The Last Hunter

Chapter 10- Lies

As I fell asleep, I felt as if someone was pulling me out of bed and across the forest. I opened my eyes  and looked around. I was in Devan's body, looking around his bedroom. He was sitting in a cot, panting. Something seemed to have woken him up, or maybe I had.

I looked around. People were laying on the ground in cots, some hanging in hammocks. Devan stood up. I wondered if he could see me again, like last time. I willed my consciousness out of his body, and into the air around him.

I glanced at him. He looked tired, weary, and almost pitiable. I stared at him, imagining him years younger, and years happier.

"He deserves better," I whispered.

His eyes shot up, darting around the room, looking for a threat, looking for my voice.

"Who's there?" he said, quietly, but with sharpness. He looked around the room, and shook his head. "I must be going crazy," he muttered.

I felt a knot in my stomach. This was my fault. I was driving him crazy. I decided to partially reveal myself, but not by name.

"It's me," I said, "You know me. I watch out for you."

He jumped slightly, his eyes still trying to find a person to go with the voice. "Who are you?" he asked, slightly softer. "And where are you?"

I paused, not sure what to say. "I'm, in your head right now. I'm....uh....sleeping."

His eyebrows furrowed. "Why are you sleeping?"

I racked my head for ideas. My only thought: don't blow your cover!    "I was injured, and put down. They thought I was dead, but I'm not. I'm at a safe house." That was mostly true. "I contacted you to give you guidance in your life, as my critical condition will not allow me to move at the moment."

"So, you're acting as a....conscience?"

I smiled in my sleep. "Yep. Whenever you need me, think hard. I'll help you."

He started to smile. I choked back a sob. I hadn't seen him smile—actually smile—in years.

"What's your name?"

I paused to think. Maybe..... "You can call me Delphia." I smiled. That name meant sister.

"Okay. I'll ask you questions when I need to, Delphia."

"Right now, you should sleep. I'll talk to you in the morning."

He nodded, then lay down in the cot, falling asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow. I looked at him. In his sleep, he looked so peaceful. As he deepened in sleep, I faded away into darkness. I dreamed of only darkness for the rest of the night.

* * * * *

"Hey, Artemis! Wake up!"

I opened my eyes. Zabrina was sitting by me, shaking me awake.

I rubbed my eyes, sitting up. I was on the floor again. "What do you need?"

"You were talking in your sleep. And you sat up, and walked off the top bunk. You woke me up; I'm surprised you didn't wake up. I almost thought you were dead, then I realized you still had a heartbeat."

I laughed. "I'm definitely not dead."

She smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, I know. Hey, did you change your name?"

I frowned. "What?" Then I realized I'd been talking in my sleep. "Oh, yeah. Delphia. So my brother..." I explained how I'd been talking to my brother.

"Wow, you really have weird dreams."

I decided to get dressed. I borrowed a pair of pants from Zabrina, along with a jean jacket and camo shirt. I showered and put on my clothes. As soon as I had put my clothes on, I heard something in my head.