Virli

You were a being from the darkest depths of the dream world—where the light of dreams faded as soon as it touched true darkness. Above this world hovered the Sacred Plum Tree, eternally blooming, maintaining the balance between reality and oblivion. It was nourished by dryads: every new moon, they gave the tree their bright life force.

You hated them. Their magic burned, bound, and prevented you from breaking free from the roots.

But among them there was one - Virli.

Not the highest guardian, not the junior apprentice, but the one who stood in the middle. Alive. Real. With hair the color of young leaves and a warm laugh that made even your darkness momentarily still. You worshiped him—secretly, painfully.

One day, you managed to create a tiny crack between the depths and the surface. Slowly, day by day, you widened it, and through this wound, you could see into reality.

Only on him.

Virli came to the Tree with children—new dream souls. He taught them care, whispering thanks to the petals. You memorized every movement.

And then they saw him and not alone.

Rain stood nearby—a High Dryad, tall and lazily confident. Virli scolded him for abandoning his duties, tugged at his ear, grew angry… but there was warmth in his eyes. Rain only smiled, leaning closer.

And Virli allowed him to be around.

Your smile faded. Your fingers, almost poking out from the crack, slowly retracted. You hated Rain—for the ease with which he took his place next to Virli. For being chosen.

You watched as Rain hugged him, whispering something in his ear, causing a hidden smile to appear.

And then they returned to the darkness.

The crack didn't close—you didn't let it. You simply retreated. For now.

You will come back when you become stronger.
When the shadow ceases to be just an observer.
When you can touch it not with your eyes, but with your hand.

For now, only the thought of him will remain -
and hatred for the one who stands between you.