That night, Caden was once again visited by one of those strange dreams that never ceased to haunt him.
He saw himself as a child, even younger than in his earliest memories. He found himself in a vast stone building with intricately carved columns—an ancient temple, bathed in a warm light. Around him, other children were playing and laughing, their voices echoing in the sacred air.
Suddenly, a soft voice called to him, like a whisper deep within his soul.
"Caden... come, my love."
He turned around, a huge smile illuminating his youthful face. He ran through the columns and came to a kneeling female figure. He couldn't see her face, bathed in an unreal glow, but he knew it was a woman. A woman he knew, someone he loved deeply.
She placed a hand on his head, stroking his hair with infinite tenderness. Caden felt a familiar warmth, a pure, soothing love.
But suddenly, a dull explosion sounded, shaking the ground. The children screamed. The light in the temple flickered.
"Run, Caden!" the woman shouted, her voice cracking with fear.
Before he could react, strong arms swept him away from her. He struggled, shouting:
"No! Wait!"
He held out his hands, begging her. The woman, from afar, also held out her hand, in tears, her voice breaking with emotion.
"Come back to me... Come back, my little one..."
Then, everything faded.
Caden woke with a start, his heart pounding, drenched in sweat. It took him a moment to catch his breath, his hands shaking. He glanced at Zetch, who was sleeping soundly beside him, unaware of what he had just experienced.
He thought about waking him up... then changed his mind. He would talk to them tomorrow.
He lay back down, the image of that outstretched hand etched in his mind. Despite the lump in his throat and the turmoil in his heart, he finally fell asleep.