Page 31 of Echoes of Eternity

“Maybe a little,” he admitted, winking.

Later that evening,after a long day at the studio, I found myself sprawled on my couch. With a sigh, I grabbed my laptop and decided to dive back into my search for the pendant’s origins. I felt a pull, as if it held answers I desperately needed.

I opened the browser and typed in keywords like “ancient Asian myths,” “cultural legends,” and “symbolism of pendants.” The screen filled with links, images, and articles, each one drawing me deeper into a world I hadn’t anticipated.

I skimmed through tales of gods and legendary creatures, the stories unfolded like intricate tapestries. There were tales of celestial beings descending to Earth, of ancient heroes fighting against dark forces, and of mythical creatures that could shape-shift and manipulate fate. Each legend seemed to resonate withsomething deep within me, stirring emotions I couldn’t quite place.

One story in particular caught my eye—an ancient legend about the Karura warriors, fire breathing bird-like deities known to feed on dragons. Good grief, I never knew anything could feed on dragons. They embodied strength and vigilance, recruited as guardians of something known as Eight classes.

Images of their statues and fan art interrupted my research, bringing back memories of the last large back piece I did for not-so-creepy-anymore Joel.

But time slipped away as I navigated through pages filled with vibrant illustrations and poetic prose. The dim light of my living room flickered while I lost myself in different ancient worlds, and as the hours passed, fatigue began to seep into my bones.

Eventually, my eyelids grew heavy, and I found myself leaning against the couch, the glow of the laptop illuminating the room like a beacon. The stories began to blur, the lines of text melting into a hazy dreamscape while I surrendered to sleep.

I awoke with a start, blinking against the bright screen of my laptop. It was still open, a cascade of tabs reflecting the weight of my nighttime exploration. The clock on the wall showed it was well past midnight. Rubbing my eyes, I realized I had dozed off, the laptop screen casting strange shadows on the walls.

A wave of embarrassment washed over me. “Really, Mae? What are we, back in high school staying up late doing homework?” I muttered, shaking my head. I closedthe laptop, the lingering images of mythical creatures swirling in my mind, their stories still beckoning me to uncover more. But for now, I had to acknowledge the exhaustion that had finally caught up with me.

I stood up, stretching out the tension in my muscles, and made my way to bed. The enchantment of the legends still clung to me, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was on the brink of something—something that might just connect the threads of my dreams to the reality of my waking life. Settling into bed, I wondered what awaited me on the other side of sleep.

The rest of the night to the early morning was a restless one. I tossed and turned, the images from my dreams intertwining with fragments of a past I couldn’t fully grasp. The darkness of my room was occasionally pierced by the flash of unsettling memories, their meanings obscure and troubling. In my dreams, I saw myself in another time—clad in traditional clothing from another country, surrounded by figures whose faces were both familiar and alien. I felt a profound sense of dread, as if I were trapped in a world that wasn’t my own, struggling to escape from an oppressive force.

…and the flames.

I jolted awake, my heart pounding and sweat clinging to my skin. The room was dark and silent, a stark contrast to the chaos of my dreams. I sat up in bed, gasping for breath, trying to make sense of the disorienting images that had plagued my sleep. The remnants of the nightmare lingered, leaving me with a sense of unease that refused to dissipate.

Dragging myself out of bed, I tried to shake off the lingering fear. Despite my efforts, the unsettling feeling followed me when I prepared for work after three cups of coffee. I couldn’t shake the disquiet that seemed to cling to me, making every routine task feel heavier than usual. The sense of familiarity and strangeness from my dreams remained, like a fog that obscured my usual clarity.

At the tattoo shop, the hustle and bustle of a busy day did little to distract me. I struggled to focus on the clients and their requests, the vague memories from my nightmare intruding on my thoughts. My hands moved mechanically, but my mind was miles away, tangled in the remnants of a past I couldn’t comprehend.

Chivonn, ever perceptive, noticed my distraction as she worked beside me. “Hey, Mae, you okay? You seem off today. You look like you’re about to pass out.”

I managed a weak smile, trying to brush off her concern. “I’m just tired, Chivonn. Didn’t sleep well.”

She didn’t look convinced, her eyes filled with genuine worry. “You don’t look well at all. Maybe you should head home early. I can handle things here, reschedule your appointments. You need to take care of yourself.”

I hesitated, but the concern in her voice and the nagging sense of exhaustion convinced me. “Alright, if you’re sure. Thanks, Chivonn. Let the boss know, okay? I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I left the shop, my mind still preoccupied with the fragments of my nightmare. The dreamlike haze followed me when I walked to my car, but I was abruptlyjolted out of my thoughts when I saw a familiar figure leaning against a sleek, black sports car parked nearby.

The sight of him made my stomach churn with a mix of anxiety and anger. He straightened up as he saw me, his eyes narrowing with a predatory glint.

“Mae,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with a dangerous edge. “You look like you’re having a rough day.”

I tried to keep my composure. “I don’t want to see you.”

His expression darkened, and he took a step closer. “I’ve been patient, but this is getting old. I’m not going to let you ignore me forever.”

I took a step back instinctively, my heart racing. “I’ve made it clear that I don’t want anything to do with you. Leave me alone.”

He grabbed my arm with a grip that was both firm and menacing as he jerked me closer to him and lowered his voice. “You think you can walk away and not face the consequences? If you don’t come back to me, I’ll make sure your family suffers. I know how much they mean to you. Don’t test me.”

Fear washed over me, my resolve faltering. “You wouldn’t?—”

He cut me off, his voice cold and unyielding as he gave me a wicked grin. “Try me. I’ll do whatever it takes to get you back.”

“Hey! Get your hands off her. Now,” Jake growled from behind me.

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