Once again, it was dark. Once again, I was nothing.
It was dark, but there was sound, and unlike last time, it was much clearer.
They were arguing.
No, they were shouting at someone, as if one of them had done something wrong.
To make out what they were saying, that was too much for me. Angry as they were, it felt like they were not speaking in any known language. It sounded more like the very world was being shattered through their words.
If there was ever any doubt, this cleared it. I don't know what my curse is, but I know They have something to do with it.
"Was that really you, Ayanda? You knew what I wanted most in this world, yet you took it away from me. Was that really your plan all along?"
"No, I already know the answer. You've given me a hint, right? You wouldn't have stayed there for me to look you in the eyes otherwise."
I had been going in circles for so long, I'd forgotten who I was really fighting. Finally, it was coming back to me.
The more I remembered, the more my body started taking shape. My hearing became clearer, and I regained some of my body. I felt cold. I was still far away, but at least now I knew.
I knew I had to get to Them. My fight was with the gods, and I've never before been closer to Them.
Yet, now that I could feel the drift of time, I understood that I couldn't stay here for long, wherever 'here' is. I could feel myself being pulled away, the voices getting further away with each passing moment.
"No. Don't you dare forget it!"
If there was one thing I was not allowed to forget, it was the magic I had learned, for it was with that magic that I would reach the gods. It was by becoming a representative that I could face Them.
That's why I kept repeating everything in my head even as I awoke in a new life. Memories of this life and the past ones started mixing. I was now in Fjordheim. It was a bad start, I was already drawing my last breath in the cold water. If this life was to end already, the challenge of remembering my destiny would be even more troublesome.
Even so I kept repeating everything I knew in my mind, until a cold hand forcefully opened my eyes, and I saw my new, strong fingers gripping her jaw.
It was because of that cold hand, and everything that took place after, that some of my memories slipped away. It was because of her, who shouldn't had been there, that I forgot why I was fighting Them.
"Giulia?"