Luxiana Sommeris“Oh, this?” Damien’s voice was nonchalant, but his battered appearance said otherwise. He sauntered toward me, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips despite the bruises marring his sharp features. “I had a little chat with some people in the faction. Let’s say their opinions didn’t sit well with me, so we ended up... settling things physically,” he added.His casual tone didn’t mask the fresh bruises scattered across his arms and neck, the deep hues of purples and blues stark against his pale skin. They were so vivid, so raw, that just looking at them sent a pang of discomfort straight to my chest. The sight made me uneasy—made me hate seeing him like this, though I couldn’t pinpoint why.I wanted to trust his explanation, to take his words at face value, but doubt gnawed at the edges of my mind. My earlier conversation with Anton replayed in my head, his words laced with unease. They had planted a seed of suspicion I couldn’t shake.Was Damien telling the truth?
Luxiana SommerisI couldn’t concentrate on what Damien was telling me about Morpheus. His words seemed to blur into the background as my thoughts fixated on the sensation of his hands against my back—broad, warm, and infinitely skilled in their movement.Those hands. They were good at everything they did, weren’t they? Was there anything Damien couldn’t excel at? The thought frustrated me, yet it was impossible to deny the ease with which he coaxed tension from my muscles. I wanted to tell him to stop, to end this torment of touch that both soothed and unsettled me, but the words never came. Instead, I remained still, hyperaware of the way his fingers worked their magic.As his hands slowly traveled downward, tracing the sides of my torso, I felt the faintest graze near the curve of my chest where my body pressed into the mattress of the bed.My breath hitched, and I bit my lower lip, startled by the wave of pleasure that coursed through me. Was it the warmth of the oil on his hand
Luxiana Sommeris“Looks like someone had a rough night,” came a familiar voice, cutting through the fog of my thoughts. Startled, I looked up to see Anton leaning casually against the counter, his arms crossed and a playful smirk tugging at his lips. His posture was relaxed, but a glint of curiosity in his eyes made it clear he was already forming his own conclusions about my disheveled state.“Good morning to you, Anton,” I said, smiling politely despite the unease within me.“Good morning—and let me guess,” he continued with a teasing lilt, “nothing too intimate happened, judging by that look on your face.”His words were lighthearted, his tone deliberately mischievous, but they hit closer to the truth than I cared to admit. For a moment, I stared at him, unsure whether to laugh or roll my eyes. “It wasn’t that bad,” I replied, organizing the books with deliberate care. “We talked, actually. It felt...like we were getting to know each other. He even asked me questions about myse
Luxiana SommerisDamien nodded thoughtfully, his expression uncharacteristically serious. “Dreams,” he said, his voice dropping to a low murmur, “are mirrors to the soul, reflecting the emotions that dominate both your conscious and subconscious mind.”“Humans rarely linger in one emotion for long, so whatever is strongest within you—fear, desire, sorrow, joy—that’s what the dream realm manifests,” he added.He stepped closer now, his presence casting a gentle shadow over me. His dark eyes locked with mine, and there was an intensity there, a quiet kind of wisdom that reminded me how little I truly understood about his world. “But you,” he continued, his voice softening, “are different. You walk the line between worlds. Your power gives you the ability to shape dreams and mold them into what they need to be. That’s a gift—but also a responsibility.”Damien paused, his gaze flickering to the book still in my hands. “You must be careful, Xiana,” he added, his tone carrying a quiet warn
Luxiana SommerisDamien and I couldn’t continue our conversation because, as soon as those words left his lips, he vanished into thin air, leaving me alone with my thoughts.I’m unsure why he disappeared so abruptly, and his sudden departure gnawed at my mind. I waited, hoping he might return, but before I knew it, the night faded, and the morning light woke me from my restless slumber. Questions swirled in my head—had something happened to him? Was he in danger? And then there were his words, cryptic and unsettling, echoing in my thoughts.What place was I supposed to envision in my dreams using my power? How was I supposed to channel something so abstract? The idea filled me with a nervous energy, teetering between doubt and determination. Could I really do something like this? Perhaps there was no harm in trying, but the weight of uncertainty pressed heavily on my shoulders.“Did he do something to you last night?”I nearly jumped at the voice that suddenly broke through my thoug
Luxiana Sommeris“Oh wow, this place is incredible, Xiana.” I heard Damien say, his voice unusually cheerful and almost sounded like he was in awe.It was a tone I wasn’t accustomed to hearing from him, one that felt oddly out of place but still welcome.I opened my eyes, blinking as the breathtaking scene before us unfolded. We stood at the mountain's peak, surrounded by a sea of towering trees that swayed gently in the cool breeze. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the faint, earthy scent of pine. But the view wasn’t the only thing that stole my breath away. Near the edge of the cliff, bathed in the warm, golden hues of the setting sun, was a picnic mat laid out with meticulous care. The sunlight danced across the horizon, its fiery glow painting the sky in amber, pink, and purple shades. The entire setting felt impossibly romantic like something pulled straight from the depths of a dream. For a moment, I couldn’t help but glance down at my hands, tracing the edges of my fin
Luxiana Sommeris“Earth to Luxiana!” Anton’s voice erupted in my ear, jolting me from my reverie. I blinked rapidly, my surroundings slowly coming into focus—the familiar walls of the office, the faint hum of computers, the scattered papers on my desk. Though I was at work, it felt like I’d been light-years away. Last night’s encounter with Damien lingered in my thoughts, stirring a sensation in the pit of my stomach that I couldn’t quite explain. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it unsettled me all the same. Something about it gnawed at me, leaving me feeling unsteady as if the ground beneath my feet had shifted and I was the last to notice.I couldn’t believe I’d managed to get myself to work in one piece. My mind was a tangled web, every thread leading back to him. Damien. His name echoed in my thoughts like a haunting melody I couldn’t shake.“Xiana? Seriously, what’s going on? Did something bad happen?” Anton’s voice softened, his usual teasing laced with genuine concern.I tore my ga
Luxiana SommerisWe had dinner at this elegant restaurant Margaret had reserved for the occasion. Ten of us were seated around the long rectangular table, each person positioned in a way that made conversation both inviting and a bit daunting for someone like me.Most of the attendees were colleagues I rarely saw in person. Many of them worked from home, handling tasks like accounting and payroll, and visited the library only once or twice a week. One man, quiet and focused, was responsible for the technical side of library operations—a vital but often unseen role.Margaret had also invited our janitor and janitress, a thoughtful gesture to recognize their efforts. They were the ones who ensured that every morning, the library was spotless and welcoming for all of us. Their presence added warmth to the gathering, a reminder of how everyone’s contribution mattered, no matter their role.I knew their names—I'd heard them enough times to commit them to memory—but starting a conversatio
Luxiana SommerisWhen I woke up the following day, my entire body ached in ways I had never experienced before. A deep soreness settled into my muscles, making even the simple act of shifting beneath the sheets feel challenging. It was as if every fiber of my being remembered Damien’s touch, his kisses, the way his hands had explored me so thoroughly that now, even the ghost of his touch made me shiver.I blinked a few times, my vision adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. A quiet, heavy stillness surrounded me, one that immediately told me something was missing. My eyes roamed the room, taking in the familiar details—the books stacked haphazardly on my nightstand, the thin trail of moonlight still lingering from the early hours of dawn, the faint imprint on the pillow beside me.But he was gone. A strange hollowness settled in my chest. I had known, logically, that he wouldn’t be able to stay forever. My power had limits, after all. No matter how bad
Luxiana SommerisThe first thing I felt was the cool caress of air against my skin, followed by the soft, familiar texture of sheets beneath my fingertips. My head was heavy, my limbs sluggish, as though I had been pulled from the depths of an ocean, weighed down by something unseen. My breath came slow, shallow, as the remnants of a dream clung to me like mist, refusing to let go.I forced my eyes open, my vision hazy before the world sharpened into focus. The dim glow of my bedside lamp bathed the room in warm light. My room. The waking world. I was back.For a fleeting moment, dread settled in my chest like a stone. Had I failed? Had I woken up alone, everything I had fought for slipping through my fingers like sand? My pulse pounded in my ears, an unbearable silence stretching between the seconds. But then, I heard breathing.Deep, steady, but it was not mine. My body went rigid. I turned my head, my heartbeat slamming against my ribs.And there he was. Damien lay beside me, his
Luxiana SommerisAfter our conversation, we spent what felt like hours wrapped in each other's arms, basking in the warmth of our bare skin pressed together, as if trying to memorize every inch of each other. Now, we lay entangled on the bed, fingers lazily intertwined, tracing invisible patterns against each other’s skin. It was a quiet, intimate moment, yet my mind refused to settle.Despite the lingering worries swirling inside me—the uncertainty of what lay ahead, the weight of everything we had been through—one thought anchored itself in my mind, unwavering and insistent. It had been there for days, waiting for the right moment to surface. And now, with Damien beside me, his presence as tangible as the rise and fall of my breath, I finally allowed myself to give voice to it.I swallowed, pushing past the sudden tightness in my throat. “Damien?” I murmured, my voice softer than I intended.His gaze flickered to mine immediately, the deep crimson of his eyes glowing faintly in th
Luxiana SommerisThe next day at work, I was relieved that everything was peaceful. The steady rhythm of the library, the faint rustling of pages, and the quiet hum of the computers created a familiar sense of calm. There were no unexpected disruptions, no sudden chaos—just the usual serenity that made this place feel like a sanctuary.And yet, a lingering sense of disappointment tugged at me. I had hoped to see Damien in the realm last night, even if only for a brief moment. It wasn’t unusual for us to miss each other sometimes, but I couldn’t help feeling a little let down. He better make it up to me later.Shaking off my thoughts, I forced myself to focus on work. I had responsibilities here, and I wasn’t about to let my personal feelings distract me. I immersed myself in checking the book rental schedules, my eyes scanning the due dates and borrower names with precision.So engrossed was I in my task that I didn’t notice someone staring at me until I felt the weight of their ga
Luxiana SommerisWhen we finally stumbled upon a coffee shop, we stepped inside, relieved to find the warmth of the café embracing us. The air carried the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, mingling with the faint scent of vanilla and cinnamon. The place wasn’t crowded—hardly anyone was here, which wasn’t surprising considering it was nearly midnight.Soft, ambient music played in the background, a gentle piano melody that filled the otherwise quiet space. Dim yellow lights bathed the wooden tables in a golden glow, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. A few customers sat scattered around, some engrossed in their laptops, others lost in their own world, sipping their drinks silently.Anton and I approached the counter, placing our orders. The barista, a tired-looking young woman with a ponytail, worked swiftly, her movements practiced as she poured steamed milk into a cup and drizzled caramel over the foam. Moments later, she handed me my caramel macchiato, its warmth seeping in
Luxiana SommerisWe placed our orders, choosing our drinks first before adding an assortment of savory pastries to the list. The café was warm, filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and buttery baked goods. The soft hum of conversation blended with the occasional clink of porcelain cups and the low whirr of the espresso machine.As we waited, I found myself watching Anton. There was something about him—an odd sense of detachment, as if he were present in body but not entirely in spirit. He smiled politely while speaking to Margaret, his voice even, his posture relaxed, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was all a carefully crafted façade.He didn’t seem distressed by the situation—the fact that his new workplace was barely functioning without its employees, the fact that people had died. Or maybe, I considered, he was doing his best to cope, forcing normalcy upon himself to keep from unraveling.Margaret, on the other hand, didn’t seem to share his calm exterior
Luxiana SommerisI arrived at work that morning feeling surprisingly refreshed. The events of last night in the dream realm had been exhilarating—an experience so vivid and thrilling that I wanted to relive it over and over again.After grabbing a quick breakfast, I headed straight to the library, only to find a group of employees gathered in hushed murmurs around something. Their expressions ranged from shock to deep concern.Curious, I stepped closer. “What’s going on?” I asked, tilting my head as I tried to peek over their shoulders. “Did something happen?”One of the senior staff members, Sir Davis, turned to me with a grim expression. “Oh, Luxiana, you need to see this,” he said, handing me a tablet. “It’s about the company Anton transferred to. Most of their employees were found dead—victims of severe nightmares. The survivors have been hospitalized.”My breath caught in my throat. “What?” I gasped, “Is Anton okay?” Without waiting for an answer, I pushed my way forward to see f
Luxiana SommerisDamien’s smirk never faded as he brushed his thumb over my lower lip, his dark eyes locked onto mine. The warmth of his touch sent a delicious shiver down my spine, and I knew there was no turning back. The air between us crackled with anticipation, thick and intoxicating.“Come with me,” he murmured his voice a rich, velvety whisper that wrapped around me like silk.He didn’t need to ask twice. My fingers laced with his, and he led me through the dimly lit corridor, each step sending my pulse racing. The world outside faded into nothing—just the two of us, drawn together by something undeniable, something deeper than desire.The bedroom door shut softly behind us, sealing us away in the quiet intimacy of the moment. The glow of the bedside lamp cast golden light across the room, flickering over the planes of his face, highlighting the intensity in his eyes as he turned to me.He reached for me, his hands finding my waist, pulling me closer until our bodies brushed
Luxiana Sommeris“Stop messing around. You claimed me like you had an endless reserve of energy just waiting to be unleashed,” I teased, my voice carrying a mix of amusement and exasperation.Damien let out a deep, rich laugh, his stormy blue eyes gleaming with mischief. “I want more of you, Xiana. You’re everything I desire, and yet, I can't seem to get enough. If I had it my way, I’d have you again and again, every moment of every day.”A warm flush crept up my neck as I playfully smacked his shoulder. “Stop it, you're making me blush,” I giggled, trying to suppress the shy smile tugging at my lips.His gaze softened as he took my hands in his, giving them a gentle squeeze before murmuring, “We have a long night ahead of us, but I think my favorite part will be what happens inside that room.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. “But first, let’s have dinner.”The moment we stepped outside, the mouthwatering aroma of something savory filled the