LUCY
I'm twenty-three today.
Unlike my previous birthday, where I ate a bento cake in a hollow, silent room, my friends are taking me to a club to celebrate. This follows a small lunch party held at the café, where I was even gifted by a couple of regulars.
It turns out I'm a favorite here. Who could have believed it?
And honestly, I'm excited. It's a strange thing to feel these days, especially when my dreams and waking thoughts have been filled with unexplainable nightmares that have plagued me for two weeks now.
I inhale deeply, trying to push the rising images away, and refocus on the dress I picked for the night.
It's a daring, emerald-green silk slip dress—a gift from Amara. Against my blonde hair and pale skin, the color pops, the hem hitting just mid-thigh.
Is it surprising, considering how bold that woman is? Not at all.
I sigh, a smile of fondness slithering across my lips as I lift the gown from the bed. Harlen had mentioned in passing that we might stay out all night, considering the college is on break. A long, celebratory night.
Moments later, I'm standing before the full-length mirror, putting the finishing touches on my makeup. I try not to let my expression sadden; it's been almost two years since I left my home.
Despite being happy that I've remained unfound, I can't help but wonder how they are faring under the rule of someone as wicked as Doyle and Mina. I wonder about my parents.
Suddenly, I realize there is a faint shift in the atmosphere.
I pause the motion of my brush. My hand stills as I lean back, my spine becoming ramrod straight. My entire nervous system begins to tingle—and not in a good way. I wait with bated breath as the air grows heavy, turning ugly and unreal.
Fear creeps up my spine, paralyzing me. I'm unable, or rather I don't want to even turn my head to see if someone is behind me.
It's the same feeling that accompanies the nightmares—the ones where I'm hunted through the woods by creatures with glowing red eyes. The ones that leave the taste of burnt ash on my tongue for the rest of the day.
My heart kicks up at the realization; fear makes my head roar and my feet feel like lead.
What if one of those creatures is actually here?
I shudder terribly, wishing I could disappear when I feel a presence solidify behind me. It's as if something has manifested from the very air, using the shadows as a medium for transportation.
My hands start to shake as the faint whirring in the room ceases, as if whatever is here no longer needs the silence interrupted.
"Lucy Seraphina Drakonia of Virelan…"
I shiver. There is my confirmation. I am not alone in the center of my bedroom. Something has appeared out of thin air.
I don't bother controlling my shaking limbs; instead, I concentrate on inhaling—even though my breath is shaky—to stop myself from fainting. I am really seconds away from collapsing to the floor in my fine gown.
I feel utterly exposed under a specific kind of scrutiny, the hairs on my arms and legs standing at attention. Whoever it is—a female, most likely, considering the voice is smooth and soft—knows my full name.
My ID in Zaden says "Lucy Drake," but this being has called out the entirety of my lineage.
"Please turn. I have a message for you."
A message? From whom? I don't turn.
My racing heart won't let me, and my mind is busy conjuring ghastly features for the monster behind me.
Yet, I feel an invisible force pressing against my right hand, physically pushing me to turn, rotating my body until I'm facing the center of the room. Any shriek or gasp I try to release is cut off by that same force. I can literally taste the fear. It is bitter, metallic.
But none of this prepares me for the sight of the intruder. My eyes widen, my mouth falling open.
"You…"
The woman smiles. She actually smiles.
"You…" I repeat foolishly.
She looks to be about sixty, though she radiates a strange, healthy vitality. Her full head of white hair is thick and wild, and she is dressed like a gypsy—layers of colorful, woven fabrics, beaded necklaces that clink softly, and embroidered shawls that seem to shift color in the light.
This is the old woman I met at the boundary of Zaden, the one who sold hot buns and told me to go to the café to find a place to stay.
"I see you recognize me."
Surprise, surprise. I watch as she strolls to the armchair in the corner of my room and sits down.
Well, go on ahead—you clearly don't need my permission. I roll my eyes, feeling the paralyzing fear finally start to abate.
"For my first appearance, I needed to intervene in some way, to make your easing into the life you wished for quite easy, even though…" her brows furrow. "Human life is not for you."
I frown at that. "What do you mean? I'm enjoying my stay here."
She sighs as if my words are a mere inconvenience. "Most times, what you wish and what the gods want are different things."
Don't I know that better than anyone? But I want this. I want to stay in this human town.
"You say you have a message…" I cut straight to the point, just as my phone's ringtone shatters the quiet. I try to compartmentalize the fact that I'm talking to a phantom—perceiving the air, I guess that's what she is. I know this isn't her true face.
"Yes. Don't go to the club tonight. As a matter of fact, don't leave your house for a week or thereabouts. That should do the trick."
My frown deepens. "What are you talking about?"
She stands up. "What I just said."
I scowl. I've read that beings like this can be vague, but what the fuck is this? "I can't stay indoors for a week! I have work—"
She looks at me as if I'm crazy for even mentioning work. "That doesn't matter in the scheme of things. You have to stay indoors if you want to remain hidden. Safe."
My phone starts to ring again. It must be my friends. I panic, watching as her form begins to turn translucent right before my eyes.
"Who are you?! Why are you doing this? Why do I need to be kept safe? Why can't I stay in Zaden? Give me answers!"
But she only smirks. The woman actually smirks at me.
"Just stick to my instructions and you will be fine. Maybe we can talk another time."
And then, she is gone. Even the oppressive atmosphere vanishes with her, and once again, I'm alone in my room.
"What in the fiery furnace is…"
Loud knocks at my door cut me off. My friends are here.
I swallow hard, looking around my empty room and then at my reflection in the mirror.
What shall I do?