*

es, fragments of a dream that slipped away like grains of sand. There'd been a castle, looming shadows, and something- someone telling her to run.

certain where her dream had ended and the real world had begun. A

the stairs, the smell of breakfast hung in the air, though the kitchen was empty. Maria must have taken Lucy and

hit her face like a splash of cold water, sharpening her senses. But the quest

nd a sharp chill ran through her, making her glance over her shoulder, half-expecting to see shadows following her.

I was worried you'd mis

he sense of fatigue and lingering unease was hard to shak

id, concern softening her voi

ain. "Just a strange dream. Probably

on turning thoughtful. "If it's bug

headed to class, she couldn't help glancing over her shoulder aga

he dark castle hall, the protective figures whose faces she couldn't remember. She had a strange, haunting

r usual table, but her appetite was subdued. The laughter

?" Emma asked, lean

barely believed it herself. She felt like she was

." Without waiting for a reply, she wrapped her arms around Lila in a warm embra

whispered, gratefu

e those people? Why did they feel so familiar? She wanted to forget the fear, to be

n the morning now seemed too harsh, making her squint as she walked home. Each step was heavie

her of the hollow feeling in her stomach. She dropped her backpack by th

m the kitchen, warm and steady

word slipping out instinctively.

her smile fading as she took in

ith a small nod. "I...

d, wrapping her arms around Lila. "Come on, l

of safety return. But as Maria led her to the kitchen, a loud, insis

nodded toward the kitchen. "Stay here, L

almost menacing, in the way it echoed through the quiet house. She strained to listen, her curiosity outweighing her fe

low, hurried words-"danger," "the past," "no more time." Lila's breath caught as the stranger shifted, thei

ct told her to listen, to hear whatever secret was being shared on the other side of

e whispered, though n

ilence, calm yet firm. "You know what's at risk. S

dible whisper, but Lila managed to catch on

returned to the kitchen, her face carefully comp

hoping her voice sounded cas

plied, the smile she forced a little

warm, familiar life she'd clung to was slipping away, teetering on