24. Chapter 24
Chapter 24
Luka
Reality used to be a term for describing something real, not the magical aspects of an occurrence. But when reality becomes blurred by medicine-induced hallucinations, it’s difficult to differentiate between what’s actually real and what’s merely a dream.
A small sliver of sunlight had barely cast its ray onto the world below while I relaxed in a rocking chair on my front porch, its warmth now eager to embrace the awakening plants and animals after a chilly fall night.
“Luka?” Sage whispered, and I shifted my gaze toward the sound of her heavenly voice. Despite her tousled hair and sleepy appearance, she looked more beautiful than ever.
“Good morning, my love.”
She stifled a yawn before wiping the sleep from her eyes. “What are you doing out here?”
Wondering myself, I glanced down at my favorite Star Wars mug in my hand, then to the horizon ahead of me. “I’m drinking coffee and watching this beautiful sunrise.”
She dipped her head down and picked at her nails, a behavior she often did when anxious. “You can’t be out here. Come back to bed.”
My gaze traveled down her body and I smiled at the T-shirt that extended to her mid-thigh. “You look sexy wearing my clothes.”
“You can’t be out here, Luka.”
I turned my head, inspecting my surroundings before my brows pinched. “I’m sitting on the porch of the house I own, so why can’t I be?”
“You need to come back. Come back to me.”
My forehead tightened, more confusion settling in me. “How can I come back when I never left?”
“Come back, Luka. Don’t die on me!” she screamed, seconds before a sting radiated across my cheek. She had slapped me, yet I never saw her move.
Her strange actions puzzled me, her words contradicting her composed manner. “Why would I die, Princess?”
“Give him more blood! Force him if you have to.”
My chest tightened as she shouted nonsensical words. Needing to comfort her, I attempted to place the mug down on the small marble-top table next to me, but my fingers refused to let me release it. In my attempt to stand up, I found myself unable to, an unknown force mysteriously locking my knees.
“Luka, please!” she screamed, but this time it didn’t sound like Sage anymore. The hauntingly familiar voice sent shivers down my spine.
The sun’s rays brightened, making it unbearable to keep my eyes open. Despite my attempt to close them tightly, something pulled my lids back, forcing me to stare directly into the intensely bright light.
“Bill, his pupils are dilated. Inject him with the serum now!”
“But it could kill him, Doctor Ishman!”
“If we don’t do it now, he will die anyway and our hours of research will be for nothing!”
Someone released my eyelids and my entire world went black. I frantically felt around, looking for my girlfriend.
Sage! Where is Sage?
Gray pulsing shadows floated around me, each one attempting to steal my breaths before engulfing me, revoking my license to live.
My heart began to slow, the dark void taking over my senses.
An icy coldness washed over me, sending a chill through my veins and slowing my movements until I . . .
disappeared . . .
from . . .
existence . . .