Dreams

Lila's POV

Moira and I spent the next few hours behind the reception desk, going through everything I needed to learn. At first, I just observed watching her click through the online booking system, answer calls, hand out maps and keys with that effortlessly warm charisma of hers. But she quickly got me answering questions, taking notes, and navigating the screen myself.

By the time the sun began to set behind the forest, I was checking in guests on my own, answering basic questions, even pretending I knew more than I did thankfully, everything else could be Googled.

“Well, look at that,” Moira said proudly, patting me on the back. “Natural-born receptionist.”

“Thanks, Moira.”

“I was thinking we could put you on the 2 PM to 10 PM shift most days sound good?”

“Perfect,” I replied. The idea of having structure, somewhere to be, purpose, was exactly what I needed.

“If you ever want a night off, just let me know. We can always close the desk early.”

I nodded, touched by her flexibility.

She looked up at the clock. “Think you could handle the last couple hours on your own tonight?”

“How many guests are we expecting?”

“Just three.”

“I can handle that,” I said confidently.

“Wonderful. Oh before I forget,” she added, reaching over the desk and tugging on a small handle near the wall. A metal cage unfurled, clicking into place.

“This wraps around the whole reception area at night. When you’re done at ten, pull it around and lock it with this key.” She handed me my own small brass key on a moon-shaped keychain.

“Thank you. I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t,” she said, squeezing my arm before disappearing up the stairs.

I sat behind the desk, scanning over the town maps and public transport guides, trying to lock everything into memory. I kept one eye on the clock and another on the front entrance. At 8:45, the first two guests arrived Victoria and Emma, two girls from the UK with huge backpacks and huge smiles. Five minutes later came Ramil, a guy from the Philippines who was soft-spoken but sweet.

The check-in process was surprisingly smooth. They had prepaid online, so all I had to do was copy their passports, hand out welcome packs, and point them toward their rooms.

By 9:45, with no more check-ins expected, I started tidying up the desk and preparing to lock up.

“Little Lila, what’ve you had for dinner?”

The voice made me jump. I turned to see Henry standing at the counter, holding two frozen meals lasagne and risotto in his hands.

“Oh, um… nothing yet,” I admitted. “I was going to go out after this.”

“At 10 PM? On a Tuesday?” he said with a grin. “Nothing will be open. Your choices are frozen lasagne or frozen risotto.”

I grinned. “Lasagne, please.”

“Excellent choice. Come on, lock up and let’s eat.”

I followed him down to the basement kitchen after wrapping the metal cage around the desk and locking it with my new key. There were a few guests chatting quietly over mugs of tea at the far end, probably planning tomorrow’s sightseeing.

Henry had already picked the coziest table, way in the corner, and waved me over.

“Get it while it’s hot, girlie!”

I peeled off the plastic lid and dug in. I didn’t even realize how hungry I was until the first bite. I devoured the entire tray without stopping to breathe.

“Hungry, were we?” Henry laughed.

“Apparently.”

He smiled, then leaned forward on his elbows. “So, what do you have planned for tomorrow?”

“Honestly? I just need to find a supermarket.”

He made a face. “You don’t want to try with that sad map Moira gave you. I’ll take you. Ten AM, meet me in the common area?”

“Sure,” I said, already yawning.

Henry grinned and stood, gathering our containers and crumpled map. “Goodnight, Little Lila.”

He pulled me into a quick bear hug that made me giggle. His arms were wiry but warm. Not romantic but safe.

“Goodnight, Henry,” I murmured, making the long climb back up to the Watchtower.

By the time I reached my room, I was breathless from the stairs. I'm going to get fit whether I like it or not living here.

I stripped off my clothes and tugged on an oversized t-shirt, then collapsed into bed. The mattress was heavenly. Soft, supportive, cool sheets. For such an old place, Moira hadn’t skimped on comfort. I reached for my phone and saw eight new messages.

Wow. When did I get so popular?

Mum

Safe flight my love! Let me know when you land!

Have you landed? I checked the route online you definitely have.

Lila, I called Aunt Moira. She said you arrived safely. You could’ve at least messaged me.

Dad

Lila, you're worrying your mum sick. Send her a text.

Tobi

I'm sorry.

Lila, I'm really sorry for what happened today.

I didn’t mean to just barge in.

Are you angry at me?

I smiled at the last one but there was a tight pang in my chest too. Maggie and Thea hadn’t written. Not even a “miss you.”

I texted my parents first.

Hi Mum and Dad, sorry I forgot to message. I arrived safely Moira has set me up really nicely. I just finished my first shift and it went well. Hope everything’s good at home!

No response, but I knew there was a time difference. I tapped out another message.

To Maggie & Thea

Hey girls! I made it to Lenweil. This place is so interesting. I already have gossip can’t wait to share some pics!

The message was instantly marked as “Read.” A moment later, Maggie replied.

Maggie

So happy for you, Lila. We’ll find time to talk soon. Bye xxx

That was it. No reply from Thea. Normally she’d be clawing at the screen for gossip. But now? Silence.

Maybe they’re just busy with college stuff, I told myself. But it didn’t make the sting go away.

Finally, I tapped on Tobi’s thread.

To Tobi

It’s fine. Just an accident.

Tobi

Are you sure?

Lila

Yes.

There was a pause. Then:

Tobi

So when can I make good on my promise to take you out? ;)

I was thankful we were texting. Even a winking emoji from him made my face go warm.

Lila

Not sure. Moira has me working 2 to 10 every day. She said I can take a night off whenever, but I want to get settled in first.

Tobi

Fair enough. I’ll try again in a couple weeks. :x

Lila

Goodnight, Tobi.

Tobi

Sweet dreams, Lila.

I clutched the phone to my chest for a second before placing it on charge. The alarm was set for 9 AM. My eyelids were already drooping.

It was dark. Cold. I stood barefoot in the woods, alone beneath the stars. I wasn’t scared. Not yet. But I was confused. The air was chilled, but I didn’t feel the cold. I looked down—bare feet, dirt under my toes. How did I get here?

I turned and saw a soft light glimmering in the distance, high up. My room.

I started walking toward it when a grey blur darted across my path. A streak of fur—large, fast—just enough to graze my arm and make me stumble.

A wolf?

I turned to run the other way, heart hammering, but the same blur shot past me again, blocking the path. I fell hard into the dirt, then lay still, waiting until the sound of paws faded.

Then I ran.

I crashed through the undergrowth, heading toward the light toward home.

And slammed straight into someone.

Tobi.

He stood naked in the dark, lit only by moonlight. He didn’t flinch. He wrapped his arms around me, and I buried my face in his chest.

“Tobi,” I whispered, relieved. “Thank God. I don’t know how I got here.”

“You shouldn’t be here,” he said softly, brushing my hair back, wiping tears I hadn’t realized were on my cheeks.

“Why are you here?” I asked.

He didn’t answer.

He leaned in, nose trailing across my cheek and jaw, inhaling like he was memorizing me. I melted under his touch. He pressed his lips to my throat, kissing lightly, slowly.

“Once I have you,” he murmured against my skin, “I will never let you go, Lila.”

A shiver ran through me. Not fear something else. My arms wrapped around his bare back, fingers digging into his skin as his lips traveled down to my collarbone. Then he cupped the back of my head, lifting my face. His lips hovered over mine.

I closed my eyes. And—

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP