Describe a dream? A reflection of our hidden desires, anxieties, hopes or maybe... a door. A portal to a realm beyond what the conscious world ever ventured to reach. Dreaming provided Steven with a means of escape from reality. He had spent years confined to bed. All of his possessions were taken away by a rare, fatal sickness, leaving him a mere shell. The doctors were long since discouraged. Friends stopped coming to visit. His father also seemed to have lost the ability to speak, as if words had abandoned him. Steven closed his eyes... An imaginary sky was reflected by still waters as clear as gleaming glass. He and his reflection alone in this enormous space. As he stumbled forward, the water roiled around his bare feet. He saw his reflection, a young man with almond-shaped eyes. Silky bronze skin and sharp cheekbones. Black with copper undertones, his hair curled slightly at the tips. In a whisper, he said. "This cannot be real. Am I dead?" A dark sphere was dangli

After a brief hesitation, Steven stepped over the last step and sank into the throne of kings.He felt weak.He had the impression that all the kings before him were watching him.Ascot lowered his gaze. "Keep this sensation in mind that there is no reward in the throne because it is a chore."Steven took some time to respond. He was too preoccupied attempting to suppress the unexpected, overwhelming feelings that were about to come out. Ascot waved his hand sharply to interrupt him. "Steven, you can never escape your past. It will come after you and try to engulf you if you lack the knowledge to defend yourself."Like lashes on his skin, the words hurt. They were true, though. The harsh truth of the guy he had been was palpable to Steven.The prince, once so full of promise, is now weak and self-destructive.Steven stood suddenly, overcome with emotion. "Then instruct me, assist m

The droning DREAM machine and the weak light of monitors showing a young man's vital signs. A pale body lay motionless within the translucent pod, his upper body moving up and down with deliberate breaths. Two people were standing close by, their faces illuminated by the monitors' flicker. Justin, Steven's father was at the bedside and the other was the chief medical officer, Dr. Adeyemi, who was in charge of Steven's health as well as the machine. "It is amazing," the doctor muttered faintly. "We weren't prepared for the level of integration with his physiology. His vitals are steady, which is much better than anyone could have anticipated for a guy with his condition. Justin clasped and murmured slowly. "How much time can this go on? How much longer is the DREAM able to suspend him in this manner?" Silently, Dr. Adeyemi said as she looked over the readings. "Weeks, maybe even months. The machine anchors his consciousness inside the simulatio

A blood-soaked, bare-chested man barked at his men. "Cowards, get up and fight." Steven moved forward with his sword ready. "Who is he?" He saw Twyford beside him, breathing heavily. "He is called Murdac, one of the five captains. He fought in border conflicts before going missing five years ago." Murdac gave a loud roar. "Come, die like the others!" Calmly, Steven raised a hand to stop his men and said, "Hold." He spoke in a clear voice. "Twyford. Do you recall that you said two strikes?" Twyford let out a sigh. "Yes, I did." Steven nodded a little. "Show it." Twyford walked onward toward the captain of the bandits. Murdac gave a mocking grin. "Are you sending your dog to confront me?" Twyford gave a smile. "The blade that cuts at his command is me." Murdac took a defensive stance, forcing Twyford to take a step back.

After examining him for far too long, the guard vanished into the estate.The gate moaned open after a few minutes.Baron Atkins sat in the hall in a chair that looked like a throne. Each finger had a ring. A plump goblet of wine remained unopened, quivering a little as he moved around in his chair.Atkins said, feigning laughter. "Has House Talvace really dropped this low? Mercenaries are now coming and demanding people." Steven did not bow or make any small talk. He just moved forward and met his gaze. "I am here to see Rosina Talvace released, the young lady that you locked away."Laughing, the Baron said. "Her family owes me more money than you or individuals like you could ever imagine."Steven curled his mouth a little. "Then your dreams might be too insignificant."The room became quiet.Baron Atkins giggled and leaned forward. "You have self-confidence, I find that appealin