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 library was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of pages turning. I sat at my desk in the dimly lit corner of the grand old library, the soft golden light of my lamp casting shadows that flickered across the shelves. Towers of books surrounded me—ancient texts, forgotten manuscripts, and half-finished catalog cards. The faint smell of parchment and ink filled the air, grounding me as I reached for another fragile volume, its spine cracked from time and wear.I have always loved this place. The silence, the order, the sense that here, nothing could touch me. It was a haven, a place to hide from the chaos of the outside world. A place where my mind could wander freely between the pages of stories that weren’t my own. But lately, even the comforting isolation of the library couldn't keep away the strange, unsettling dreams.I have always had sleep paralysis, but I lost it after I immersed myself through working. I was always paranoid that I would see something o
Luxiana Sommeris“Don’t you dare touch me, or I’m calling the cops!” I shouted, my voice trembling even though I tried to mask my fear with anger. My back was pressed against the desk, the hard surface digging into my skin as I braced myself.I was trying to look tough, but inside, I was terrified. Something was unsettling about him, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.“I doubt you can call the cops here.” His voice was so steady, so casual, that it sent a chill down my spine.His face remained expressionless, cold until he gently tilted my chin upward with a soft and possessive touch.The moment his hand touched me, it was like my body froze. I couldn’t move. My lips, which had been quivering in fear, now wouldn’t respond. What had he done to me? Why couldn’t I speak? Panic surged through me, but it was trapped inside, unable to find its way out.“You’re perfect,” he murmured, his deep blue eyes gleaming with something I couldn’t quite place. “Everything about your
Luxiana Sommeris“It won’t work. Humans will always sleep—you’ll eventually pass out.” The voice was familiar, jolting me out of bed with a start. My heart raced, and my eyes darted to the door. Damien stood there with his expression dark and serious.Panic immediately set in. I was certain I had done everything to stay awake. I’d downed coffee like it was my lifeline—how could I have fallen asleep? The confusion swirled in my mind. How did he know I was fighting so hard to keep my eyes open?I followed his gaze and froze. He was staring at the two empty mugs on my bedside table. My pulse quickened. Crap! I must’ve passed out a while ago!“Y-you... stay back!” I screamed, my voice trembling. He didn’t respond, didn’t flinch. Without breaking eye contact, he moved closer. Each step felt like a magnet pulling me in, though every instinct in my body screamed to run.Before I could react, Damien’s strong arms encircled my waist. My muscles locked up as if his touch had paralyzed my entir
Luxiana SommerisDamien was silent for a moment before a dark chuckle escaped his lips. “You can make me disappear once I’ve satisfied your desires,” he said, his voice low and filled with promise.I shook my head, clenching my fists tightly as frustration rose. There were too many things about him that didn’t make sense—his existence, his presence in my life—but something he mentioned earlier lingered in my mind, something I couldn’t shake.“My necklace…” I began, my voice faltering as I searched for the right words. “You said something before. You thought my bloodline was lost—what did you mean by that?”Damien’s eyes darkened, his gaze sharp and intense as he interrupted me. “I can only tell you if you feed me,” he said, his tone smooth but carrying an unmistakable edge. His stormy blue eyes seemed to gleam with a dangerous hunger.“I—I have food in the kitchen,” I stammered nervously, regretting my question almost instantly. “You can get something there.” My instincts screamed at
Luxiana SommerisAs we sat down with our coffee orders in hand, Anton leaned forward, a curious smile on his lips. “So, how long have you been in the city, Luxiana?” he asked, his voice casual yet warm. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, “Oh, and how old are you? I just realized I might not be giving you the respect you deserve, depending on that.”I couldn’t help but chuckle softly at his sudden concern. “There’s no need to be so formal, really,” I assured him, offering a light smile. “I just turned 26 this year.”His eyes widened in surprise, a playful spark flickering in them. “Wait, so you’re like my older sister!”I clutched my chest dramatically, pretending to be wounded by his words. “I’m not sure whether to take that as a compliment or not, but if that’s how you feel comfortable, then sure,”We both burst out laughing, the atmosphere light and easy between us. After a moment, I took a sip of my cold caramel macchiato and glanced over at him. “What about you? You look
Luxiana Sommeris“That’s completely different, but you know what? Forget it.” I sighed deeply, standing from my bed to look for some hair tie. When I found one, I tied my hair into a messy bun, then turned to look at him.He wasn’t wearing a shirt, just a pair of ripped, baggy jeans that hung loosely on his hips. How could someone pull off a look like that so effortlessly?But the thing is, I needed to get to know him. The sooner he could fulfill whatever strange, unexplainable desire I had, the sooner he’d be out of my dreams for good.The problem? I had no idea what I truly wanted. This is why, getting to know him was probably the best way to kill time while I tried to figure it out—or maybe even give in to whatever my subconscious was craving.I sank back onto my bed, trying to shake off the strange tension in the room. “Okay, so what’s your full name?” I asked, breaking the silence. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, and for some reason, the whole atmosphere felt extremely di
Luxiana Sommeris“Good morning, Xiana,” Margaret greeted me warmly as I entered the library. “Looks like you had a rough night, huh? Those dark circles are doing all the talking. Is everything alright?”I groaned, dropping my bag beside my locker. “A demon kept me up all night. Honestly, I barely slept. I’m unsure if what I got qualifies as sleep at all.”“Huh? Demon?” Margaret’s eyes narrowed playfully as she leaned in. I cursed myself inwardly—mentioning something like that wasn’t exactly wise. “Are you talking about a man, Xiana?”I rolled my eyes. “No, Miss Margaret, not a man. As much as they can be like that, this wasn’t one of those situations. I was reading the manuscript Anton sent over last night. It’s about an angel and a demon,” I replied. Technically, that wasn’t entirely a lie.“Oh! So that’s it!” She grinned, her fingers finding my waist to poke me teasingly. “You and Anton, huh? Getting close now?”Margaret’s teasing was relentless. I giggled, trying to swat her hand a
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