Shocking Discovery

Arya found herself lost in the dark woods, her heart racing and goosebumps covering her skin. She looked around, disoriented by the cold night and unable to understand how she had ended up there because,the cold night was so unbearable and unforgiving.

She wrapped her arms around her body like a shelter to create warmth as her skin grew more goosebumps due to that. Despite the chilling breeze, she continued down a desolate path, surrounded by tall trees, sharp grass, and the distant chirping of birds. 

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the woods, “Capture her, and make sure she doesn't escape," Arya heard a deep, fearful voice growling from the dark woods. 

Arya, fleeing from an unseen threat. She peered into the darkness, but could only hear the sound of footsteps and eerie chanting growing louder.

She continued to run as fast as she could without looking back to see if they were pursuing her. The sounds of their footsteps and chanting filled her ears as she pushed herself to run even faster, her chest heaving with exertion.

This wasn't the first, second, or even third time she found herself in strange places with monsters chasing after her. In her first dream, she was trapped in a dark cage with a hideous monster looming over her. In her second dream, she managed to escape the cage, but now she was running for her life once again.

Her feet stumbled on the sharp grass, cutting into her flesh and causing blood to flow from the numerous wounds. She cried out in pain and exhaustion, feeling the effects of her fatigue, hunger, and thirst, but she knew she had to keep running to avoid becoming their slave. The cuts on her right elbow continued to bleed as she finally came to a stop in front of a large wall that blocked her path.

Looking back, she could hear their voices and the thundering sound of their approaching footsteps growing louder. Fear gripped her body as sweat poured down her face and tears welled up in her eyes.

She approached the massive, sturdy wall and felt its hardness with her right hand. Slowly, she sank to the cold ground, resigning herself to the approaching monsters.

A sudden bright light appeared before her, shining intensely like the sun. Shielding her eyes with her hand, she waited for the light to fade. When it did, an elderly woman, seemingly in her 80s, stood before her.

The old woman's tattered black garment was stained with blood, and her unkempt hair and weathered face bore the marks of time. Her gaze was fixed on Arya.

"Fear not, for I am here to help you, and you will help me in return," the old woman declared after a pause.

Arya was taken aback by the old woman's last statement, 'You will help me in return,' after thinking she had found a savior. "Who are you?" She mustered the courage to ask, panting heavily as she glanced around.

The old woman chuckled, "My identity is not important right now." She said seriously as she slowly approached her,  "Take these babies and care for them. Show them love and kindness." She gestured towards the two infants she was holding.

Arya stepped back, her back against the wall. "W-who are these babies?" She stammered, surprised to see the infants she hadn't noticed before.

"You are the chosen one, the seer of prophecy. The journey ahead is dangerous and could cost you your life if you're not cautious and vigilant, Demonika." The old woman replied, still holding out the babies and ignoring the question about their identity.

Arya was taken aback when the elderly woman referred to her by a strange name, causing her to furrowed her brow in confusion. She relied on her intuition above all else, leading her to suspect that the old woman was not ordinary. 

Perhaps she was sent to deceive her. With a shake of her head, she stated, "I don't know who you are or understand what you meant by calling me a child of prophecy or a seer, or why referring to me with a strange name. I can't trust you, so I no longer need your help." She walked away, struggling to move normally due to the numerous cuts on her feet.

The old woman smiled as she remarked, "Stubborn, just like it was written 900 years ago. Demonika, you need my help now more than ever. The approaching sound of their feet and loud chanting is getting closer. Make your choice here and now."

Arya stopped in her tracks, turning to face the old woman with a glare. Her mind was racing, unsure of what to do next. Should she reject the woman's offer and face the monsters, or accept and... "What will I do with these babies?" she asked, walking back to the old woman.

"Protect them with every ounce of your being, Demonika. Live for them, as they will become a part of you," the old woman advised.

"I don't understand."

“We don't have much time, Demonika. I will explain more on my next visit," the old woman said. "Are you prepared?"

"Yes," Arya replied. ‘I’m not entirely sure about this, but I need to escape from those monsters.‘ She thought.

After a brief moment, the bright light reappeared, even more intense than before. The old woman extended her hands with the babies towards the young lady. In an instant, the babies vanished into thin air.

"It's done," the old woman whispered, her words still audible to the young lady.

"What just happened? Where are the babies?" Arya’s voice conveyed a mix of curiosity and concern.

The old woman chuckled softly, "They are in a secure place, where only you can feel them."

**********

Arya abruptly woke up on her bed, nearly tumbling to the floor. Her aunt, who had been sleeping beside her, caught her just in time. Arya's night clothes were drenched in sweat, and despite the heavy rain outside and the darkness all around, she felt unusually warm.

"Why are you so startled, Arya? Like you seen a ghost?" Her aunt asked, holding onto her clammy hands.

"I had a disturbing and bewildering dream," Arya confessed, visibly shaken.

"Tell me all about it," her aunt urged, still gripping her hand.

Arya took a deep breath and recounted the details of her unsettling dream to her attentive aunt.

"Another vision," her aunt murmured softly after hearing Arya's story.

"Did you say something?" Arya questioned her aunt, noticing her whisper.

"Nothing... What was the name she called you?" Her aunt inquired.

"Demonika."

“And the old woman?" she asked again.

Arya shook her head. "She never mentioned her name in my dream," she replied honestly.

"What about the babies?"

"They are in a safe place where only Demonika can feel them. I'm not sure what that means either," Arya explained.

Her aunt's eyes widened in shock as she looked down at Arya's stomach. Tears welled up in her eyes as she shook her head.

"Aunt Michelle, are you crying?" Arya asked, concerned. "Why are you staring at my stomach like that?" She moved closer to her aunt.

"Arya, you're pregnant," Michelle  finally revealed in a hushed tone.