The Stars of My Heart [Completed]

Chapter Eight

   I awake the next morning feeling fully rested. The moon peeks though my window, a hint of light in the darkness. I put on a soft shirt and stretchy pants for my run with Axil this morning.

The routine reminds me of Flesherg. I tie my shoes tight. For once, not to sneak around alleyways or lurk in the shadows of the night, but instead, do something on my own without Damian breathing down my neck.

I am still undecided. I don't have many days left. For some reason I can't shake a guilt feeling from me. I should be able to decide what to do, yet the feeling of being stuck clouds my vision. A glint of hope shines though. A stupid hope that one day I will wake up, and this will be my real job. That I am actually someone, not just a targeted shadow. Hope that one day I can live like anyone else, and I will finally not just be free but feel free.

I tie my hair in a braid, feeling the weight of it on my back. I feel so heavy. Yes or no. Steal or flee. Succeed... or die.

I slide on a jacket, the crisp air seeping through my window. The cool air excites me, filling my lungs with a fresh breeze.

I tiptoe down the stairs in my sneakers, careful not to wake anyone up. The halls are still dark, only the faint glow of the moon illuminating my path. At that moment, something shakes my judgment. A bright light peers into the hall, from what was a closed door. Now open, I see a shadow of a silhouette. The light turns off, only the sound of the door closing ever so slightly.

I hold my breath, peering at whom it may be. It is hard to make out, the suspect not even making a sound on the tile. The shadow starts to take off into a hurried skip, long curled hair swishing with the movements. Lucy.

This hall is not filled with bedrooms. I remember Axil walking me through this hall, explaining all the rooms filled with different activities such as the sparring room connected to the archery room filled with different targets, the study room, and finally the dining room. But there seems to be one more. Another room that Axil had kept from me. Curious, I step into the room she left. Turning the knob, a sliver of light comes out into the hallway. I slip in, so no one sees me. The sight almost takes my breath away.

Hanging on the wall is a giant tapestry. Small stitches weave in and out of the fabric, colors I've never seen before making an incredible scene. I stare at it a little longer, my mouth hanging open.

The tapestry is of a dragon flying overhead the kingdom, a night sky in the background with stars sparkling like tiny crystals. But what catches my gaze and makes me stop is not the colors or shimmer of tinsel, it's those green reptilian eyes. They seem so lifelike, telling an entire story without speaking one word.

Did she work on this all night? It's gorgeous. I wish not to but I back my way out of the room, eyes still glued to the dragon. Dazed, I make my way to the common area. I had told Axil I would meet him here whenever he was ready. I close my eyes for a brief moment on those soft velvet sofa. Those same eyes from the tapestry stare at me, they look at me in a way that makes me feel translucent. Unable to hide, like it can sense my beating heart that is slowly getting faster or the sweat accumulation on my forehead. Goosebumps run up and down my arms and legs.

"Zaria?"

I startle awake, at first confused where I am, and how I am back to reality from a dream that was not quite fake.

"Oh, it's you," I sigh, relaxing my shoulders.

"Are you ready?" Looking down at my clothing, the memories of early this morning play in my mind. The routine I had awoken for, to make sure I was down here early enough. Crossing his arms over his chest, he continues, "If you're too tired, we can do this another time."