Page 44 of Treasured Secrets
Tallis and I watched for a while. There was one up there who was kind of sad. The guy kept changing into a kitten and a chicken.
"What's wrong with him?"
Tallis tried not to chuckle. "He's still new. He's trying to change into a big cat sometimes and a bird at other times. He needs a little more practice." The guy finally crossed the finish line. As he ran across, he accidentally changed back to human.
"Oh no. Another naked guy. Seriously?" I buried my head in Tallis's chest and he put his hand on the back of my head. I could feel his chest bobbing slightly as he laughed.
"Sorry, Aria," he said while still laughing. "I guess they're not so modest after all."
My stomach growled, and he looked down at me. "Let's go see if there's any soup left."
"I don't want you to miss the games. It can wait." I was somewhat embarrassed by my grumbling guts.
"It’s fine. I see this all the time. I'm hungry, too. We missed the food while we were in my room.” He took me by the hand and led me in.
We sat at the bar and ate soup and little mini sandwiches. Ash came in and saw us sitting there.
She smiled as she spoke to Tallis. "Can I grab a water?"
Tallis shot up and grabbed a bottle of water before tossing it to her.
"Thanks," she said while smiling.
Tallis smiled back. "No problem."
There was a small candle on the bar that suddenly lit up by itself just as Ash turned the lights off. I turned to glare at her but she winked at me.
Tallis just shook his head while smiling. "Blazers. They always have to show off."
I just laughed and enjoyed our makeshift candlelit dinner.
Chapter 10
Looking Over Your Shoulder
The same monsters are still there in the light, but they always strike more fear when they're hidden within the shadows of darkness.
I jumped straight up in the bed in a cold sweat. My heart was racing and my hands trembled in fear. I was breathing hard, like I was exhausted. I couldn't come to grasp with the reality that I was safe in my room.
After a month, you'd think I wouldn't still be waking up so disoriented. I didn't come to terms with where I was until Tallis put his hand on my back.
His voice was soothing and compassionate, but there was a hint of worry as well. "Aria? What's wrong?"
"I was just dreaming. Sorry. Go back to sleep. I'll be fine." It seemed to happen more and more lately. I was glad Tallis had been sticking around.
I knew I probably wouldn't sleep too much more after that.
"Tell me what it was about." His tone was so considerate and concerned at the same time. He pulled me into his arms and my head rested on his right shoulder.
"A dark figure draining me dry. Same as always."
I felt like I was annoying everyone with my constant worry. I was still adjusting. My whole life had changed drastically in the past couple of weeks.
"Aria, it's going to take some time. I'm here though. Don't worry."
"I know I'm safe," I said, smiling as he kissed my forehead. "I've got you and my grandmother has enlisted an army of bodyguards."
He tensed a little, and then he let out a harsh breath. "Yeah. Plenty of bodyguards."
