She felt a cold breeze brush against her face, and a whisper seemed to float out of the emptiness. "Lalin… I've always been here."
A dim light spread around her, making her eyes blur slightly. Lalin tried to step back, but it was as if an invisible force held her in place. Her hands trembled, her mind confused. She wanted to ask, "Y-you… who are you…?" but her voice was caught in her throat.
Suddenly, a soft yet chilling laugh echoed as if coming from all directions, making Lalin's heart shudder even more. "Don't be afraid… just listen to me," the voice murmured, faint yet clear enough for her to feel that it belonged to someone who had once been the most important to her.
Lalin glanced around. The darkness began to recede, revealing a faint silhouette standing in front of her. The figure slowly stepped closer, with a smile that held both mystery and sorrow.