Whispers of Worlds Beyond: A Series - Chapter 55

Chapter 55: You’re Still Aiden Chapter 55: You’re Still Aiden A few hours passed in a strange, quiet lull.

The soft sounds of the infirmary, the gentle rustling of leaves outside, and the occasional murmur from other students who came in filled the room.

Aiden, now feeling a little more rested, lay back on his pillow, his mind racing as he processed the events of the duel and everything that had followed.

Suddenly, a shift in the air signaled that Ivara was waking up.

Her eyes fluttered open, taking a moment to adjust to the light.

Aiden watched as she sat up slowly, a soft groan escaping her lips as she stretched her arms.

Her gaze quickly scanned the room before meeting Aiden’s.

“Hey,” she muttered, her voice rough from sleep but still with that sharp edge to it.

“Looks like we both made it out alive.” Aiden nodded, relieved to see her awake and seemingly unharmed.

“Yeah.

That was one hell of a fight,” he said, sitting up a little more comfortably.

Ivara didn’t seem to have the energy to give a full reply, but she shot him a knowing look, her lips curling slightly.

“Didn’t think you’d take me down so easily,” she said, a playful glint in her eyes despite the bruises on her face.

“You’re a lot more of a threat than I thought.” Aiden couldn’t help but chuckle.

“You’re not so bad yourself,” he responded, leaning back in the bed and letting out a long breath.

The conversation drifted to more serious matters.

As they settled into the quiet of the infirmary, the memory of the mysterious man from the dome loomed over them.

“So,” Ivara began, breaking the silence, “that guy, Karro’s his name right?

Do you have any idea who he is?” Her voice was low, as if she didn’t want anyone else to overhear, even though they were alone.

Aiden’s brow furrowed as he remembered the way the strange man had called him by his full name, his words echoing in Aiden’s mind like a warning.

“No,” Aiden muttered, “I don’t know who he is, but he sure knows me.

He knew my name… full name.

No one should know that.” “So… is it true?” she asked, her voice steady but with a hint of curiosity.

“Are you really a Chase?” Aiden stiffened, the question weighing heavier than he expected.

He hesitated, unsure how to respond.

The name “Chase” wasn’t just a name- it was a symbol, a legacy, a burden.

Most people treated it like a title, one that came with expectations and, more often than not, fear.

Finally, Aiden leaned back on his pillow, his tired eyes meeting hers.

“If I said yes,” he began slowly, “would you stop being my friend?” Ivara didn’t answer immediately, her sharp gaze softening as she studied him.

For a moment, Aiden thought she might actually say yes, and his chest tightened.

But then, she smirked- just a little- and shook her head.

“Nothing about your last name changes who you are,” she said simply, leaning back against the headboard.

“You’re still Aiden.

You fought me fair and square.

That’s all I care about.” Aiden exhaled deeply, relief washing over him.

Of all the reactions he had braced himself for, this was the one he hadn’t expected.

“Thanks,” he said quietly, his voice almost breaking.

Ivara waved it off as if it was nothing, though her small smile lingered.

“Besides,” she added, “I’ve never cared much for all that legacy rubbish.

People are people.

If someone’s got a problem with you just because of your name, that’s their problem, not yours.” Her words hung in the air, and for the first time in a long while, Aiden felt a spark of hope.

Maybe not everyone would see him as the symbol of his family’s controversial legacy.

Maybe, just maybe, some people would see him for who he really was.

“You’re alright, Ivara,” he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“Don’t let it go to your head,” she quipped, her smirk turning into a grin.

“I still plan on challenging you again someday.” Aiden chuckled softly, though his mind quickly turned serious.

“You really think people are going to let it go?

About my name, I mean?” Ivara shrugged.

“Some might, some won’t.

That’s how people are.

But honestly?” She gave him a sidelong glance.

“If anyone’s got a problem with you, they’ll have to get through me first.” The declaration left Aiden speechless.

For all her sharpness and bravado, Ivara was turning out to be someone he could count on, even in the most unexpected ways.

——————————– Aiden stirred in his sleep, caught in the grip of another dream- one he couldn’t seem to escape no matter how much he tried.

The tree loomed before him, ancient and gnarled, its roots twisting through endless darkness.

The bark glistened like it was alive, veins of light pulsing faintly through its surface.

He felt it again, the pull-deep and visceral, as if the tree was calling to something buried within him.

The whispers around him grew louder, overlapping into a cacophony that made his chest tighten.

And then he woke up.

Aiden sat upright in bed, his breath uneven, a sheen of sweat on his forehead.

The infirmary was dim, the only light coming from the soft glow of enchanted lanterns on the walls.

He pressed his palms to his face, trying to shake the dream’s hold on him.

But the image of the tree lingered, and with it came an inexplicable urge to leave; to walk out of the infirmary, find the forest, and… He clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay put.

No, he told himself.

Not now.

The faintest creak broke the silence, making Aiden’s heart leap.

His eyes darted to the infirmary door, which had begun to open on its own.

No footsteps, no voices, just the slow, deliberate groan of the hinges as the door swung open wider.

Aiden tensed, half-expecting to see something emerge from the shadows.

Instead, two figures slipped through the door, shrouded in the darkness.

As the door closed silently behind them, the shadows peeled away, revealing Adrian and Sevan.

“Subtle,” Aiden muttered, his voice dry as he leaned back against his pillow.

Adrian grinned, his leather jacket faintly gleaming in the lantern light.

“Subtlety is my middle name,” he quipped, striding over to Aiden’s bed.

“You looked like you could use some company.” Sevan, carrying a small bag of snacks, rolled his eyes.

“He means he could use some company.

I was dragged into this.” Aiden raised an eyebrow.

“And you thought sneaking in at night was a good idea?” “Technically, we didn’t sneak,” Adrian said, crossing his arms.

“I used my shadow powers to unlock the door.

It’s not breaking and entering if the door just… cooperates.” Sevan sighed, setting the bag on the small table beside Aiden’s bed.

“And I’m the one carrying snacks, apparently.

You’re welcome, by the way.” Aiden shook his head, but the faintest smile tugged at his lips.

“You two are impossible.” “And yet, here we are,” Adrian shot back, opening a bag of crisps and tossing one into his mouth.

“So, how’s it feel being the center of attention?

I hear you’re the Aiden Chase now.

Sounds fancy.” Aiden groaned, running a hand through his hair.

“Don’t remind me.

I haven’t even processed it yet.” Sevan leaned against the foot of the bed, his blue eyes thoughtful.

“It’s not the end of the world, you know.

Sure, people are going to talk, but they’ll get over it eventually.

You’re still you, Aiden.

Name or no name.” Adrian snorted.

“Yeah, and if anyone gives you trouble, I’m happy to prank them into oblivion.” Aiden chuckled softly.

“I’ll keep that in mind.

Thanks.”