The Tales Of Sasha Silver (gxg)

Chapter 5

"Sas—hey, Sas—WAKE UP!"

I snapped my eyes open at the harsh sound of the voice. My head felt heavy, and my vision blurred as I fought to shake off the fog of sleep. When my eyes finally focused, I realized I was lying in a bed. What happened? Where was I?

"Six," I whispered hoarsely. Panic crawled up my spine. Where the hell was he?

I pushed myself up, groaning as my back popped from the effort. The satchel was sitting at the foot of the bed. I grabbed it quickly, fingers fumbling as I opened it and reached inside. My hand found the soft, cool surface of the fountain plant nestled inside—Ginny. "Hey, Ginny," I whispered, giving her a gentle shake. Ginny responded with a soft, melodic hum as a stream of fresh, cool water poured from her leaves. I drank deeply, feeling the liquid surge through me, clearing my head and energizing me.

My gaze swept the room, and I couldn't help but gasp. The place was luxurious. The floors gleamed like polished gold, reflecting the soft, ethereal glow of flower-shaped lights that cascaded across the ceiling. And the bed... God, the bed was so damned comfortable. I nearly gave in to the temptation to sink back into its softness, but no. Focus.

I pushed the thought away. Gotta find Six.

But first, I needed a weapons check. I patted my waist, my arms, and the inner lining of my shirt. One, two, three... nine knives?

Shit.

I quickly recounted. Yeah, one was definitely missing.

Where the hell could it have gone? Panic flared up again, but I shoved it down. Stay calm. I had to think. Where had I been? What had happened?

I shot a quick glance around the room, but there was no sign of Six. I couldn't wait any longer. I needed answers—and I needed to find my missing knife.

I dashed for the nearest door, yanked it open—and was immediately met with the sight of a bathroom. My shoulders sagged in frustration.

Sigh.

No time for that. I turned to the other door and cautiously eased it open. The hallway beyond stretched out in both directions, vast and empty, dimly lit by more of those weird flower lights.

I slipped my knives from their holsters, one in each hand, ready for whatever came next. My pulse was racing now. Left or right? Which way would lead me to Six?

I paused, listening carefully to the sounds echoing in the hallway. My heightened sense of hearing sharpened the noise at both ends, but it was the distinct hissing sound coming from the left that made my pulse quicken. Six. I could tell by the panic in the noise that something was wrong. He was in distress.

Without thinking, I bolted toward the sound. As I ran, something on the wall caught my eye—a painting. I slowed down just enough to take a look, my breath catching in my throat. It was me. Or... her. The original occupant of this body, I realized. The woman in the painting—who is she?

"Hiss!" The sound came again, this time more urgent.

I shook my head, forcing myself back on track. No time for questions. Six needed me.

I sprinted, my footsteps pounding in the corridor, until I finally spotted a large door just a few feet ahead. Without hesitation, I threw it open, yelling, "Six! Get behind me! I won't let you become a doormat!"

I expected to see danger, something threatening—but instead, I was met with a burst of loud, almost manic laughter. Confused, I turned my gaze to the source of the noise.

On the floor, a person with scaly skin was practically convulsing with laughter.

What the hell?

"Ahahaha! You thought I was harming your friend?" they managed between gasps for air.