Page 38 of Fallen Princess: Shadow Stalker

I shake my head from side to side, disapproving of her last remark.

“That’s not nice. Are you suggesting I’m soft-minded? I’m not that 14-year-old anymore.”

“I’m saying that you got mixed up with these boys and can’t see clearly. I told you they were bad news back then, and I tell you again now. And it bothers me when you don't listen. I’ve seen life, Eden. It’s a vicious world out there.”

“I’m aware of it. I’ve been to hell, in case you forgot.”

I want to end this discussion.

Catalina has always held a dislike towards them from the start, saying she got bad vibes or juice from them.

Sensing the end of this discussion, she steps back. A trickle of regret is etched on her face, knowing I’ve endured a far greater evil experience than anyone can imagine.

“Drink your tea before it gets cold,” she says coldly and turns away. “I’ll prepare your bath for you. I imagine the road trip was dusty in the truck.”

I lean my guitar against the armchair and reach out toward the mug. It’s still pretty warm, so I blow over it before siping.

“It was fine. Thanks, I’ll probably finish my tea first.”

I take a few more sips and listen to the water run inside as I focus on the vast and rugged expanse of arid beauty before me. The landscape, painted in earthy tones, unfolds like a canvas under the relentless embrace of the sun. The sky above is a brilliant expanse of blue, remaining unblemished by clouds, with the sun reigning supreme as it bathes the desert in an intense, golden glow.

My eyelids feel heavy. Perhaps the long drive into town got the better of me. Paired with the visit of the boys from my disturbing past, it was probably more overwhelming than I thought.

Maybe I’ll take a quick nap after my bath.

Chapter 10

Like a sudden thunderclap,I’m quickly jolted awake as if yanked out of my peaceful slumber by an unknown threat. My breathing is fast, and my heart drums with an unexpected urgency.

A sense of disorientation hangs heavy as my subconscious struggles to reconcile with the abrupt awakening.

Why am I so afraid?

My inner voice catches onto the lingering, nameless fear I feel.

Still shrouded in the haze of sleep, my eyes flicker wide open, scanning the familiar surroundings for any tangible threat that might explain the haunting panic.

Storm’s at the end of my bed; his head is up, waiting for my command.

“Sleep, boy. I’m good,” I tell him, and he hesitates momentarily before resting his head back down.

The shades are drawn, but bright lines of light manage to escape through the cracks.

Casting off the bedcovers, I sit up in bed, realizing I’m stark naked.

This isn’t the first time I find myself in this situation. I must have fallen asleep in the bath again and Catalina carried me here, tucked me in, and left me alone.

Dammit, I don’t even recall when it happens. But my hair smells freshly clean and strangely dry, not damp. I get out of bed, go over to the blinds, and pull them up.

The strong sun filters in over my body.

It makes no sense. It was midday when I last remembered, and I glance over at the clock on the table by my bed. It’s midmorning.

Did I pass out again?

For how long this time?

I grab a t-shirt neatly folded from my closet and a fresh pair of panties and hastily put them on. Standing on my toes, I reach up and grab the small duffle bag from the top shelf inside the closet. I throw in some items: clothing, panties, and bras.

---