were in a calm place, perhaps a park or a formless spot, but enough to feel alone and at peace. I saw her approach, and without thinking, I took her hand with a gentleness I couldn¡¯t express in words. I felt the warmth of her fingers intertwining with mine, as if finally, after so long, we were together again.


    She looked at me with those eyes full of sweetness that I remembered so well and suddenly hugged me tightly, silently, as if nothing else mattered. I felt her warmth, her presence, as if she were really there. In those seconds, all the loneliness I had felt vanished. But just as I tried to tell her how much I missed her, I woke up.


    I opened my eyes, and for a moment, I could still feel her hug, like a trace fading into reality, a residual effect of my ability. I stayed there, staring at the ceiling and holding onto that last trace of her presence in my mind, with the envelope still safe under my pillow. The certainty that she missed me as much as I missed her grew stronger, and although it hurt, it gave me the conviction that someday I would see her again.


    But there wasn¡¯t much time for sentimentality; it was the day of my first mission as a divine-ranked anomalous, and I had to focus. I got up, reviewed the mission report, and began reading what seemed like a considerable challenge. Apparently, it was an A-rank anomaly, with a fluctuating presence that had caused incidents in a couple of areas over the past few weeks. Apparently, the anomaly generated illusions so intense that victims became trapped in them, reliving traumatic experiences as if they were real.


    I read every detail possible, mentally preparing myself for what I would face. Although this time I wouldn¡¯t be under Aura¡¯s protection, I knew that all the training and prior experiences had prepared me for this moment.


    I headed to the base to receive the final details of the mission. Upon arrival, Aura was already there, waiting for me with a calm smile, as if she knew exactly what was on my mind.


    ¡ªAlright, ¨¢ngel, ¡ªthe supervisor began while placing some images and notes on the screen¡ª. Your mission is to contain and neutralize the anomaly identified as "Reflection." It has been generating intense illusions in a specific area, causing people to become trapped in scenarios of their greatest fears or insecurities. Despite having an incorporeal form, we believe you will be able to perceive its presence and manipulate it as you did during training.


    Aura added some advice.


    ¡ªRemember, these types of anomalies tend to feed their illusions with the thoughts and fears of their target. If you try to approach it, be very careful with what you feel and think. Stay focused.


    I nodded, understanding the magnitude of what I was about to face. Aura watched me with that mix of pride and confidence that always pushed me forward.


    I grabbed my gear and boarded the transport that would take me to the mission site. The area was deserted, cordoned off to prevent any civilians from approaching. I took a deep breath and entered the abandoned building where the anomaly''s last manifestation had been reported. The place was dark and silent, but the air felt heavy, charged with that strange sensation that always preceded the appearance of an anomaly.


    As I ventured deeper into the building, I began to notice subtle changes in my surroundings. The walls seemed to shift behind me, and my vision blurred, as if I were looking through a foggy lens. It was the anomaly attempting to influence my mind.


    I clenched my fists and focused on my positive memories, on the clear images I had been trained to visualize. But suddenly, the distortion intensified, and before I realized it, I found myself in a dark hallway that didn¡¯t belong to the building. I was completely surrounded by mirrors.


    Each reflection showed distorted versions of myself: versions filled with fear, doubt, and all the things I had worked so hard to suppress. I tried to remember Aura¡¯s advice about maintaining control, but the pressure from each reflection felt overwhelming, almost as if it were draining my willpower.


    I stopped and closed my eyes for a moment, focusing on a positive memory¡ªLuna¡¯s image and the warmth of the hug I could still feel. Somehow, that seemed to stabilize the environment; the mirrors stopped shaking, and gradually, the figure of the anomaly began to take shape at the end of the hallway. It appeared as a dense, shifting shadow trapped among the mirrors.


    I took a deep breath and started moving toward it.


    As I approached the dark figure, I felt the pressure on my mind intensify with every step. The anomaly seemed to perceive my thoughts, latching onto my doubts and fears as if feeding on them. The reflections in the mirrors around me became more defined, each one representing a defeated, broken, frightened version of myself. But I kept my eyes locked on the anomaly, forcing myself to ignore every distorted image.


    The shadow, dense and shapeless, suddenly expanded, filling the space in front of me with incredible speed. I felt an invisible force dragging me toward one of the mirrors, as if it wanted to trap me in my own reflection forever. But at that moment, I remembered my training. I was capable of materializing my dreams and emotions. Focusing intensely, I created a barrier in front of me¡ªa kind of opaque energy wall that protected me from its pull.


    The anomaly shifted shape again, now resembling a distorted human figure with elongated arms that reached out for me. Instead of retreating, I moved directly toward it, raising my hands to summon the scene I had in mind: the dark hallway transformed into a bright pathway, illuminating every corner and momentarily stunning the creature.


    ¡ªIs that all you¡¯ve got? ¡ªI muttered, projecting an air of calm over the room, my gaze reflecting disappointment and boredom.


    The shadow shuddered and shrank in on itself, trying to avoid the light. I took advantage of its retreat to move faster. With each step I took, I strengthened the light around me, holding onto the image of Luna and everything that had given me strength in my darkest moments. The creature emitted a sound, like a silent scream, as its arms sharpened into blades, attempting to slice through my defenses.


    I felt a blow to my side, knocking the air out of me for a moment, but I didn¡¯t let it defeat me. I could still feel the weight of its attempt to instill fear. The creature moved quickly, with overwhelming force that made the air tremble with every strike. In an instant, it lunged at me with its blade-like arms, and I knew I had to act fast. I materialized a familiar figure, one of the beings I had used in my training sessions with Aura. It emerged in front of me, massive and fierce, intercepting the anomaly¡¯s attack and hurling it through the air. The shadowy figure flew toward a nearby mirror, bouncing from one reflection to another like a projectile, moving at an astonishing speed.


    I quickly dissolved my creation as the anomaly returned with doubled fury. But I didn¡¯t move. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting myself be enveloped by a profound calm and focusing on what I was about to do.


    When I sensed the imminent strike, I let the shadow on the ground envelop me. Like a shadow among shadows, I vanished, and in the blink of an eye, I was on the ceiling, directly above the anomaly. I opened my eyes and, with all the strength in my body and focus, descended upon it with a powerful kick. The impact was so forceful that I immediately sent it hurtling toward the opposite wall, where I had materialized dozens of sharp objects that pierced it, filling the air with a haunting echo as it seemed to disintegrate slowly.


    I exited the mission site, my body still vibrating from the adrenaline rush and the mild pain of a few hits. Looking back, I ensured the anomaly was fully neutralized. I concluded the mission and began my journey back to the academy, the mental report already taking shape.


    Upon arrival, I submitted a detailed account of what had happened, including every movement of the anomaly and the strategy I had used to contain it. The officials reviewed it quickly, nodding occasionally before giving me their approval.


    With the rest of the day free, I headed to a shop and picked up a couple of items I knew my parents would love: scented candles for my mom and an antique pocket watch for my dad, something he had always wanted. After wrapping the gifts and making sure I had everything, I set off for home.


    When I arrived, I paused for a second in front of the door before ringing the bell. Within seconds, my mom opened the door. Her expression shifted from surprise to joy in an instant, and before I could say anything, she was crying and hugging me tightly.


    ¡ª¨¢ngel¡­ it¡¯s you! ¡ªshe said, laughing and sobbing at the same time. She couldn¡¯t speak; her arms wouldn¡¯t let me go, and her embrace felt as if she never wanted to let me go.


    My dad appeared in the doorway, curious about the commotion, and when he saw me, his eyes widened.


    ¡ª¨¢ngel? ¡ªhe asked, looking at me with the same mix of disbelief and joy¡ª. It really is you!


    We went inside and sat in the living room, where we began chatting about everything that had happened. They asked about the academy, my training, and how I was doing overall. It felt as though no time had passed, enjoying the warmth and love of home.


    My mom¡¯s hug still lingered on my skin, and my dad¡¯s proud gaze was etched in my mind. I said goodbye to them, promising to visit again soon, and left the house with the sense of peace I always felt after seeing them. But just as I heard the door close behind me, my phone vibrated in my pocket.


    ¡ª¨¢ngel, we have a situation. We need you to handle an anomaly that¡¯s emerged near your current location. ¡ªThey gave me the address, and the name of the street echoed in my mind, hitting me like an avalanche.

 The Other Side

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

 An Unexpected Mission, the Hearts Planned Return

Stolen novel; please report.

 A Strange Surprise and a Family Secret

    We walked together in silence, each of us understanding that this moment would change everything. Her fear was present, but so was her desire to no longer be trapped in a place where she didn¡¯t belong. As we reached her door, I gently squeezed her hand to give her confidence. No matter what happened, I was there, and nothing and no one would separate us again.


    The doorbell echoed through the enormous house, elegant and adorned with details that betrayed a life of comfort and wealth. A maid appeared and invited us in, guiding us to a spacious, luxurious living room. Upon entering, the first thing that struck me was the laughter coming from a corner¡ªit was Aura, sitting comfortably with Luna¡¯s parents, as if she were an old family friend.


    The smiles on her parents¡¯ faces vanished the moment they saw me. Their eyes widened with a mix of surprise and disdain as they stood up. Luna¡¯s father was the first to speak, his tone defiant and furious.


    ¡ªWhat are you doing here? ¡ªhe spat, casting an accusing glare at Luna¡ª. How dare you bring him here? How did you find us?


    Overcome with anger, her father lunged at me, fists raised, giving no thought to my attempts to explain.


    ¡ªI don¡¯t want any trouble, sir¡­ ¡ªI tried to say, stepping back, but my words only seemed to fuel his fury. He swung punch after punch in blind rage, and I simply dodged, evading them with ease while glancing at Aura, who remained utterly unfazed, sitting beside Luna¡¯s mother without moving a muscle to intervene.


    ¡ªStop! ¡ªI said, dodging another blow. But in that moment, her father tried to grab Luna¡¯s arm, his grip harsh and unrelenting. She let out a stifled gasp, and before I could think, I moved in an instant, pulling her with me to the other side of the room, out of his reach.


    My arms encircled her tightly, and I felt her rapid breathing against my chest. My muscles trembled¡ªnot just from the tension of the moment but from the overwhelming need to protect her.


    I wanted to remain calm, and while I might have walked away in another situation to avoid conflict, this time, I couldn¡¯t¡ªnot when it was about Luna.


    ¡ªI apologize for the sudden intrusion ¡ªI said, carefully choosing my words and keeping my tone firm yet calm¡ª, but I only want to understand why you¡¯re so against me.


    The moment I finished speaking, his fury erupted.


    ¡ªShut up! ¡ªhe shouted, his face red with hatred¡ª. You have no right to speak to me. I don¡¯t want to hear anything from someone as pathetic as you!


    Suddenly, I saw him reach into his pocket, and before I could react, he pulled out a gun, pointing it directly at my head. A piercing scream shook me: Luna clung to me with all her strength, shielding me with her own body, trembling with fear. I felt her embrace, her terror, and in a reflexive burst of action, I materialized a concrete barrier just in time to intercept the bullet.


    The gunshot echoed through the room, and Luna¡¯s father stumbled back, staring at the scene with a mix of horror and distrust.


    ¡ªI knew it... ¡ªhe muttered through clenched teeth, his gaze filled with a deep hatred¡ª. I knew you weren¡¯t human. You¡¯re a threat, something that shouldn¡¯t exist! I¡¯ll finish you, even if it¡¯s the last thing I do! I bet you¡¯re the one responsible for what happened a few weeks ago, that incident on the news¡ªthose were your streets!


    His words hit me like a blow. Images from that night flooded my mind: the flames, the screams, the lives I couldn¡¯t save. The weight of every lost life pressed down on me. For a moment, I lowered my head, unable to meet his hateful gaze. No one could truly understand the constant struggle, the burden of not being enough.


    But then, I felt Luna still holding onto me, her breath shaky, fear reflected in her eyes. That fear wasn¡¯t for them¡ªit was for me. I pressed my lips together, feeling a spark of renewed determination.


    ¡ªSir¡­ ¡ªI began softly, keeping my eyes fixed on his disbelieving, trembling face¡ª. I¡¯m not the one who caused that disaster. I¡¯m the one here to stop those things from hurting us¡­ to protect your daughter. Yes, sometimes I fail, and believe me, that¡¯s something I never forget.


    I swallowed hard, my emotions threatening to spill over.


    ¡ªI¡¯m here for her, and whether or not you want me around is irrelevant to me. I¡¯ll protect Luna, even if it means facing your hatred or anything else that stands in the way.


    Luna¡¯s father lunged at me with uncontrollable fury, shouting insults¡ª Bastard! Filth! How dare you step into my house¡­ ¡ªHis face was contorted with rage as I stood firm, holding Luna tightly in my arms. She clung to me, her eyes shut, her body trembling¡ªfear had robbed her of the ability to react.


    I knew I could easily defend myself, but I didn¡¯t want to escalate things, especially with Luna so vulnerable. Still, I braced myself, ready for whatever might come.


    Then Aura stepped forward, positioning herself between us with an unshakable calm.


    ¡ªMr. and Mrs. Williams, I think that¡¯s enough, ¡ªshe said, her tone firm yet conciliatory, radiating a serenity that made us all pause.


    Luna¡¯s father turned to her, a mix of surprise and frustration flashing in his eyes as he growled in anger.


    ¡ªGet out of the way! This has nothing to do with you!


    Aura stood her ground, completely unfazed, and continued with the same composure.


    ¡ªActually, I¡¯m the one who brought him here. And besides¡­ ¡ªAura locked eyes with him¡ª, I know exactly why you hold so much resentment toward ¨¢ngel, and I know the story behind your hatred. But he isn¡¯t responsible for what happened in the past.


    Luna¡¯s father stepped back slightly, visibly shaken by her words. His hateful glare toward me faltered, if only for a moment, caught off guard by what Aura had said. How could she know something so personal, so buried in the silence of their family?


    ¡ªWhat you feel ¡ªAura continued¡ª is fear of what his power represents, but you¡¯re wrong. That aura you sense in ¨¢ngel isn¡¯t the threat you believe it is. Moreover, he and I are colleagues, and I trust him completely.


    The room fell into a heavy silence as both parents stared at Aura in disbelief, struggling to process what they had just heard. Luna¡¯s father opened his mouth, ready to retort, but before he could speak, Aura cut him off, her tone now even more serious.


    ¡ªI¡¯m going to explain what¡¯s really happening, ¡ªshe said¡ª, but only if you¡¯re willing to sit down and listen to me. Because even if you tried to take on ¨¢ngel, you know this is a fight you can¡¯t win.


    Luna¡¯s father scowled, his rage still burning, but something in his eyes betrayed an understanding of Aura¡¯s words. It was clear he wasn¡¯t ready to let his guard down; his anger was still palpable, but there was also something else¡­ perhaps a trace of resignation.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity of tension, he nodded reluctantly, agreeing to listen to what Aura had to say. He turned away, though his eyes still burned with insatiable fury. The weight of Aura¡¯s words, however, began to temper the atmosphere, even as distrust and suspicion lingered in his gaze.


    Aura sat down with an unshakable calm, her serene expression unwavering as she began to explain.


    ¡ª I know you were attacked by an anomaly, Mr. Williams ¡ªshe started, her tone steady.


    Luna¡¯s father interrupted sharply, his eyes still filled with resentment. ¡ª That wasn¡¯t an anomaly! It was a demon¡ªa damn demon that nearly killed me.


    Aura maintained her composure, continuing without missing a beat. ¡ª Anomalies are indeed difficult to understand. They emerge from our deepest beliefs, from fear, hatred¡­ they materialize from the darkness we carry within. I won¡¯t deny that it might have seemed demonic to you, but that entity was born of something as human as fear and resentment. I also know what happened afterward, Mr. Williams. I know you were on the brink of death, and that despite your injuries, you managed to defeat that anomaly on your own. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Mr. Williams¡¯ face hardened at her words. He said nothing, but his eyes betrayed the memory of that fight¡ªa wound that had never truly healed.


    ¡ª Your wife was also severely injured that night, wasn¡¯t she? ¡ªAura continued, her voice softer now, as though trying to cushion the impact of her words¡ª. And at the time, she was pregnant with your daughter.


    A flicker of vulnerability crossed his face before he could suppress it. He pressed his lips together and nodded almost imperceptibly.


    ¡ª I understand that the experience was traumatic, and that the last words spoken by that anomaly were a direct threat. It promised to return and destroy everything you loved, didn¡¯t it?


    Luna¡¯s father¡¯s expression tightened again, filled with simmering rage. It was clear those words still echoed in his mind, as sharp and potent as the day he¡¯d heard them.


    ¡ª One day, while passing the park where Luna and ¨¢ngel used to meet ¡ªAura continued¡ª, you saw the boy and felt something familiar¡­ the same dark energy, the same essence that reminded you of the anomaly you fought. And then fear turned into rejection. That fear drove you to see ¨¢ngel as a danger, an extension of that shadow.


    He didn¡¯t respond verbally, but his demeanor spoke volumes. The anger in his eyes mirrored the fear he¡¯d harbored for years, and though he remained consumed by hatred, his hands trembled slightly, as if the weight of that truth was too heavy to bear in silence.


    Aura regarded him with a mix of empathy and determination, waiting for her words to sink in. And I, standing beside Luna, felt the weight of this story¡ªa burden from the past I had never imagined but was now destined to face.


    Aura kept her gaze fixed on Luna¡¯s father, her voice softening slightly without losing its strength.


    ¡ª Back then, Mr. Williams, ¨¢ngel was also battling his own demons. What you felt in his presence that day¡ªthe darkness, the heaviness in his aura¡ªwas nothing more than the pain and loneliness he had been carrying from a very young age.


    Her words pierced through the silence, filling it with a tension so thick it was almost tangible. Luna¡¯s father clenched his fists, his expression shifting between disbelief and barely restrained anger.


    ¡ªThat afternoon at the park, when Luna and ¨¢ngel''s paths crossed, was pure coincidence. Neither ¨¢ngel nor anyone else could have predicted they¡¯d meet there. And I want you to understand something else: when an anomaly is destroyed, its essence may be reborn, but never with the same consciousness or identity. That creature that attacked you¡­ it cannot come back for revenge. The threat it left behind was nothing more than a final torment, a way to ensure you¡¯d carry that burden forever.


    Aura paused for a moment, watching as the man¡¯s face reflected the internal conflict between fear and years of pent-up pain.


    ¡ªOur organization tries to intervene in every threat¡­ but that night, we didn¡¯t arrive in time. ¡ªHer voice dropped, almost to a whisper¡ª. I¡¯m deeply sorry, Mr. Williams, that we couldn¡¯t save you from that experience.


    Then she turned to me, her tone shifting, becoming more personal.


    ¡ª¨¢ngel, I¡­ ¡ªAura lowered her gaze briefly, struggling with something within herself before continuing¡ª. This is also my fault. That night¡­ I should never have let something like that happen to your family. If I had done my part, they wouldn¡¯t harbor such deep hatred toward you.


    My chest tightened at the weight of her words. I shook my head, wanting to lift the blame she was so determined to bear.


    ¡ªDon¡¯t say that, Aura. There was no way you could have prevented it. This isn¡¯t your fault.


    She closed her eyes for a moment, as though trying to hold back an emotion she rarely let others see. When she opened them, there was a hint of melancholy in her gaze.


    ¡ª¨¢ngel, you don¡¯t understand¡­ You couldn¡¯t understand, because there are parts of this story I can¡¯t even tell you.


    In that moment, I realized Aura carried secrets far deeper than she let on. The silence about her own story and the mystery in her eyes made me feel that, for the first time, I was seeing the true Aura¡ªthe one who bore her own burdens in silence, just like the rest of us.


    The silence settled over the room like a thick fog. No one dared to break it, not even Luna¡¯s parents, who stared at Aura with a mixture of skepticism and confusion.


    Aura, after a deep pause, finally broke the tension in the air with a voice both firm and gentle.


    ¡ªAll I ask is that you understand ¡ªshe continued¡ª that ¨¢ngel is not your enemy. He is your ally, someone who has risked everything, far more than he would ever admit, to protect those he loves. Since I met him, Luna has been his reason to get better every day. She¡­ she became his conviction, the spark that drives him to rise even when everything seems to fall apart.


    Luna''s father clenched his jaw but kept his gaze on Aura, seemingly reflecting on her every word.


    ¡ªAnd that is what gives him his strength, Mr. and Mrs. Williams ¡ªAura went on¡ª. If you truly want the best for your daughter, let me tell you that this is the kind of love you will never find elsewhere. I know no one else willing to risk as much as ¨¢ngel has. I can¡¯t ask you to understand everything that¡¯s at stake, but¡­ ¡ªAura lowered her voice slightly, softening her tone¡ª if you believe your daughter deserves a love that is pure, honest, and true¡ªa love they both have earned¡ªthen I ask you to let her have the life she deserves with him.


    My cheeks burned, and I lowered my gaze, unable to bear the weight of Aura¡¯s words. I knew she was right, that my heart only beat this strongly for Luna, but hearing it said aloud, especially in front of her, was overwhelming.


    I glanced at Luna, who had only just begun to process everything she had heard. She turned to me, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at me with an intensity that left me defenseless. Her lips quivered as if she wanted to speak, but the words wouldn¡¯t come.


    And in that moment of shared glances and silence, I knew that no matter what happened in the minutes to come, we had crossed a threshold. There was no turning back; our lives had changed, and the bond we shared now was something no one could break.


    Luna¡¯s father¡¯s face slowly softened, his eyes shifting between his daughter and me as if he was finally grasping the depth of what Aura had revealed. Luna¡¯s mother, tears still streaming down her cheeks, seemed lost in a sea of emotions as she looked at her daughter standing beside me, perhaps recalling what their relationship had once been. At last, both parents bowed their heads, processing every word, and in a tone heavy with regret and humility, they began to apologize to Luna.


    ¡ªLuna¡­ ¡ªher mother sobbed, trying to find the right words¡ª. Forgive us, my love. We didn¡¯t realize how much we were hurting you, how trapped we made you feel¡­ we only wanted to protect you, but now I see¡­ I see how much pain we caused. I¡¯m so sorry¡­


    Her father nodded, his eyes shadowed with guilt.


    ¡ªWe acted out of fear¡­ but seeing you here, like this, with him, I think Aura is right. ¡ªHe sighed, finally looking directly at me for the first time with a calm expression¡ª. ¨¢ngel, do you truly believe you can protect her better than we ever could?


    Without hesitation, I held his gaze and answered.


    ¡ªYes. You have my word that I will never let anything happen to her as long as I stand.


    A strange peace filled the room at that moment. Luna''s father, exhausted from so much conflict and finally letting go of some of his rigidity, simply nodded, resigned and, for the first time, slightly more trusting.


    Aura intervened again with an unexpected request.


    ¡ªWith your permission ¡ªshe said¡ª, I would like Luna to spend some time with us, away from here, to help her grow without the weight of these walls and to allow her to find her own path.


    Both parents turned to Luna, and her father, in a gentler tone, asked:


    ¡ªLuna¡­ is that truly what you want?


    Luna hesitated for a moment, casting me a glance filled with tenderness and something beyond words. Finally, she answered with a trembling voice:


    ¡ªNo, I don¡¯t want to leave. I want to stay with you¡­ ¡ªShe sighed, lowering her gaze¡ª. But that¡¯s not true anymore, and you both know it.


    Both parents looked at her with sorrow, their expressions finally defeated. Her mother stepped closer and took her hand, nodding with a voice that wavered.


    ¡ªFrom now on, we¡¯ll respect your decisions, Luna. We promise.


    Aura gave me a slight gesture as she stood up, and I understood the signal. I stood with her, unable to take my eyes off Luna, who remained bowed, lost in her thoughts. She finally lifted her gaze to her parents, her expression resolute, and nodded. It was as if, in that moment, she reconciled herself with the weight of her past and the pain she had endured.


    Her parents, visibly moved and accepting her decision, nodded faintly. Aura offered them a grateful nod and added:


    ¡ªYou have my word that Luna will return safe and sound.


    Luna¡¯s parents struggled to hold back tears. Her mother, her voice breaking, asked:


    ¡ªWill you take anything with you? Something you need?


    But Luna gently shook her head.


    ¡ªNo, I don¡¯t need anything else. I¡¯ll leave as I am.


    And with that, the three of us left the house in silence, leaving behind everything that had once made her feel like a prisoner. We walked to the car without a word, each lost in our own thoughts and the intensity of what had just happened. Inside the car, the silence was so heavy it felt tangible, until I decided to break it with a soft question, searching her eyes for a glimmer of peace.


    ¡ªHow do you feel, Luna?


    She looked at me, her eyes filled with so many emotions that they seemed to reflect the weight of an entire life. After a few moments, she whispered a response, though her voice barely managed to contain the relief that was beginning to surface.


    ¡ªFree, I think... It¡¯s strange, but I feel like I can finally breathe.


    As she finished, she looked at me and suddenly leaned into me, collapsing into my arms as if it was the only thing left for her to do. I carefully wrapped her in my embrace, holding her in silence as the car continued its course.


    Through the rearview mirror, I saw Aura watching us, a faint, peaceful smile in her eyes, knowing that, at last, the knot in our lives had started to unravel.


    As we rode along, Luna, still with her eyes closed and resting on my shoulder, murmured softly:


    ¡ªHey¡­ why can¡¯t a little girl with no arms hug her parents?¡­ Because she doesn¡¯t have parents.


    The surprise was inevitable, and in an instant, we both started laughing, first softly, then bursting into hearty laughter, releasing all the tension that had built up over the past days. It was a light laughter, the kind that leaves the soul feeling unburdened, and after a while, exhaustion took over. We fell asleep, still holding each other in silence, as if, in that moment, all the weight of what we had lived through could finally rest in peace.

 Happy holidays filled with great calm.

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