Before The Morning Song Novels & Stories

It was the one thing she hadn't minded being oversized. Ashleigh scowled and drove to work. She had to rush if she wanted to get in a full hour. As she headed for the gym she heard the faint clanging sound of bells. She hesitated, alarms, bells…clocks? And then she realized that it was part of a song. She picked up her pace and a smile came over her face. It was the Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd! Lt. Christopher Jamieson was a god among men for playing Time at 5:30 am!

*** At the crack of dawn, the sound of the army reveille sliced through the air, rousing Callie and Wendy from their slumber. Callie’s eyes snapped open, embracing the familiar rhythm of the academy’s routine. She rose from her bed, ready to greet the day’s challenges head-on. With swift movements, Callie washed up. Turning to Wendy, she suggested, ‘Morning jog before breakfast?’ Wendy emitted a groan that echoed through the room. ‘Ugh, seriously? It’s like the universe wants us to suffer.’ Callie shot her a wry grin. ‘Come on, Wendy. It’s good for you.’

While Blackwood is away, given a task by David to find Jay Nashville, he is on a mission to search for all the nightclubs and bars. In the early morning, the world is draped in a serene stillness. The sky is adorned with hues of soft pastels, transitioning from the deep blues of night to the gentle pinks and oranges of dawn. The air holds a crispness, carrying with it the promise of a new day. As the first rays of sunlight begins to peek over the horizon, nature awakening from its slumber. The chirping melodies of birds gradually fills the air, their voices harmonizing in a symphony of joy and vitality. The gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional whisper of a gentle breeze adds a subtle

"Alright. I’ll call you guys later — my phone’s about to die." Before Leila can say goodbye, the phone takes its cue. I plug it in, roll to my side, and close my eyes. And just like that, I’m in that dream again, like a routine— Except this time, it isn’t silly like the last one. It’s freaking real. (SONG RECOMMENDATION: Street by Doja cat) The restaurant is quiet, dimly lit, warmer than before. The light softens everything except him. Mr. Grande sits across from me, his arms folded, and gaze sharp. I'm not sure what I’m wearing. It’s not important. What matters is how his stare pins me like a blade.

He gently caressed her head before long sleep found him too. _____________ The next morning arrived brighter than the last. The haveli had transformed once again. Where yesterday had been painted yellow today shimmered with lights, mirrors and fresh flowers. Tonight it was the Sangeet. Music floated through every corridor. Someone downstairs rehearsed dance steps. Children ran around carrying flower petals. The entire haveli buzzed with excitement.

I couldn’t remember the last time my body had relaxed without bracing for something. Sleep took me whole. No dreams. No waking. Just darkness and peace. A knock cut through it. I surfaced slowly, disoriented, the sound echoing through the room as though I were underwater. I frowned, blinking at the ceiling, my body heavy, reluctant to move. “Who is it?” I called, my voice thick with sleep. “Good morning, Ms Whitmore. Everyone is waiting downstairs for breakfast,” the reply came from behind my closed door. Breakfast? I turned my head, squinting. The heavy curtains still covered every window, sealing the room in shadow.

And people read it and laughed, because laughing at letters felt better than fearing them. On the last night of the month the moon was full again. And the three towns met at the crossroads. Not because they had to. Because they wanted to. There was music. There was food. There was Rowan being passed around like everyone wanted to hold him. And Thea and Kael danced badly while someone played a drum that was off beat. Later they walked home slow. Rowan asleep against Kael’s chest. And the road was muddy but solid. And the house was warm. And the door latched.

A large mirror appeared in front of me. I was pinned in a hidden corner behind it. The sounds started quickly. Two figures tumbled onto the bed. Serena tore open Ethan's white shirt. "Come on, let me see if you still have those abs. I've been dying for this." Ethan glanced at me through the mirror, then turned back to Serena. "You know I'm not Caleb. You never give me much time. Two days from now you won't be mine anymore. So tonight, can we pretend this is our wedding night?"

The following morning, I woke before sunrise, craving a few moments of peace before the academy came fully alive. The dormitory was still quiet, and the faint glow of dawn painted the sky in soft pinks and golds. I dressed quickly, slipped on my boots, and headed toward the training fields, hoping the early hour would grant me some solitude.

--- The Next Morning The next morning the sun perks through the curtain and the soft glow to the room. I and up before Nolan wakes up, mu head is still trying to process what exactly happened last night. My heart feels heavy but deep inside, I know I have to stop running from the truth anymore. I need to tell him everytime: I leave the bed gently so as not to wake him. I head to the kitchen to prepare coffee for us. The silence is filled with the whistling of the kettle boiling