Half-asleep, I felt it first before I understood it.
A weight in the room. Heavy. Watchful.
It felt like something from deep woods territory silent, patient, waiting for the right moment to move. My body reacted before my mind did. A chill slid down my spine, sharp and cold.
I tried to open my eyes.
They wouldn't move.
I was stuck between dreaming and waking, unable to fight or flee. My heartbeat slowed, then quickened, responding to a presence that felt far too real to be imagined.
It came closer.
Warm breath brushed the shell of my ear. Not threatening. Not gentle either. Just… certain.
Then a low voice murmured, close enough that I felt it in my bones.
"Elena… when will you finally love me?"
The words jolted through me.
Love?
Who was asking for that?
My chest tightened, but no answer came. My mouth wouldn't move. My instincts screamed, but my body stayed still.
