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 Sommeris“Hey, Xiana! Are you okay? You almost fell!” Anton’s voice sliced through the lingering echoes of the vision that still held me captive, dragging me back to the present moment. The warmth of his hand, firm and steady against my waist, anchored me as if tethering me to reality itself.His eyes searched mine, worry etched into the subtle lines of his face. “Can you still walk properly?!” he asked, his voice rising in panic.I didn’t answer right away. My lips parted as if to speak, but the words felt heavy like they would betray me the moment they were spoken aloud. Instead, I let the pause stretch between us, long enough to watch his concern morph into confusion.“You miss her a lot,” I said finally, my voice barely more than a whisper, “But you can’t change or do anything anymore.”Anton froze, his brows drawing together in a knot of bewilderment and unease. “What are you talking about?” he asked.For a moment, I hesitated, still reeling from what I had seen in that
Luxiana SommerisAfter the incubus delivered his cryptic message, he vanished into thin air, leaving nothing but unsettling silence. I stood there, rooted in place, unsure of how to process what he had said—unsure of what I was supposed to feel.“For some reason… I don’t want to continue this journey anymore,” Damien murmured with a bitter laugh that held no real amusement. His voice pulled my attention upward, and I found him looking off into the distance, his expression tight with worry.“We don’t have that luxury, Damien,” I replied, my voice steady and resolute despite the turmoil churning inside me. “I have a responsibility to protect both the dream realm and the waking world. I’m the only one who can.”His eyes met mine then, dark and stormy with concern. “But going back there means risking your life,” he said, each word heavy with truth. “If Morpheus really wants you, he’ll find a way to take you. He’s done it before, and now… now he’s stronger, more prepared. You know that.”
Luxiana SommerisThe first light of morning filtered through the seams of the canvas tent, casting a soft golden glow that kissed the curves of our tangled bodies. I stirred first, my eyes fluttering open to the quiet rustling of leaves outside and the low hum of a world slowly waking up. The fire had long since died out, leaving behind the faint scent of smoke and warm skin from shared heat.I shifted slightly, muscles sore in the most satisfying way, and felt Damien’s arms instinctively tighten around me. He was still asleep, lashes resting gently on his cheeks. His hold was protective, possessive in a way that didn’t suffocate—but comforted, like a promise unspoken.I smiled faintly, running my fingers lightly down his back, tracing the fine lines of old scars and new warmth. His skin was hot beneath my touch, his heartbeat steady beneath my palm, grounding me in a reality that still felt like a dream.“You’re awake,” he murmured, voice rough with sleep, eyes still half-closed bu
Luxiana Sommeris“We’ll camp here for the night,” Damien announced after finding a dark cave nestled between two jagged cliffs, its mouth yawning like an endless void. Shadows curled inward, and the further I looked, the more it seemed to stretch forever, as if it led to another world entirely.I glanced around, half-expecting a bear to lumber out from the darkness. The sky beyond the cave was painted in soft shades of pink salmon, slowly fading into lavender as dusk settled. Tiny stars began to blink into view, scattered like diamonds across a deepening canvas.“You can use your power to make a fire,” Damien said, his voice steady as he turned toward the cave’s entrance. “I’ll go gather some firewood.”“No need,” I replied, lifting my hand. “I can summon both the fire and the wood right here. Just stay with me.” I snapped my fingers, and just like that, a gentle flame flickered to life, dancing warmly in the growing chill of evening. He was always right—it really was easier when I
Luxiana SommerisThe moment our eyes fluttered open, reality returned in a soft, quiet rush. The dreamscape faded into the background like mist at dawn, leaving only the stillness of the waking realm. I blinked slowly, grounding myself in my room's familiar surroundings—dimly lit, the air cool and still, and humming faintly with energy. The protective sigils embedded in the walls shimmered for a brief second, reacting to our presence before settling once more into silence.“I’m really back in the waking realm,” Damien muttered under his breath, taking a cautious step forward. His eyes roamed over every corner of the room, calculating and observant. “Whoa… This place has a very distinct kind of barrier. It's not just protective—it's layered. Personalized. Was this your doing?”I nodded, unable to stop the smile tugging at my lips. There was something oddly satisfying in hearing him notice the effort I had put into securing my space. “Yes, I set it up myself,” I replied, my tone lig
Luxiana SommerisOne of the Dream Walkers disintegrated on the spot, its form unraveling like strands of shadow torn from the edges of a nightmare. The others lunged forward, clawing at the space between us with silent screams, their mouths gaping in distorted fury.I barely dodged in time—one claw scraped across my shoulder, a sudden, searing sting that made the vision in my right eye blur and flicker. But I didn’t hesitate. I countered with another incantation, this one more intricate and delicate, like tracing a sigil into the very air with trembling fingers and unshaken will.The second Walker halted, frozen mid-motion, trapped in a loop of its own making. It began to unravel from within, consumed by the very nightmare it had once fed upon. Its form collapsed inward, swallowed by an echo of its creation.But the last one came faster and smarter.It didn’t strike with claws or fangs. Instead, it reached for my mind, dragging me into a conjured illusion so vivid it felt like reali
Luxiana Sommeris“I have to allow them to do things to him,” Lilith said, her voice quiet but steady, as if trying to cushion the blow about to land. “It’s part of my duty, as queen of this faction.”“But… I thought it was because he crossed into the waking realm that they came to us,” I murmured, the fragments of understanding inside my mind colliding, sharp and disjointed, refusing to fall into place.“That’s part of it,” she acknowledged with a faint nod, her gaze unreadable. “But the truth is—they’ve been watching him for quite some time now. Watching both of you.” She paused then, as if weighing her next words with great care. When she spoke again, each syllable dropped like a stone. “Someday, you two will have to part. Do you think you’ll be able to accept that?”We... have to?The question lodged in my chest like a thorn, buried deep and aching, unmoving. I parted my lips, trying to form words, trying to respond, but nothing came out. My voice had abandoned me.I couldn’t say
Luxiana SommerisThe wind outside had begun to howl, curling against the windows in long, eerie sighs, as though the very air sensed what was coming. It whispered secrets I wasn’t ready to hear, murmuring truths only the night could carry.The remnants of my dream clung to me like a second skin—cold, damp, and far too real. No warmth in the waking world could chase away the chill it left behind. Damien stood quietly at the edge of the room, his broad shoulders tense, his jaw tight. He didn’t have to say anything for me to know he felt it too—that strange pull in the atmosphere, the subtle shift that warned of danger ahead.“You’re sure about this?” he asked again, his voice a low rumble, edged with dread.“I have to be,” I murmured, fingers tightening around the heavy cloak wrapped around my shoulders. It was more for comfort than protection. “No one else can do this.”“She wants me for a reason,” I continued, moistening my lower lip with the edge of my tongue. “I’ll use that. I’ll u
Luxiana Sommeris“W-What happened to you?” I asked, my voice trembling as my eyes scanned him from head to toe. Something about him seemed… incomplete—like pieces were missing, pieces that shouldn't be.Damien caught the way I stared and tried to lighten the atmosphere between us. “Oh, this?” he said casually, gesturing to his arm or what remained of it. “I lost an arm… and a few fingers. But don’t worry, I’m working on growing them back.”“W-What?” I stammered, struggling to wrap my head around his words. “Why would you—was it because you went to the waking realm?” My voice dropped as I slowly began to walk toward him, heart pounding.My teeth sank into my bottom lip as I took in the rest of him. His fingers—some of them were gone. And his limbs… it was like they had only just begun to regenerate, raw and unfinished. My chest ached, and before I knew it, hot tears were streaming down my face without warning or permission.He didn’t say a word. Instead, he stepped forward and pulled
Luxiana SommerisI didn’t go home. Not until Elijah opened his eyes. Something was unsettling about watching someone lie unconscious in a hospital bed—so still, so silent, the steady beeping of machines the only confirmation that life still lingered within them. I stayed by his side, curled into the stiff hospital chair, watching the way his chest rose and fell. I listened to the sterile hum of the fluorescent lights and counted the cracks on the tiled ceiling just to keep myself grounded. I refused to leave. I refused to let him wake up alone.When he finally did, it was slow—his eyes fluttering open like he wasn’t sure if the nightmare had truly ended. And when his gaze landed on me, the dam broke. Tears welled up in his eyes, spilling down his cheeks as he reached for me like a drowning man catching hold of a lifeline.“You brought me back,” he whispered, his voice hoarse and shaky. “I was trapped… and it was your voice, your presence… that pulled me out. I came back because of y