When The Sun Fades

Hazel Eyes

Knock! Knock! Knock

The sound echoed through the dimly lit hallway, sharp against the backdrop of raindrops tapping rhythmically against the windowpanes. Bas's heart raced, a flutter of adrenaline coursing through him as he sprinted down the creaky wooden stairs, the worn steps groaning under his weight.

When he flung open the heavy front door, a chill gust swept in, carrying with it the earthy scent of rain-soaked soil and the faint whispers of the wind through the trees. Confusion washed over him as he scanned the dreary landscape, noticing only the gentle sway of the nearby trees shrouded in a misty veil. No one stood at his doorstep, just a wooden box resting on the welcome mat like a forgotten treasure.

Beneath the dark gray sky, he leaned down, heart thudding with anticipation. The box, weathered and worn, bore intricate carvings that hinted at stories untold. Beside it lay a piece of paper, damp from the rain, its edges curling like fragile leaves. He picked it up, unwinding it carefully, as if it were a secret meant only for him.

For Bas

Welcome to the RedGreen forest

One day, I will officially introduce myself.

For now, I'm just watching over you from a distance

Hazel eyes

Bas's breath caught in his throat. The words sent a shiver of recognition through him, igniting memories of a figure who always appeared in his dreams—a man with enchanting hazel eyes, both familiar and elusive.

In a flurry of emotion, he opened the box—a moment of revelation. Inside, nestled like a hidden gem among soft velvet, was a blessing jar, glistening like dew amid the early morning light. Its smooth surface reflected the gray skies, each inch whispering promises of hope and future encounters. A smile unfurled on his lips, warmth flooding his chest as flickers of excitement danced within him.

But as he closed the door against the deluge of rain that was beginning to fall again, a heavy weight of unease sank in. Driven by an inexplicable sense of being observed, he hesitated before reopening the door, heart pounding like the relentless rain against the roof.

Through the downpour, he squinted into the obscured shapes lurking in the shadows—figures cloaked by mist and rain, their outlines shifting like mirages in the storm. Anxiety gripped his throat, a tension pulsating in the cold, damp air.

"Who exactly is always watching over me? Is it the owner of those hazel eyes?" he whispered, fear and intrigue blending in his voice as he gently rolled up the greeting card. He placed it into the blessing jar, a sacred offering, sealing a promise, or a hopeful wish that perhaps fate would entwine their paths.

“Hopefully, this is a good start for me to meet you one day,” he murmured softly, gazing out into the rain-smeared world, hopeful yet apprehensive. The distant rumble of thunder seemed to echo his thoughts as he held the jar tightly, its weight a reminder that this was just the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

With the rain tapping a melody against the night and the blessing jar glowing softly in his hands, Bas felt a pull toward the unknown, the RedGreen forest beckoning him like a siren's call.

***

Bas was jolted awake when the clock rang, its harsh chime cutting through the silence of the dim room. Confusion clouded his mind as he sat up; he had forgotten that he was no longer in the Alarick residence. The unfamiliar surroundings seemed to shadow him, the soft glow of moonlight filtering through sheer curtains casting eerie patterns on the walls. He could feel it—an unsettling difference in the nighttime atmosphere. It felt heavy, filled with an invisible energy that sent shivers down his spine.