Nightmare Game
Copyright© 2025 by CaffeinatedTales
Chapter 97
Wesley blinked, dazed. Moments ago, he’d been in the clash between the white and black Spiders, blinded by light.
Now, he stood on an endless grassland, a vast emerald carpet stretching to meet a sapphire sky.
A breeze rippled the grass, whispering like waves.
Where was this?
A sudden gust roared overhead, nearly toppling his hefty frame.
Squinting skyward, he saw a shadow blanket the grass.
A massive creature dove, landing with a piercing cry.
Wesley steadied himself, awestruck.
An eagle, seven or eight meters tall, stood before him, its brown feathers flecked with white and gold.
Its golden eyes, sharp and regal, seemed to pierce his soul, exposing every flaw.
It studied him, as if weighing his essence.
Wesley swallowed hard but met its gaze, resolute. Weaver’s Hollow had forged him; he’d shed the coward who fled from trouble.
Oddly, he sensed no hostility, only scrutiny.
They locked eyes, the breeze their only companion.
After a long moment, the eagle’s gaze softened, approving. “Human, you’ve proven your worth, breaking the chains of cowardice, earning the trait of freedom.”
“Young fledgling, I grant you the Eagle’s Blessing. May you one day soar unbound in the vast sky.”
...
Hazel stared, bewildered, at a serene beach.
A giant sea turtle emerged from the waves, lumbering toward her.
It moved sluggishly, yawning, eyes cloudy, as if half-asleep.
“You,” it drawled, “hide your heart, yet sacrifice for others. You bear the trait of guardianship.”
“I grant you the Turtle’s Blessing. Never forget your duty as a protector. I look forward to your future.”
...
In a lush valley, Bennett’s heart jolted, a familiar scene unfolding.
A golden-maned lion, majestic, stepped from the trees.
“Frankly, I was disappointed at first,” the lion said, its gaze cutting.
Bennett felt the stare like a physical blow, his face paling under the pressure, but he stood firm, silent.
“You didn’t fully embody a leader, but you protected your pack. Decent enough.”
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