Chapter 9

Cadella's POV

A horn blared outside my window forcing me awake. Sitting up I realized my sheets were damp with sweat and tangled around me. My face heated as I realized that I’d had another dream.

A dream I couldn’t remember the details of only small pieces and images remained in my mind. But the wetness of my beds and soaked underwear confirmed that images of bare skin and sweet nothings murmured in my ear were all related to fire that burned still inside me. My body craving a release outside the dream.

Groaning, I untangled myself from the sheets.

A shower. That would make me feel better. I flicked the water on, waiting for it to warm.

Leaning forwards, with my palms on the counter, I found my own gaze in the mirror. If the sheets and wet panties weren’t enough of a clue to what the dream was about, my reflection cleared it up. My skin was flushed pink, my hair sticking out at all side from tossing and turning. I looked like I had been thoroughly fucked. Or what I assumed I would look like if that happened.

The bathroom started to steam, so I undressed and gave myself one last glance in the mirror. My pink nipples beaded in the cool air, which caressed my skin like my mystery man’s cold hands had. The flush that had started to fade was renewed, making me enter the shower quicker.

Tearing my gaze away from the mirror I stepped into the warm shower. I hissed as the water hit my still cool skin. But after a moment I was able to relax into it. Only I couldn’t relax all the way.

My core still cramped and was begging for a release.

I ran my hands over my breasts, pinching my nipples, pretending it was the man from dream pulling on them instead of my own hands. I closed my eyes, as one of my hands drifted lower. I could almost feel his breath on my neck as I slipped my fingers down to the tight bundle of nerves between my legs.

It didn’t take long for me to bring myself to the edge of an orgasm. A cry pulling from my lips as I tipped over the edge, and an image stamped itself on my mind. A tattoo just below his collar bone. A black bird wrapped in silver vines with thorns that made it bleed. It was hauntingly beautiful.

I opened my eyes, and I realized what I just done. My face heated more. I’d never been an sexual person. But these dreams had me craving sex, almost always feeling unsatisfied. I wanted the sweet release that only he could bring me.

I moved fast, washing myself and shaving before I stepped out feeling cleaner and ready for the day. I dried off and moved to where I’d hung my clothes up in the closet. Grabbing an outfit and shoes I moved further into the room.

I was sitting on the bed, dressed in a wrap style sundress and braiding my hair when a knock sounded from the door. I hadn’t ordered anything. Confused I stood and walked to the door while I finished my braid. I stood on my toes as I looked out the peephole.

No one was there.

I opened the door, leaning out to see if they were just walking away. The hall was empty. I was just moving back inside my room when a white envelope on the dark red carpet caught my eye. Frowning I bent down and picked it up.

My name was written across the front in cursive. I looked up and down the hallway one last time before moving back into my room. Double checking the lock before I sat at the desk.

I couldn’t help the smile that grew as I pulled out the ticket that had a sticky note attached to it.

Sorry for the confusion. This is yours for the lecture today. Enjoy. —Professor Ardelean

My eyes glanced to the ticket. I had seen the signs for the lecture, and they had all boasted that the history students had free access, but my name had been left of the list of students. The remaining tickets were out of my price range. I had been so let down that I was going to miss such an amazing opportunity.

Now I was able to attend. The museum itself was worth the price of the tickets. The ticket allowed all day entrance to the exhibits-something I was going to take advantage of.

Practically skipping, I crossed the room to the bed. Sitting on the side of the mattress, I bent down to slide my shoes on. As I was sitting back up the sun reflecting off the broach, I’d left on my nightstand caught my eye. Picking it up I studied it for a moment.

The last week I felt like it was calling to me. Like it wanted me to wear it. I couldn’t resist the pull.

I pinned it onto my dress, slid into my sweater and grabbed my purse. Smiling I left and walked to the museum. I presented my ticket which was stamped and handed back to me so I could get into the lecture this afternoon.

Stepping further into the museum I slowed my steps and moved to the side so I could take in the beautiful architecture. The Celtradian museum was the biggest one in the country, and one of the top ten in the world. Built long enough ago that it could be considered an exhibit of itself, the city had preserved the original architecture and layout.

It was breathtaking.

I wandered through the museum taking in the exhibits when one about old castle I’d visited when I first got here caught my attention. I read the plaque, which explained that before the castle and surrounding lands had been approved for development the museum was given the chance to go in and remove items for history.

During the process of moving the items from the castle to the museum, the driver for the museum got into an accident and a few of the items were stolen. There was list of the missing items, most were small things that could easily be pawned because they were unidentifiable. However, there was one item that caught my eye — a box that held a broach.

My hand went to the broach that was pinned to my dress. I'm sure the police would have checked the local stores that took items for trade or money. That would be the first place I’d go to sell the older items. I forced the thought from my mind. It was just a coincidence. There are probably a hundred broaches that were being passed down through the generations here.

Pulling my hand back to my side, I turned as an old clock started to chime. Counting the chimes, I realized how much time had passed. I only had thirty minutes until the lecture started.

Turning back towards the entrance of the museum, I started to make my way back. I wanted to be early so I would have plenty of time to find a good seat where I’d be able to hear and see everything. It appeared I wasn’t the only person who wanted to find a good seat.

Even a half an hour before the lecture started the auditorium was starting to get packed. I tried to make my way into the room, but someone hit my shoulder as they pushed through the crowd.

‭“Hey!”‬ I cried as I moved my hand to my sore shoulder. ‬

The person kept going, ignoring me. I pulled my hand back over my dress, smoothing it out. Running my hand back over the smooth fabric I stilled. The fabric shouldn’t have been smooth.

I looked down at my now bare dress.

The broach was gone.

I turned around, my frantic gaze moving over the floor. There was nothing there. I stepped outside the auditorium, back into the hall.

The gold part of the broach shimmered in the sunlight that was pouring in through the window. Not wanting it to be taken, I jogged over to it. Bending my knees, I reached for the broach. In my rush to get save it, I miscalculated the distance. Just as my fingers were about to wrap around it, I was forced to shift my weight, kicking the broach further away.

I tried to lean forward to get it, but the shift in my weight and the forward momentum I already had behind me made me topple over. I bit my lip as my knees connected with the marble floors. Floors I’d found so beautiful only hours ago now caused me pain as my knees hit them with an audible crack.

Reaching my arms out, I tried to catch myself. The impact jarring my arm, causing pain to flare in my palm and shoulder. The hallway suddenly flooded with people. I scrambled to try and get to my feet, but I was surrounded. I moved quickly, trying to regain my footing while avoid the feet of people too caught up on their phones or conversations to notice me beneath them.

I saw a set of feet heading straight for me. I tried to crawl backwards, but my back hit something. I was going to get trampled before I could move.

Closing my eyes, I waited for the pain of their foot to sink in. Instead, I heard a grunt and someone cursing as iron bands wrapped around me. Then I was floating.