Before Sunrise 2 Novels & Stories

Her ragged breaths gradually slowed, matching the steady, rhythmic beat of his strong heart—her only anchor of safety in this desolate universe. ​The minutes passed, slow and heavy, as they watched the first light of dawn in solemn silence. ​As the deep blue threads of night slowly unraveled, the sun began to weave its first warm, golden rays at the horizon, painting the sky in shades of soft purple and pink. The sight of the sunrise cleared Eileen’s mind, bringing warmth back to a body that had finally stopped shaking.

Survival was. “Fine,” she muttered. “If this place isn't good enough, I'll find somewhere that is.” An engine sounded behind her. Adrian's truck came through the gate. He climbed out holding a rolled survey map. “You look angry.” “My house has disappointed me.” He studied the building. “Understandable.” Nora turned. “Tell me everything wrong with it.” “Again?” “Everything we can't fix in twenty-two days.” That made him pause. Then he unrolled the map across the hood of his truck.

“In the woods, sir. Look yourself.” August climbed off his horse and stared into the trees. “What is it?” “Not Diana herself.” Decimus took a few steps forward, but his brother hung back, more cautious. “In the gap, like a bench or reclining couch, but not so much.” Crispinus wondered, “Is that a trick of the light in the moss?” August looked overhead as the sun had crested at mid-day and started to move west, avoiding the dark clouds. The sun did filter into the forest like shafts that extended to the sky. “An eye not so keen may have missed that.”

IN MORNING The sun rises gently, casting a warm glow into the cozy bedroom. Sukoon wakes up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Birds are chirping outside the window, adding to the tranquil ambiance. Sukoon decides to get freshened up, quietly tiptoeing out of bed so as not to disturb anyone. CUT TO: IN BATHROOM Sukoon stands in front of the bathroom mirror, splashes some water on their face, and looks up at their reflection with a peaceful smile. Feeling renewed, they brush their teeth, and the sounds of brushing echo in the background, creating a peaceful rhythm.

This time, her sleep was peaceful, her fears quelled by the reassurance of Rajeev’s presence beside her. .... In the early morning, the soft, golden light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. The sun's rays crept slowly across the bed, gently nudging Rajeev and Abhi awake. Both men stirred, their eyes fluttering open to greet the new day. The memory of the night lingered, leaving them with satisfied smiles on their faces.

Good night beautiful. I roll my eyes, dropping my phone by the bedside. I get on my feet, walking into the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. When I finish up my business in the bathroom, I scurry back to bed to pick up my phone. I scoff, my hands typing away on the keyboard.

She clung to Diego, his warmth and empathy becoming a lifeline in her darkest hours. As the night finally relinquished its hold, delicate tendrils of light began to gently brush the sky, signaling the gradual breaking of dawn. Soft hues of pink and orange slowly spread across the horizon, chasing away the remnants of darkness and casting a warm glow upon the world. The air was still and filled with anticipation, as if it held the promise of a new day dawning.

“He’s next.” The SUV disappeared into the dawn, the blood moon finally sinking below the horizon. But in Aurora’s womb, something new was rising.

The valley was already glowing gold. Not the soft, creeping light of natural dawn. This was theatrical. Obvious. A blazing, impossible sunrise that painted the mountains in liquid fire and spilled across the rooftops like a stage entrance. Birds, thoroughly confused, had begun singing an hour early. Wolves were howling at the wrong time, their internal clocks thrown into chaos. Luna blinked. "Did the planet glitch?" Dante appeared beside her, coffee in hand, his expression one of dry, amused resignation. He'd clearly already heard. "No. Your former mate committed atmospheric bribery."

EVELYN The night seemed to slip away unnoticed. When I glanced out the window, the first pale light of dawn crept over the horizon, the sun rising slowly in the east. The house was quiet once again. Leila, Jasmine, and Stephanie had retired to their rooms, while Seb—still unconscious from the overdose of medicine Leila had given him to ensure he wouldn’t cause trouble before sunrise—lay motionless.