Alara

I think I might be sick. The air here feels heavy and unfamiliar, like a deep sigh that hangs in the atmosphere, unreleased. Stepping out into the streets, I clutch the book I stumbled upon tightly under my arm, finding solace in its tangible presence.

There are more people out here now. I don't know why. A loud voice calls out over the city, in the same unfamiliar language.

I had say inside that store, half staring at the unconscious man and half trying to figure out the book I have in my possession. It spoke of a society governed by equality—where everyone dresses alike, resides in identical houses, and receives equal salaries. The concept leaves me yearning for a broader understanding of the world. It makes me miss Zayen. Since he grew up in the palace, he might possess insight into my location based on the information within this book. Yet, unlike him, I lack a formal education.

In simpler terms, I feel utterly foolish and out of place, like an ill-fitting thread amidst an intricate tapestry.

As I wonder the streets, the vibrant energy that now floods along with the waves of people, who all seem to be going to the same place, I trip over the stream of water that cuts through the streets, separating the road from the sidewalk. My foot is immediately soaked and I leg out a frustrated groan. Why is this even here?

A little farther along the road, a peculiar creature resembling a fish glides gracefully through the stream. Its creamy hue, adorned with brown stripes, and its ethereal, string-like tail add to its otherworldly aura. Wow, I am so glad to have refrained from drinking the water, for nothing within the book's pages mentioned the existence of these creatures.

Even the strange crab-thing from before. I may have seen a tiny crab on the beach once, long ago. My dad had an obsession with the ocean, from what I can remember.

But it had never been anything like the one I'd seen earlier.

The presence of this strange things only serves to further alienate me from the familiarity of home, amplifying the longing for my mother.

It feels like I am a puppet on strings, but the strings are being pulled in different directions and it's starting to rip me apart from inside.

Nestled between two pristine, white buildings, I stumble upon a small, cascading fountain. Its centerpiece, an astonishing sculpture of an open book, is unexpected. Usually men like to carve themselves onto fountains; I've never seen a book  being placed with such importance before.

The fountain's water dances and twirls, cascading in delicate ribbons that release the faintest mist. The sensation of these droplets upon my skin rejuvenates and invigorates, offering a momentary respite from the unpredictable journey I am constantly forced to follow. The rhythmic splashing of water allows me to breathe and think better.

Carefully, I position myself to remain hidden from prying eyes, and sit to read.

As I delve back into the pages, each turn reveals more fragments of a broken puzzle. For all its revelations, it only deepens my curiosity.

There is something that occurs here called the Night Trials—a sort of competition where the people here work to complete different tests and trials.

My heart quickens with a blend of anticipation and trepidation. Where would I even begin? The weight of uncertainty hangs heavily upon my shoulders, my fingers lingering on the worn pages, eager to unearth the answers hidden within.

Maybe my education wasn't so bad after all. I am grateful for the fundamental skills I have acquired—reading, swimming, and the ability to navigate the basics of life. It has gotten me this far.

With each turn of the page, I unravel about the existence of the Night Trials. Apparently, it is a renowned competition where the winner of the trials is granted a wish. Does that mean that I . . . Is this the stone that the Hakeem wants? A wish granter.

A rush of thoughts floods my mind as I contemplate where to begin. Maybe I do have a chance of getting out of here.

Before I can organize my thoughts, rough hands seize me, abruptly lifting me to my feet and confining me in their grip. A surge of fear and panic courses through my veins, yet the weariness that engulfs me numbs my will to resist. At this point, I will give in to whatever fate awaits me—be it confinement in a dark room or living solely on peanuts.

I don't like peanuts.

In front of me, a familiar figure emerges from around the corner. It's Akilah. Despite her being a liar and a traitor, a sense of relief washes over me upon seeing her. She has the answers to everything I want to know.

"Akilah," I exclaim, a mix of gratitude and surprise tinging my words. The tension in my chest dissipates, a burden lifted. "Thank goodness," I mutter to myself, acknowledging the unanticipated relief her presence brings.

A sly smile graces Akilah's face as she raises an eyebrow. "Never thought I'd hear that coming from you," she quips, her voice a surprisingly soothing balm to my ears.

Understanding her words feels like a comforting embrace. "Me neither," I reply, grinning.

I can't help the happiness that I feel, like honey filling my veins.

Her subtle nod prompts the men to release their hold on me, although they remain nearby, vigilant and ready to heed Akilah's command. There's no time to wonder what kind of position and power she must hold here, to have guards at her back and call. All I want to know is—"Where am I?" My voice is laced with equal parts curiosity and desperation.

A burst of laughter escapes Akilah's lips, causing her eyes to crinkle at the edges. She gathers her braided hair to one side and gazes towards the road. "That's a tough question to answer," she replies cryptically. "Let's return to your quarters. Take a shower, calm down, and then we can talk."

Calm down? The words evoke an urge to cry, an overwhelming weariness at the unpredictability of where I am. I yearn for familiarity, for a sense of consistency, yet my options remain limited. Seeking answers has proven treacherous in the past, leaving my heart tightening.

Maybe I don't want to know the answer. I had never considered that.

"Fine," I give in, my voice laden with resignation.

She nods slowly, an air of elegance emanating from her. I notice that she now wears the same white attire as everyone else. The same one I was shoved in after a being scrubbed by that strange lady. It seems that being a part of this world demands conformity.

"Tell the guards when you are ready. They won't understand you, so just give them a thumbs up, and they will lead you to me," Akilah instructs before leaving.

I nod, but my focus remains on the room. It's the same one I escaped from earlier—an unassuming space with a single curtained bed and simple drawers. Nothing like the palaces from before.

The bed is inviting, and the weariness that engulfs me reminds me that I can't recall the last time I had a proper rest.

Exhaustion weighs heavy on my eyelids, and the strain of holding back tears only adds to my fatigue.

Turning on the shower, the sounds of the water manage to remove the negative, restless feelings bubbling inside me.

The shower itself is quite beautiful—an open design, unlike anything I thought could exist. In Wadi, my mother and I would use buckets and a cloth for our baths. Even in the grand palaces, I hadn't seen this.

Stepping into the cascading water, I feel it permeate every inch of my being. My eyes close instinctively, and the warmth and privacy offered by the shower embrace me. A bar of soap rests on a small ledge built into the corner of the walls. I glide the soft bar over my body, relishing the way it lathers and cleanses me.

This. It feels like being enveloped in a hug—something I have not felt in a long time. It makes me miss Zayen; his strong arms and grounding smile. The warm, spicy scent he carried.

I hope he is okay.

Once I finish bathing, and changing, I pull open the door to my room. Both guards stationed outside turn their gaze toward me, their posture rigid and harsh.

I give them a thumbs up.

I'm ready—even with knots twisting in my stomach—to get some real answers. Finally.

~~*~~

What are you grateful for today?

I visited a place today that gave me so much inspiration. It sometimes amazes (and terrifies) me, to see what people are capable of doing.

T w i t t e r : xPineappleGirlx
I n s t a g r a m : laylaawrites
Y o u t u b e : xThePineappleGirlx

Lots of love and jelly tots - xThePineappleGirlx