4: Strange Dreams

Celeste.

Thank goodness, a few maids were already waiting for my arrival.

They carried my baggage while the grumpy man had already marched into the house.

My lips twitched at the sight of the mansion that screamed wealth. I didn’t linger on the details. After all, I never admired such things.

Riches never guaranteed joy. Just as I stepped into the living room, my mother rushed forward and wrapped me in a hug.

“Oh, my sweet daughter, I thought you would remain stubborn about not coming.” My mouth fell open in shock as I stared at her.

“Are you out of....”

“Meet my husband, your stepfather. Honey, meet my daughter Celeste.” She cut me off as she introduced me with a radiant smile.

I blinked hard as my stepfather’s voice grabbed my attention. “Nice to meet you, Celeste,” he said with a smile that made my stomach churn.

Then he added, “You must be exhausted from the ride. I hope Arden didn’t trouble you?” I stared at him blankly.

Was the man who picked me up Arden? If he was, then I pitied him for failing to raise him.

Yet he smiled warmly, and I didn’t want to appear rude, so I nodded with a faint smile. “It was quite a ride here,” I murmured.

He chuckled softly. “I should have introduced you to them, but then...” A sudden voice cut him short.

“Holy cow, why are there so many people here?” came the voice as I turned to see someone already turning away as though fleeing the scene.

“I already saw you, Zane. Come and greet your new sister.”

Honestly, I was drained from standing there. All I wanted was to rest for the day.

But as the person turned to face me, my breath caught in my throat.

I blinked, then shook my head slightly. Maybe I was imagining things.

What on earth was my boss doing here? How could the man I planned to avoid turn out to be my stepbrother?

Was fate mocking me? He grinned, drawing closer with a look that carried no surprise.

And here I was, my insides boiling with endless “why me?”

“Hi... nice to meet you.” He stretched his hand out for a handshake.

My heartbeat raced as I shook his hand. “She is beautiful, Dad. If I knew she was my.... sister..., I wouldn’t have tried to sneak away.” His words made my cheeks burn.

His father cleared his throat. “Behave yourself, Zane.” His tone carried caution, as though I was off-limits.

Yet Zane’s eyes, the spark dancing in them, told me he wasn’t one to heed warnings. The realization sent a chill down my spine.

He withdrew his hand. “I guess I’ll be seeing you often then.” He winked at me, just like before, and walked away.

Damn...

“Don’t mind his attitude. That’s how he behaves. Have you eaten, or would you...” I shook my head before he finished his words.

“You don’t have to worry. I ate before coming.” My mom cast me a strange look, but I ignored her.

He smiled again. “Alright then, feel at home. We still have a long journey ahead... Maya!!” he called suddenly.

I wanted to ask what he meant by “long journey,” but the maid had already appeared. “Take Miss to her room,” he instructed.

My feet ached. I wanted to leave anyway. With one last bow, I followed the maid to my room.

We passed several confusing corridors. I feared I would get lost. I mean, how was I supposed to know my way around so easily?

Finally halting at a door, she pushed it open. “The room has been specially prepared for you, Miss. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.” With that, she bowed and left.

Pressing my lips together, a strange smell was the first thing that greeted me.

It crawled against my skin like a shadow. In a blink, the feeling vanished.

My brow knitted together as I hugged myself. “What was that?” I whispered, scanning the room. Everything was neatly arranged, nothing unusual.

Maybe it was the scent of a new place. Shaking the thought away, my gaze landed on the queen-size bed.

I didn’t think twice before I sank into the soft mattress.

“Uhmmm.” I moaned, clutching the pillow. I was supposed to call my best friend and update her that the hot director from days back was my stepbrother!

But fatigue weighed me down. I would talk to her when I woke.

Within minutes, sleep claimed me quickly.

Suddenly, I found myself chained to a chair. A figure, blocked by sunlight, stood tall before me, his height looming like a mountain.

This place didn't look like home, my room, or anywhere familiar.

“Wh... who are you?” My voice cracked as I squinted to see.

“Celeste.”

He knew my name?

I stepped backward. “Who are you?” I asked again.

“You’re not who you think you are,” he said, his voice deep and gravelly.

“What do you mean?” I furrowed my brow, my eyes squinting hard to at least catch his face.

In the speed of light, he surged forward and placed his hand on my forehead.

A piercing pain shot from my head, trailing down my whole body.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!” A loud scream tore through my throat.

My hand moved to his, trying to grip his large hand and take it off my head. But the moment my hand met his, I saw it.

My fingers... they thickened. In the speed of light, they were morphing into claws.

Like that was the worst, I watched as fur replaced flesh on my arm. The fur was moving, spreading from my wrist to my arm, across my body.

“No! No! No! No!!!!!!”

My body jerked awake. Panting heavily, I realized it was a dream.

A dream.

Just a dream.

Wiping sweat from my brow, I tried to steady my breath.

What the hell was that? God forbid such nonsense!

Where did that kind of dream come from? Fuck! My hand went to my chest, which was now beating so loudly.

Breathe... breathe... breathe... I coaxed myself.

After calming down, I rose to my feet. My throat was parched, and hunger gnawed at me.

As I stepped out, I realized I was trapped in a maze. How was I supposed to find my way?

And not a single soul was in sight.

Just perfect.

Dragging my hand through my hair, I walked down the corridor. The more I moved, the more the place twisted like a labyrinth.

“What kind of house is this?!” I lamented. All I wanted was water, yet I couldn’t even find my way.

Frustrated, I was about to turn back when I heard a muffled voice.

I paused, glancing around. Only one door was close by. Maybe I could ask the person for help.

The closer I drew, the clearer the sound became.

Undoubtedly, it was a moan. And though the door was ajar, I didn’t want to peek.

But my reckless legs betrayed me. Before I knew it, I was inside. The room was empty.

The voice rang clear... “Ouuu fckkkk yesssss!”

Shit! I knew I should leave.

But maybe I should just glance and then slip away quietly. As I neared the balcony, my eyes immediately landed on him.

At the same time, he turned toward me. My eyes widened as my gaze scanned his body.

Covering my face with my hand, “I’m... s... sorry, I didn’t mean to...” I cursed myself. What had I done?

When silence followed, I peeked through my fingers. He was staring right back.

My heart skipped. He resembled the two men I met earlier. Could he be one of them?

“If you’re that sorry, you should be leaving my room!” His voice thundered, shaking me.

I blinked. “Oh... Yes... I’m leaving.” I tried to flee the scene when his voice nailed me to the spot.

“Hold on. Stop right there!”

Damn, what could be the issue again? My face burned crimson as I turned slowly.

He gestured with his finger. “Come here.”