Chapter 19
Sabine
I awake,my subconscious hovering in that dreamless, confused state between sleep and wakefulness.
A man enters the bedroom. I must have heard the door unlock.
The tall silhouette is barely visible in the darkness. It’s that time of morning right before the sun rises. Always darkest before dawn.
I can’t make out the man’s face, but there’s no question that his full focus is on me.
Am I dreaming?
Without a sound, he crosses the room, stopping next to the bed. I am now aware that I am very naked under the covers.
A lock of hair is swept away from my brow. A knuckle gently caresses my cheek.
I want to reach up and grab his hand, hold it next to my heart. But the touch disappears, and my skin is left feeling cold and wanting.
The man sits in the armchair facing the bed. He leans back, settles in, and watches me.
I’m not scared. In fact, it’s the opposite. I feel very, very safe.
Am I dreaming? I must be. Because why would Astor watch me sleep?
Speak, I think. Say something.
Instead, my eyes drift closed and sleep finds me once again.