The Girl of Shadows [COMPLETE]

Twenty

["Dream about me tonight. I need a place to rest my head. Dream of a dream of timeless romance; dream of a quest filled with adventure and courage. And when the wheel chimes at midnight, I'll met you there, in your dreams." -Elise]

The night passed so quickly that I barely even noticed. My eyes were focused on the continuous story I had propped up against my legs, attention fully undivided. I almost didn't notice Niko and Jesse get up to use the bathroom. Some would say that's unhealthy, but I'd like to beg to differ.

Many of the pages were blurred because of a recurring song that played in my head. I couldn't recall it, really, but the tune was lovely and haunting. It was the way I liked my music, even if I didn't listen to it much at all.

Niko stirred numerously, grunting as he switched to his left or right side, feeling the ache of pain that shot through your body when you slept on it wrong. The thing about him was that he was a constant sleep talker, but this trip has stopped the amusing things he'd say every night. I guess since he's in an unfamiliar place, he doesn't seem to think it's necessary.

"No, not the Mauve..." Niko whispered, eyes shut like glue was applied. I whipped my head to his direction at the sudden speaking, but relaxed as I realized that was his normal. I softly chuckled but then processed exactly what he said.

Mauve? As in the Mauve Talisman? What was so important about that one that he mentioned it in a dream? I was beyond confused, though he was just asleep.

I eventually made my way back to my novel, searching for where I'd left off. Ah, right, the last paragraph of page 212. I knew where I was at last.

Another murmur was spoken by Niko. "Give it back."

My heart raced, and I checked the nightstand for anything he'd left there that he might be talking about. Nothing there except a provided notepad, my phone, and my bookmark. Jesse's phone was there too as well as his medicine and bottle of water.

I shook it off whispering to myself, "He's just dreaming, remember that.."

Moments passed, making me hear the faint footsteps of the people above us and the chirping crickets setting the mood outside.I felt so out of place for some reason. In and out of hotels, been away from my house for two weeks in total, and having no sense of home anywhere. Even in this precious quiet, I didn't feel like I belonged on Earth - almost like that dream was telling me something.

It wasn't a dream, nevertheless, it was more of a premonition, but I saw what it meant now. What fate had in store for me. Was my destiny to rule over Earth's departed souls? Even if it was, no matter how depressing or lonely, thinking about it made me feel something. Something other than fear and fake confidence - more than nothing.

Just picturing myself in that dress put a smile on my face. I looked like a moron from the outside, but on the inside, it felt like colors blooming in a black and white world. Where I felt something real.

Jesse sat up, panting his lungs out. He was sweating and had bulging eyes. His hand was on his hair, moving the golden pieces up to keep it out of the way of forthcoming sweat. He glanced at me and we made eye contact. He calmed down shortly after that encounter.

"You good?" I mumbled, raising a brow. He nodded and laid back down onto his back, eying the distant ceiling we'd been protected by. I could tell he needed to cry, but he kept himself intact. It took a lot of strength to just stay composed instead of an inevitable breakdown. Then again, men did believe that shedding emotional tears was a taboo.