-Selene-
It felt like I’d been punched in the stomach. I opened my eyes and coughed violently, struggling to expel any remaining water from my lungs and gasp for air. My stomach and back tightened in the aftermath, and for a moment, it seemed like the discomfort would never end.
I lay back down, focusing on my breathing—inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. My eyes were half-closed as I slowly regained my strength. It was then I noticed my hands were touching something soft.
I turned my head and opened my eyes fully to see my right hand clutching a white, plush mattress. What was happening? I looked around and saw the dark forest had vanished, replaced by walls of soft blue and dark marble. Tall white columns reached from floor to ceiling, adorned with intricate figures reminiscent of those
