Chapter 3: Claimed By Shadows

Jenna rolled onto the bed with her eyes closed as the room sank into heavy silence. 

The duvet clung to her with its lingering warmth, and she pressed her face deeper into the pillow, letting the comfort settle around her.

Her forehead creased as she pressed at the bridge of her nose, half-dreaming, half-awake, letting the slow rhythm of her breathing pull her back toward sleep.

She shifted onto her back, a dull throb pulsing through her skull, and settled into the quiet of the room.

Suddenly, a low voice brushed against her ear. The whisper trickled down her spine like ice, making her body stiffen, and her heart jolt.

“Rest now. I’ll be here watching over you. There’s nothing you need to fear.”

Her eyes flew open. A face hovered impossibly close. She jolted upright, flinging the sheet aside and sitting at the edge of the bed.

“Evan?” The name slipped out in a whisper as her gaze darted frantically around the room. Her heartbeat thudded so hard it hurt.

“Who’s there?” The air thickened with a presence, a shadow pressing at the edges of her awareness, as horror filled her eyes.

She slid into her slippers and stood slowly, scanning the corners, waiting to see if it was real or just her imagination.

No one came into view. The throbbing in her head sharpened.

She drew in a deep breath and glanced at the clock. Six o’clock in the evening.

Shock shivered through her. Really? I slept that long? She rubbed her eyes before pulling back the curtain and looked outside.

The evening sky was dim and strange, making the hour feel unreal.

***********

After hesitating on the first step of the stairs for a moment, she finally started down.

The warm aroma of dinner wrapped around her like a familiar hug, and she paused midway, letting the soft murmur of voices spread through the air.

Her fingers brushed the railing, grounding herself as she spotted her mom, dad, and Alexa at the table, sharing a meal.

It had been nearly a full day since she had last seen them, and the sight made her chest ache with a quiet longing, like sunlight slipping through clouds after a storm.

And that’s when her eyes met her father’s as he looked up at the sound of her steps, his smile soft and warm.

“Oh, you’re up, my love. Come have dinner.” His voice flowed over her like calm water over smooth stones.

Both her mother and Alexa turned their face toward her, with welcome smiles brightening their faces.

She lingered on the stairs for a heartbeat, taking in the scene, the quiet rhythm of the room seeping into her bones, before stepping down toward them.

“Hi, Dad. Hi, Mom. Hi, Alexa,” she said, sliding into her usual seat beside Alexa.

“Hi, Jenna, you didn’t show up all day. What’s the matter, sweetheart?” her mother asked, her brow knitting in concern.

“Your dad and I even peeked in twice, and you were out cold. Are you feeling alright?”

Jenna nodded, swallowing hard, and let her lips curve slightly as she picked up a plate.

“Yeah, Mom, I’m fine. I just had a headache and took some pills, so maybe that’s why I didn’t notice the time.”

Her father’s keen gaze followed her, as if seeing through the lie, while she served herself rice, his fingers tightening slightly on the fork.

“It’s okay if you slept longer because of the pills, but why do your eyes look swollen?”

Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she nearly dropped her spoon.

She coughed lightly, flustered, while Alexa frowned knowingly, her gaze shifting between Jenna and their parents in nervousness.

“Actually, I just put on eyeliner last night, and I think it irritated my eyes. They were hurting,” Jenna muttered, nervously playing with the edge of her plate while a tentative smile stayed on her face.

Her father nodded slowly and knowingly, a trace of curiosity in his eyes, while her mother simply turned back to her food with a smile.

Jenna took a few cautious bites, but the ache in her head pressed harder, and a dull throb pulsed behind her eyes with each spoonful.

No one spoke any other word for a few moments, until her father’s voice cut into the silence.

“How was your meeting, Jenna?”

The question made her pause as a flash of memory flickered through her mind, but she showed no surprise, having been ready for it.

“Hmm, fine,” she answered, lowering her gaze back to her plate.

“I heard Evan asked you some questions, and you answered with wisdom. Can I ask what they were?”

Her bite caught in her throat, and she nearly choked. Her eyes darted over the table, tracing the edge of her plate and the pattern on the cloth, avoiding their faces, before she finally drew a shaky breath.

“Dad, I wasn’t ready at all. I had no idea he’d put me on the spot, but…” She paused, letting the quiet stretch between them, fingers tightening slightly on her plate.

“First, he asked if I would stand beside him through hardships.”

Her father stopped mid-forkful, eyes locking onto hers, full attention heavy and still.

Her mother leaned forward slightly, curiosity sparking across her face.

Jenna’s chest tightened, ribs pressing together as if the air had thickened, but she steadied her voice, letting it ride over the tension.

“I told him a true ally doesn’t abandon their king, but loyalty only matters if it serves what is just.”

Her father’s features softened, the corner of his mouth lifting in a small, slow nod that felt measured, knowing, and approving all at once.

“Then he asked which I value more, power or peace,” she settled herself in the chair as her eyes traced invisible lines with her gaze.

“I told him peace lasts longer, but without some power, it cannot be protected.”

A tiny exhale escaped her lips, a flicker of a smile brushing them like morning light across a windowpane.

“I wasn’t sure if he’d approve, but I answered honestly. The other questions were similar, testing my mind and patience.”

“They were sharp questions, and you handled them well, Jenna,” her father said, voice calm, yet steady as stone.

He dabbed at his lips with a napkin.

Her mother’s eyes softened, a quiet warmth spilling over, and Alexa’s small nod of approval grounded Jenna in the moment.

For a heartbeat, it felt like she could breathe without the air pressing in.

The gentle warmth of the dining room settled around her, a soft cocoon against the restless pulse of her thoughts.

“We’re going shopping for your wedding today. Your mom and Alexa will go with me, but you’ll stay home.”

With a puzzled look on her face, Jenna gazed between her mother and him. “Why not me?”

“You will go with Evan Grant.”

The words hit her like a punch, and his presence appeared in her mind as if he were standing right in front of her.

“But can’t we all go together if he has to come? I mean, if he’s really necessary, we could all go together,” she said hesitantly, hiding the panic.

“No. You and he will go later, maybe tomorrow. For now, we’re going after dinner.”

Her father rose from his chair, and her mother followed, when Alexa cleared her mouth with a tissue before dragging her chair back.

“Don’t worry if we’re late. The gatekeeper is outside, so you don’t need to be afraid.”

He glanced over his shoulder with his last words before moving ahead. Jenna didn’t reply, lowering her head to let the news settle.

The room felt heavier, and she couldn’t shake the uneasy flutter in her chest as they left.

Ahhh, damn you, evil! I hate you for choosing me! May you trip over your own mouth!