Whispers of Worlds Beyond: A Series - Chapter 56

Chapter 56: Late Night Talks Chapter 56: Late Night Talks “Why are you even awake, Aiden?” Sevan asked, leaning against the foot of Aiden’s infirmary bed.

His blue eyes glimmered with curiosity, though his tone was laced with concern.

Adrian, sitting cross-legged on the other bed, stopped mid-bite of a pastry to listen.

Aiden hesitated, his fingers brushing against the blanket.

“I keep dreaming about it,” he said finally.

“Dreaming about what?” Adrian asked, his brow furrowing.

“Is this about Karro?

Or-” “The tree,” Aiden interrupted.

“I’ve been dreaming about this tree for as long as I can remember.

Since I was a kid, back on Earth.” Sevan straightened up, his interest visibly piqued.

“Since Earth?

Wait.

Hold on.

This isn’t just a recent thing?” Aiden shook his head.

“No.

At first, it felt like just a normal dream.

I’d see this massive tree in a glowing forest.

It was… peaceful.

Calm.

I never thought much of it.” Adrian tilted his head, staring at Aiden like he was trying to piece together a puzzle.

“Alright, so it’s a dream about a tree.

Creepy, sure, but nothing too weird.” “It wasn’t weird,” Aiden said quickly, “at least not at first.

But over the past few days here in Soleil, it’s changed.

The tree, it feels alive, like it’s calling to me.

Like it’s… waiting for something.” The boys shared a glance.

It’s… complicated,” Aiden said, running a hand through his hair.

“I’ve been dreaming about it since I was a kid.

It’s always the same tree.

Massive, ancient, its branches stretching.

But it feels more than just a tree.

Like it’s alive in a way I can’t explain.” Sevan frowned.

“And you’ve been dreaming about it here too?” Aiden nodded.

“Yeah.

I dreamt about it just now.

It’s stronger now, more vivid.

Like it’s calling to me.” He looked at the two of them, his voice quieter.

“I almost got up and walked out of here because of it.” “Why didn’t you?” Aiden shrugged.

“I don’t know.

Something kept me here.

Maybe it’s just the exhaustion.” “But…

calling to you?” Sevan repeated, his brow furrowing.

“That doesn’t sound like just a dream anymore.” Aiden nodded, rubbing the back of his neck.

“It’s not.

After what Mopsus said- about the tree being tied to me….

Maybe there’s something more I still don’t know about it.” Adrian leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

“And you’ve been dreaming about this thing your whole life?

And didn’t think to mention it to anyone?” “I told your parents.

But what was I supposed to say?” Aiden asked, exasperated.

“‘Hey, I think a tree’s been haunting me my entire life, and now it’s calling me?’ People would’ve thought I was crazy.” “Fair,” Adrian admitted, shrugging.

“But if it’s been in your dreams for that long,” Sevan said, his voice thoughtful, “then it has to mean something, right?

Trees don’t just randomly appear in people’s lives for no reason.” “That’s the thing-I don’t know what it means.

All I know is that it feels… ancient.

Like it’s tied to something bigger than me.

And it scares me.” The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of Aiden’s words settling over them.

Adrian exchanged a glance with Sevan before speaking again.

“So, let me get this straight,” Adrian said, his tone half-serious, half-teasing.

“You’ve got a tree that’s been stalking you in your dreams since childhood, it’s apparently tied to ancient magic, and now it’s calling for you.

Did I miss anything?” Aiden gave him a tired look.

“Thanks for the summary, Adrian.

Really helpful.” “Hey, I’m just saying,” Adrian said with a smirk.

“If this thing’s been around that long, it’s probably not going anywhere.

Might as well figure out what it wants.” Sevan nodded, his expression more serious.

“He’s right.

Whatever this tree is, it’s clearly important.

And if it’s tied to you, then maybe it’s something only you can understand.” Aiden looked between the two of them, their sincerity cutting through the fog of doubt that had clouded his thoughts.

“You guys don’t think I’m crazy?” Adrian grinned, leaning back.

“Nah.

If we thought that, we wouldn’t have snuck in here to keep you company.” Sevan chuckled.

“Besides, we’ve seen crazier things than a magical dream tree.

As the faint moonlight bathed the infirmary, Adrian leaned against the wall, his leather jacket draped over the back of a nearby chair.

Sevan sat cross-legged at the edge of Aiden’s bed, munching on a snack he had snuck in earlier.

Aiden sat up, his mind still restless from the lingering image of the tree in his dreams.

“So,” Adrian began, breaking the silence, “what’s bothering you now, aside from the tree?” “Huh?” “You still look restless.

Does your mind even shut off with all that thinking you’re doing?” Aiden hesitated before speaking.

“It’s about Emmeranne.” Adrian and Sevan exchanged a glance.

“What about her?” Sevan asked, raising a brow.

“She was with Morrigan and Amihan earlier today when they came to visit.” Aiden explained.

Adrian tilted his head, a smirk playing on his lips.

“You think she’s got a soft spot for you?” Aiden shot him a look.

“That’s not it.

It’s just… odd.

She’s always there when something happens.” “Maybe she has a crush on you.” Sevan shrugged, leaning back on his hands.

“Maybe she’s just observant.

Or coincidental.” Adrian’s eye glinted mischievously.

“Or maybe,” he said slowly, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone, “she’s a spy.” Sevan groaned, covering his face with his hands.

“Not this again, Adrian.

You can’t seriously think-” “Think about it!” Adrian interrupted, gesturing animatedly.

“She doesn’t have a surname, just like Aiden.

She keeps showing up at these critical moments.

What if she’s from another region?

Maybe she’s here for… I don’t know, reconnaissance or something.” Aiden frowned.

“That’s a stretch.” Adrian smirked.

“Is it?

You’re a Chase, Aiden.

Big name, big history.

Who’s to say she isn’t keeping an eye on you?” “Or,” Sevan cut in.

“she’s just a regular student who happens to be around.

You know who else doesn’t have a surname?

Amihan.

And Ivara.

Are they spies too?” Adrian paused, tapping his chin theatrically.

“Well, now that you mention it-” “Adrian,” Sevan said flatly, glaring at him.

Adrian laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender.

“Fine, fine.

I’m just saying, it’s suspicious.

Admit it.” Aiden sighed, leaning back against the headboard.

“I don’t know what to think.

It’s just… everything feels so off lately.” Sevan softened, patting Aiden’s arm.

“You’ve been through a lot, A.

Maybe it’s just your mind trying to piece things together.” Adrian, however, wasn’t quite ready to drop the topic.

“Or maybe there’s more going on than we realise.” “Or,” Sevan countered, “maybe you’ve been reading too many of those detective novels.” “I don’t read.” “Can you stop feeding Aiden with your what if’s?

The guys already is having a hard time with everything going on.” Sevan hissed.