Chapter 12

Stellan felt himself plunging into an abyss, his body sinking further each second. Suddenly, a faint light flickered in front of him. It grew brighter until it revealed a raging fire. Within the flames stood a familiar figure, bloodied and clutching a child. It was Celine! She met his gaze, her smile tinged with sorrow. "Celine! Celine!" Stellan shouted, desperately reaching for her, but an unseen force held him back. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get any closer. Helpless, he could only watch as Celine, still clutching the child, stepped further into the fire, her figure slowly disappearing into the flames. "No… Don't go… Please!" Stellan's eyes snapped open. He gasped for air, his body drenched in cold sweat. Terrified, he looked around and realized that he was lying in a hospital bed. It had all been a nightmare. Yet, the dream felt so real that his heart still pounded with lingering fear. He raised his hand and stared at the bandages wrapping his arm, still stain