Page 37 of Snow White

I force myself to look away, going back to my legs. “If that is your wish.”

“Y-Yes… I… see you then.” I force myself not to stare after her as she runs from the room.

Chapter Twenty-four

Snow

How I kept control of my body, I do not know. Every inch of me was yearning to touch Azura’s silky smooth legs and run my fingers through her silver hair. The liquid from my core drips down my thighs, making the walk to Belle’s room challenging. The ache in the pit of my stomach continues to pulse. I would give almost anything to have Azura help me soothe it.

I inhale deeply, trying to calm the overwhelming hunger. I need to behave myself and push these thoughts from my mind before they make me do something I will regret.

After collecting our meals, Belle and I return to Azura’s room. Belle has been a little more silent since the conversation in the dining room. I wish she would tell me what is going on in her mind, but I know not to pry for answers. Both she and Azura prefer to take the time to process. She will tell me how she feels when she is ready.

I open the door to the bedroom and step inside. “Hi, Azura. I hope you don’t mind! I should have knocked first.”

“Hm?” Azura says, looking back at me. She is standing out on the balcony, the waning sunlight caressing her body. She is truly radiant.

“Are you alright?” I ask her as I hurry to Azura, placing my hand on her lower back.

“They’re closer.” She shivers and looks back out at the trees. I wrap my arms around hers, trying to soothe whatever is bothering her.

I look out at the trees, swaying under the moonlight. The wind rustles through the leaves, singing their nightly lullaby. Sometimes when I close my eyes, I can hear them calling my name.

Come to us, Snow. Come home.

I shiver and turn my attention back to Azura.

“Perhaps it has something to do with the upcoming harvest moon?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “You don’t feel it? Like you are being watched?”

“I have always felt it,” I whisper. The sensation of being watched feels like two burning holes at the back of my neck. Whenever I am outside, the sensation can become intense. It feels like a hot steel rod is being placed against my skin. Not to mention the voices that have only ceased to speak the last couple of days.

“You have?” Azura asks, glancing at me.

I nod, pulling her back into the room and over to the tables. “Yes, but I have never been bothered by it.”

“No?” Azura asks, glancing once more toward the balcony.

I shake my head, sitting down beside Belle.

“You know,” Belle begins, looking up at me, “if you feel like somebody’s watching you, you are probably right. You should inform your father.”

I frown. “Why would I do that? It is only a silly feeling.”

“It’s not,” Azura says, shaking her head.

“Well, what should I do?” I ask.

Belle bites down on a carrot stick. “Tell us when this began.”

I press my lips together, looking at both of them. In all honesty, I don’t remember when I first truly felt like I was being watched. The sensation has been with me for so long that it’s become comforting. It is like I have a protector watching over me, telling me the harsh truths of the world. Though how it began and where it started… I can only think of one event that could have started it.

Azura covers my hand with hers. “It’s overwhelming.”

I nod, chewing my lip. “I have never spoken the story out loud.”

“It’s just us,” Azura soothes, squeezing my hand. Her warmth relaxes me enough that my mind calms.

---