by Nicole Rae
The eerie tone in his voice began to sooth her. She knew his words were meant to be threatening, but watching him began to make her feel fuzzy. Try as she might, Emily’s resolve was evaporating and thoughts of bolting had faded.
His stare seemed to pulse with each word he spoke and she couldn't look away from crimson eyes. Though she knew she wanted to run, it wasn't going to happen, his gaze paralyzed her. Her feet remained locked to the cement with an extreme force, allowing the part of her that wanted to stay to take over.
Her voice was panicked, telling her to move in her own slightly incapacitated tone. Despite the advice, she gazed at Luke, like a star struck teenager. The desire to run her fingers through his black hair and feel his strong arms around her, burned through her like a wild fire. She was lost; she knew that she was supposed to be afraid, the emotion just wouldn’t take shape. The world seemed to swirl in a blur, as if the houses around them had disappeared, leaving behind nothing other than the two of them.
Emily was about to tell him to come closer to her, when she was interrupted by a growl in the distance. Before she realized what was happening, anger at losingLuke’s attention boiled within her. The possibility of new danger didn't occur to her and neither did the realization that her emotions weren't her own. She was furious that the moment the two of them had been sharing had been broken. Her insides screamed at her, but the intoxication seemed to wrap around her entire brain, making it difficult to think straight.
Then she became jealous, thinking like the predator, instead of the defenseless prey that she so obviously was. Violent thoughts flooded her mind like a tsunami. For a moment, she pictured what she wanted to do to whoever was stealing Luke's concentration away from her. She wanted, no needed that attention and would do anything to get it back.
From the alley behind them, Emily heard another low rumbling growl. Her attention was broken from Luke, as she sought the cause of the noise. When his stare released hers, the hold on her was broken and the terror crashed on her like a freight train. Confusion assaulted her, followed by a dazed feeling and her knees wobbled uncontrollably.
Oh my God, Emily thought wildly. What just happened? That guy had her in a… well, trance. She shook her head fiercely, trying to dissolve any residual fog, clouding her mind. The pain in her abdomen was more intense than ever, but there was no time to think about that now. She had to get out of there.
Her palms were clammy, stinging against the road rash and reminding her that caution was imperative. She gave a quick mental groan of pain and was gratefulthat the sound didn’t escape from her lips. Whatever he could do, there was apparently someone nearby that could do the same or possibly worse. It was crucial whoever was out theredidn’t transfer his awareness to her. She would leave the two sinister things to hash it out with one another.
Luke spun around, giving the anonymous owner of the growl a snarl of his own. It sounded feral and terrifyingly menacing. The wrenching in her gut was becoming more insistent. Luke lost focus on Emily and retreated to find the intruder.
She stood wide eyed and gaping, as she watched him speed off into the mouth of the alley, around the house they were in front of. What he did didn't exactly qualify as running. It was faster than Emily had ever seen anything move. Really, it was more of a blur than anything else. One second he was with her, searching for the source of the growl and the next, he was gone. His departure was silent in its nothingness. There wasn’t even the sound of a single footstep to mark his passage.
Emily's knees were like rubbery JellO and her neck didn’t seem strong enough to hold up her head. She felt weak, as if she had just woken up and was still under Luke's spell. She took a few wobbly steps toward the alley where he had vanished. Threatening blackness swelled from it, blocking a clear view. The blindness of the abyss made her dizzy with fright. Still, she slowly trudged on after Luke.
A fierce snarl tore into the night, quickly answered by one matching its anger and verbosity. She had a flash of two tigers going at it on Animal Planet, fighting to the death. Emily could hear scuffling and powerful blows, before crashes invaded the peace of the night. The sounds were like a slap in the face. Any after affects Luke had on her mind melted away. So much for the nothingness. It became obvious that a fight was taking place, but whatever it was, itdidn’t sound human. It was more like an animal, ripping into him or maybe Luke was the one doing it.
She should go get help. Wait, what was she thinking? That guy was going to kill her. Something within his eyes, told her just how true that fact was. It wasn’t in her nature to allow something like this to take place. She couldn’t help wondering where her sense of self-preservation was?
The sound of fighting calmed slightly, which left her worried that one of them would soon come for her. That sent her body into action. Death was not an option. She turned to run, completely forgetting about the curb that was behind her. Her foot came down on empty air, resulting in her plummeting towards the street. It all happened so fast, yet as if she were in slow motion. Her body was about to come to a crashing halt, but her mind traveled on. Note to self: not careful enough.
CHAPTER 7 In her dream, she was walking down a long, dimly lit corridor. It wasn’t scary but instead sort of… well, dreamy. The only lighting came from sconces, hung far apart at intervals throughout the long hall. The light fixtures were old fashioned with small bulbs that gave the effect of tiny intimate flames. It was a captivating effect, actually. The walls were a rich, creamy color with doors spread out along either side. The floor was made of marble, ruby with silver flecks that gleamed like sparkles, even in the mild lighting.
The first door she came to was locked. She knocked lightly and waited. Nothing. The next door held the same result. Sensing a pattern, she ignored the rest and continued down the hall. Sound seemed absent, but for the faint echo of her shoes on the floor.
It was freezing, there were no vents for an air conditioning system in sight. Even so, the air in the hall was chilly and too much for Emily’s taste. She preferred heat. So, she was kind of a baby, when it came to the cold. She rubbed her hands on her forearms, hoping the friction would warm her up.
A second hall came into view, turning slighting to the left and it peaked her curiosity. Timidly, she peered around the corner to see where it led. The hallway was a shorter and mirrored the one she was already in, except there were fewer doors and they were closer together.
At the end, the hall opened up to a large room with an antique-like wooden archway. It seemed that the lighting was better passed the arch. With a deep breath, she turned the corner and started towards the opening.
It was just a dream after all. There was nothing to be afraid of. However, it was unsettling that she was so lucid in something that wasn't reality. Usually she couldn't recognize a dream for what it was until her eyes opened and she discovered the comfort of her familiar room.
Passing through the threshold, she was amazed at the sight before her. It was elegant with cobalt blue marbled floors. The walls were painted in a muted gray color, which came alive with the affects from the sconce style lighting.
In the corner, a beautiful fireplace designed with intricate patterns, stretched up the stone to a vaulted ceiling. Giant, overstuffed black chairs lay in front of it. The wall directly in front of where she stood held an enormous painting in a gold frame. It was of a cityscape at twilight. She recognized the two largest sky scrapers and realized it was of New York before September eleventh. In front of it stood a wide, glossy black desk.
The wall to Emily’s right had the most comfy looking couch she had ever seen. It was made of the same material that the chairs were, but the cushions were large and fluffy. It housed golden throw pillows at either end. The end tables on each side were black, rod iron with glass tops. The coffee table matched, but on it was a single, thick book. From where she stood, it looked to have an old fashioned, tattered leather cover.
A crackling sound brought her attention back to the left side of the room
. There was a roaring fire in the fireplace that hadn't been there a moment ago. Emily looked around the room, trying to see who could have started it. She was still the room’s only occupant. She half expected a troll to jump out of the fire and say boo or something along those lines.
A soft voice purred from behind her. “I find a fire to be quite relaxing,don’t you?”
Emily jumped and spun around with a shriek.
“I didn’t mean to frighten you, Emily. I forget how quiet my passage can be.”
Standing in front of her only two feet away, was an overwhelmingly handsome man. Although middle aged, Emily sensed a timeless quality to him that made him seem ageless. That’s weird. She didn’t usually have dreams where she was crushing after an older man, no matter how hot he might be and he was gorgeous. He had broad shoulders with powerful looking arms. His stance was as powerful, his hair was golden. Hints of silver blemished the golden locks, while his eyes sparkled like flawless sapphires.
Emily replied mechanically, still stricken by his beauty. “That’s okay.”
She had never met this man before. How did he know her name? That normally would have freaked her out. Her dream self was completely intrigued by the mystery, if confused by it.
He motioned for her to move to the chairs before the fire. She silently did as he said. Her movements were hesitant and cautious, waiting for a terrifying blob monster to ooze out of the cushions. After all, this was one of her dreams, which were typically vividly spooky, over the top or unrealistically happy. In fact, she once had a dream in slow motion. She was running towards a hot guy with open arms across a field of sun flowers the way it was in the movies. Completely corny and pathetic, but apparently that’s the sort of things her mind cooked up, after she was done, running the show for the day.
When the man sat, she noticed that in the illumination of the fire, he cast no shadow on the nearby wall. She glanced beside her own seat and saw her enlarged shadow, where it should be. How was that possible? She had never seen anything like that before. Honestly, she had never seen anything like this place before either. She gave her imagination a pat on the back for the attention to details.
“Who are you?” Emily said shakily. For a dream she felt awake. She was even wearing the same clothes, she had worn earlier. Suddenly, she felt underdressed for the rich
surroundings. The light blue shirt, boot cut jeans and Nike’s didn’t feel a ppropriate in a place this lavish.
“Oh,I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t introduce myself,” he apologized, sincerely. “I am Alexander and I’m quite pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“Well, I’d introduce myself except you seem to already know me.” She replied unintentionally curt. “Forgive my rudeness, but would you mind explaining that to me?” As Emily spoke, she caught a small blurry movement out of the corner of her eye. When she looked further, it had disappeared. Emily could have sworn it had been a person, but was skeptical since she didn't there didn't seem to be anyone else in the room. So what was it?
If this was a dream, could the sleep version of herself be cooking up another layer of strangeness? Emily couldn't help thinking that she had already outdone herself with this one. She didn't need anything else to spook her. Though, it was getting more difficult to think of this situation, as a simple dream.
The man’s liquid voice brought Emily back to the conversation. “I do apologize, Emily. I brought you here because I needed to talk to you. Let me get right to the point. So, you may return to your slumber. It’s of the utmost importance that you engrave my words into your mind. I heard you are concerned with the happenings of your little town. I’m here to tell you not to be troubled by, such trivial matters. The situation is completely under control. Rest assured, my dear girl and please control, any urge to undergo your own form of private investigation."
He sat back in his chair, laying his arms on the large arm rests thoughtfully, as if pondering impossible math calculations without a sweat. You may not like the repercussions of such findings. It is detrimental to your wellbeing.”
Emily shook her head in irritation at Alexander's cryptic words. “I don’t understand. You’re gonna have to give me more than that, what situation? Why is it dangerous? Who told you I was concerned,when I don’t even know what I am supposed to be concerned about? Also…”
Alexander cut her off, “Trust me dear Emily. I value this town and its surroundings greatly. I will not allow any harm to partake here. Nevertheless, I am not at liberty to discuss the details with you.” His face was gentle and sincere as he spoke. “I don’t mean disrespect. It’s only that you would not yet be able to understand. What you could understand, would frighten and endanger your safety. It is also possible, very possible in fact that such knowledge on your part would mean damage to my family and I refuse to take such chances I’m sure you can understand that. All I will speak of at this time is a few pieces of advice that I hope you bearin mind quite considerably.” He finally hesitated long enough for a response but Emily still had a thousand questions.
A key point didn’t escape Emily. “Yet? What do you mean yet?”
Alexander appeared thoughtful. He pressed his hands together forming a steeple at his mouth. “I can’t tell you everything now. I’m sorry for that but that’s just the way it is.” He removed his hands from his face and looked at her expectantly.
Giving up Emily said, “I guess if that’s all you can give, that’s all I can take.” She figured she shouldn’t expect much cooperation from a dream. Emily decided not to push it. Her words were mostly a muttering to herself anyway.
“Good I’m glad we see eye to eye on this matter.” Alexander hesitated for a moment and then as if reading her mind he said, “This isn’t a dream. You are really here in spirit.” He didn’t give Emily a chance to question this information, like she wanted to. “My advice to you is simple. Evil danger does not merely remain in the shadows. When ruby borders emeralds, may their prey heed warning. He smoothly stood finalizing their conversation.
Emily sighed deeply,” “I don’t understand any of that. It makes no sense to me.” She stood, following him to the entry into the hall. As she walked, fury radiated from her. She hated riddles, especially when they sounded like a fortune cookie. She had never been good at them. The advice he gave sounded like nonsense to Emily, nothing but gibberish.
Alexander turned briefly to face her as he spoke. “The answers will come to you with time my dear. I do humbly apologize. As I have previously stated, this is all the knowledge that I can afford to bare at this time. Honestly, you should feel privileged that I have divulged,as much as I have.” He moved passed the wooden archway before turning back. “Now, you must get some rest. Don’t worry, we will meet again. Let the journey take you back to once you came. May you go in peace forever more.”
As she passed through the archway into the hall, she turned to ask him just one more question. He wasn’t behind her anymore. She peeked back into the big room to see if he returned to the chairs. That scan turned up empty too. God, that was frustrating! Was everyone she met from now on going to have that power? She started down the hall,hoping it wasn’t the part of the dream where something jumped out of one of those locked doors to scare her awake.
She didn’t understand how she was supposedly only there in spirit. An idea sparked, and she pressed her hand on her arm. It felt solid enough to her, so she gave it a good pinch. OUCH! She rubbed her arm furiously willing the pain away. This was all so confusing. For one thing, weren’t spirits supposed to be transparent? Also, when she pinched herself, she should have woken up, that never happened of course. As she passed the doors her view of the dream seemed to fade more and more until there was nothing left but blackness. Great, Emily thought drowsily. Now what”
When she opened her eyes, Emily shot straight up in her bed. How had she gotten home? The last thing she could remember is falling into the street. Remembering she had hit her head, she pressed the spot and winced. While there wasn�
��t an open wound, there was a bump the size of a goose egg, reminding her vaguely of a third eye. Did her dad find her and carry her home?
The clock on her bedside table said it was ten in the evening. Sam usually isn’t even home yet. He gets off around seven but occupies his usual stool at the bar till eleven at the earliest. Sam was nothing if not routine. She stretched her muscles and got up to see if any damage control was necessary.
She peeked out her door,but couldn’t hear any sound that indicated he was home. He wasn’t capable of making no noise, even when just watching TV. Silence was always broken by the sound of crushing beer cans, feet hitting the coffee table and him rummaging for something in the kitchen. There was also her personal favorite, the sound of him thanking the beer Gods by releasing a roaring belch before cracking open another can. Not to mention, the TV was so typically blaring loud she could hear his shows perfectly from the comfort of her room.
There were none of these things out there, so she decided to see for herself. Walking down the hall, she realized belatedly that shewas still in her regular clothes. That’s weird, she thought quizzically. It wasn’t normal for her to not put pajamas on before going to bed. Even when she was dog tired she at least took off her jeans. She had never been able to stand sleeping in jeans, no matter what the circumstances were. Even if she passed out that still didn’t explain everything. How did she get home, and who put her in her bed and tucked her in?
The house was dark with not a single light on. The front door was locked and her black backpack sat beside it like usual. She went to the window and pushed back the curtains. Sam’s truck wasn’t on the street. It could be in the garage but he usually only parked there on his days off.It wasn’t the type of vehicle you needed to hide in a locked garage to avoid damage or theft. Well, it might have been once, before Sam's intoxication and carelessness got a hold of it.