CHAPTER 131: REMEMBER

Coiled around Yoa like a Koala clinging to a tree, Nova slept peacefully, feeling like a cloud, utterly weightless with little worries.

But as the night drew on, her dreams faded into a dark abyss until she was surrounded by water, unable to breathe. Panic sliced through her as she tried to wake, to breathe. The more she struggled, the more a weight pressed down on her chest.

’Remember.’ A single word thick like velvet whispered in her mind.

She froze at the familiar, yet unfamiliar, voice. The word was not of any language she knew of, but she understood. That was becoming a bit of a norm for Nova now, but it was still strange.

"Remember what?" Bubbles burst from her mouth, her voice muffled.

Water whooshed into her mouth as she accidentally inhaled, unable to hold her breath any longer. Instead of trying to hold her breath like she would in real life, Nova screamed. Her lungs and throat burned at the sensation, drowning in this abyss.

Until her surroundings burst into brightness, her hair whooshing back, eyes squinting until the light dulled, revealing shimmering stars surrounding her in what looked like the night sky. Her locks fanned around her face, gentle and serene, the burning sensation gone like time had stilled and the stars watched her.

Seriously, they watched her. She could feel it like they were life forms to the degree of ancient beings filled with wisdom.

In this dream, her hair was short again, just below chin-length, back to her ’chic’ hairstyle. The one Chad had liked, the one she styled for the city and the job she had been in. It was something she happily outgrew in the wild.

So why had her hair changed in what was now clearly a dream.

Also, why wasn’t she panicking anymore?

Wait... Why was she in her blue dress and heels again? It was an outfit she ended up loathing. The stupid thing had been useless in the jungle and reminded her of Chad and how unappreciative he was.

’Remember...’

Warmth sank into her pores, a bizarre contrast to the cold water filled with the stars...

Wait...

This is Moon Lake... Lacus Luna...

’Remember...’ Warm-like fingers threaded through her hair in a comforting gesture.

Nova gasped awake, bolting upright into a sitting position, her heart pounded rapidly against her chest that felt too tight and restricted. Beads of sweat formed at her forehead as her surroundings slowly formed around her, bringing her out of the dream state she had been in.

Though, her fingers reached for her lips, eyes widening at the moisture coating them.

Did I ... drool? Eww! No...

Her eyes widened. It wasn’t drool. Her mouth tasted fresh, like cool water had been poured into it. It tasted like the clear water of Luna Lacus.

The warmth from the dream was still there. It was like the rays of the sun kissing her skin or the softest of breezes warming her. No, it was not a hot flush or a fever, but something gentle and making itself known.

It was so very faint though, and slowly faded as the darkness of the room drew stronger.

"Nova?" Yoa sat up, instantly alert, reaching for her, his eyes landing on her startled features then searched the cave for any threat.

"It was... a bad dream," Nova replied, sounding a little lost. She was. What did it mean?

Remember...

Yoa gently pulled Nova back until his chest acted as a firm cushion, his arms caging her, shielding her protectively, his warmth making her feel safe. His entire being, the giant that he was, always made her feel safe.

"A nightmare?"

"I think so... yes..."

"You think?" He brushed back the strands clinging to her head, watching her.

"It was... It almost felt real. Like a memory... But..."

Yoa waited patiently for Nova to find the right words to express herself.

"It couldn’t be... I wan’t in that lake long enough..." She murmured more to herself.

"The lake?" Yoa’s head snapped back, eyes glowing in the dark, somehow even more alert.

Nova nodded. "Yes. I dreamt of being inside of it again... I think of when I first fell into it and ended up here in this beast world."

Yoa’s brows deepened. "What happened?"

"It was just a dream." Nova shrugged. "My mind probably warped the memory of being insdie of the lake..."

Though she didn’t remember much about it. It was just mystical and she did remember the stars and galaxies.

"Dreams are very powerful, Nova. Do not lessen their worth. Sometimes it is your subconscious trying to warn you, speak to you of what your conscious self has ignored or not taken account of. And sometimes... it might be the Gods or Tayun speaking to you..."

She didn’t think Tayun or the Gods of this world would speak with her. But she wouldn’t dismiss his words. She’d learned a lot in the short time she’d been on this island, mostly to do with the creatures, the supernatural, and how important Tayun and the Gods were to them, and the role they played here.

Nova nodded. "It did say... Remember... But I’m not sure what I’m meant to remember..."

Yoa stroked back her hair and kissed her forehead. "Give it time. It sounds important."

Nova released her breath, realising from the dim light on the horizon to their side of how early it is. "I’m sorry I woke you-"

"Don’t be. I’m glad I was here to help calm you," he whispered into her hair.

The corners of Nova’s lips curled up gently. She was honestly so lucky to have such a man by her side. If she was still with Chad, he would have grumbled and not taken the time to make sure she was okay.

Nova wouldn’t have had a problem if Yoa did remain asleep but it was the little things like this that made her really appreciate him.

"Do you think you are ready to sleep again?" Yoa asked softly, his question warming her chest and relaxing her further.

"Yes." Nova laid down beside him and let him manoeuvre her until she was facing away from him until he was spooning her. He was like an impenetrable wall as his warmth bled into her.

Remember... The words ghosted along her lips as she passed out, unaware she’d spoken it aloud.

Yoa’s arms tightened around her, concern leaking into his eyes as he heard Nova speak a language he knew well, yet at the same time did not have any knowledge about.

It was clear to him now that Nova’s role wasn’t solely based on her presence by his side.

She was an Electa. She was here for a reason besides becoming his Serakai and easing the load from his shoulders.

Tayun had called to her, possibly seeking her help. But why? Why not ask his guardian? What could he not do that the island needed an outsider, needed his Serakai.

Yoa buried his face into her hair and inhaled deeply, hoping she wouldn’t feel his worry.

What plans did Tayun have for his mate?