A Look at the Shadows

Ryker's POV 

For a moment, I watched as Emerald's room door clicked shut. My lips curled into a tiny smile. Tonight, she had laughed, and for once, it wasn't due to a stressful circumstance or a forced smile.

It actually happened. I found that to be sufficient. A sensation of warmth spread across my chest as I tucked my hands into the pockets of my trousers. I liked to think of my work as being straightforward. I was more than just a bodyguard. I was a friend here someone who could support her during the times when my friend Caden was consumed by whatever obligations were consuming him.

I understood the significance of my role. Although I could see how much Caden loved her, he wasn't always able to provide the unwavering support she required. I was able to help with that. 

With my boots clicking on the stone floor I turned to leave after giving the door one last glance. However, something prickled at the back of my neck as soon as I took a few steps down the hallway. I stopped my wolf instincts from taking over right away. There was a sudden change in the air a coldness that had not previously existed.

Even though my senses were already sharpened this felt. . . different. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as I looked around the corridor. At the end of the hallway, there was a shadow. I noticed a movement too quick to make out but enough to give me the chills.

I could see more clearly in the dim light of the hallway as my wolf's eyes grew sharper. I concentrated on where I believed I had seen something in the passage's corner. The stillness encircled me like a dense mist and seemed to get louder. However, there was nothing—no rustle of clothes, no footsteps, and no indication of anyone. 

Only the stillness of the silence which seemed almost unnatural. Squinting I tried to detect even the smallest hint of a presence with my strained senses. I felt my heart race as I silently looked around for any indication of life. It was nearly too clear in the hallway. 

The sort of silence that terrified me alerting me to something lurking beneath the surface. I moved forward and cautiously looked around the shadows but nothing moved. No one was in the area. My wolf was pressing against my skin telling me to remain vigilant as the uneasiness crept into my chest. 

Something didn't feel quite right. However, what might it be? I dismissed the idea attempting to ignore the uneasiness that was growing inside of me. It might have been insignificant. Perhaps my mind was just being played with by the darkness. I had stayed up too late and been on high alert for too long. 

Most likely my mind was deceiving me. I told myself I was being paranoid as I straightened up and started to walk away again, taking a slow, calming breath out. Despite this, my wolf's senses remained keen. I didn't lose the hair on my neck. And I still had a gut feeling that something wasn't right. 

There was someone present. They observed me. I chose to ignore the emotion and continue on my way. It would be useless to think about it. Already there were too many things to be concerned about. The image of that corner and the subtle way the shadow appeared to change persisted in my thoughts. 

The faint echo of my footsteps blended with the sounds of my breathing as I pushed my hand through my hair and forced myself to concentrate on the hallway in front of me. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching me and that my eyes were still lurking in the shadows. 

I had just reached the bend that would take me back to the stairs halfway down the hall when I felt the vibration of my wolf's growl. The hairs stood up on the back of my neck. There was someone out there. I turned quickly my heart pounding faster. 

Once more, however, nothing was present. Now that I could feel my heartbeat in my ears my body was becoming more tense. With all of my muscles taut and alert I looked around the hallway again. With a faint glow in the dim hallway light, my eyes darted over every inch, trying to find the source of the disturbance. 

Still nothing. Nothing but icy stone and shadow. In an attempt to ground myself, I exhaled deeply. I had previously visited this place. It was part of the job to be on edge. However, something about this—something about the fact that I kept feeling like I wasn't alone—ignited my instincts. 

My senses were keen, and I felt my heart rate increase as I cautiously retreated toward Emerald's door. I squinted and sharpened my focus my wolf encouraging me to look farther. But there was still no sound in the hallway. 

I remained there a little while longer listening and waiting. The prolonged silence was almost unsettling. I couldn't get rid of the uneasy feeling that someone was lurking in the shadows, watching and waiting for the ideal opportunity, even though the hallway felt calm and empty. With suspicion racing through my head I let out a slow breath and stepped forward again. I had to confirm. 

I always trusted my gut, and I had a gut feeling that this wasn't a mental trick. There was someone present and they were observing my every move while hiding in the shadows. I turned away from the hallway after hesitating deciding it would be best to go.

However, I felt a chilly chill go through me as soon as I turned the corner. It wasn't just me. Something—somebody—was there. Something that wasn't there just a second before. My heartbeat accelerated as I made myself maintain my composure and walk normally as though nothing were amiss but my thoughts were racing. 

I need to get to my room. I needed to ensure Emerald's safety. My heart thumping I turned the corner. My wolf instincts were alert buzzing beneath my skin like a warning. Yet once more the corridor was deserted. But I couldn't get rid of the sensation. 

It felt as though invisible eyes were observing you. I forced myself to ignore the discomfort that was gnawing at me and kept walking but my senses remained sharp and keen. I took one last look back as I made my way to my room, hoping to catch a glimpse of something—a shadow, a glimmer of movement. However, nothing was present. 

However, the feeling persisted. It wasn't over, according to my wolf senses. I wasn't being suspicious. There was someone out there observing me. Looking at her. Whatever was going on, I had the unshakeable feeling that it wasn't finished. I would keep an eye out. I would keep an eye on Emerald. 

And I'd track down whoever was out there. Right now, though, I had the weird nagging feeling that I was lagging behind.