Page 20 of Wings of Lies

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With pursed lips, he considered me. “It’s a world. In a parallel dimension.”

My eyes widened. I thought Elora was a place here on… “Are we on Earth?” I asked, horrified that he’d say no and rock my already teetering mind.

He nodded. “Yes, and I can see your wheels turning. But before I say anything else, I’m taking a shower, and you’re going to bed before you pass out?—”

I opened my mouth to protest.

“Or kill me.”

“Fine,” I said, cheeks flushing.

Standing, Oliver held out a hand to help me up. I double-checked mine before taking his. He smirked, noticing my paranoia, then walked to the bathroom.

I cuddled under the covers and closed my eyes, hoping I’d be one step closer to finding my mom tomorrow.

Wake up,Lucille.

“Do you know where she is?”

Wake up, Lucille.

You’ll find your answers once you get out of your cage.

Wake up, Lucille.

We’re bonded.

Wake up, Lucille.

She sobbed as I fell. The never-ending sound tore open the carefully crafted calm.

Wake up, Lucille!

I’m your guardian.

Touch him. Now.

Wake up, LUCILLE!

I screamed,springing up from my bed, drenched in sweat.

“You okay?”

I jerked to my right.

Oliver.

He sat on the other bed, tying his shoelaces. Yesterday came flooding back. Besides his messy hair and wrinkled clothing, he lookedwell-rested. The same couldn’t be said for me. My muscles and joints throbbed in revolt.

“Yeah, fine. Just a bad dream…” I couldn’t remember, but that’s what I assumed. Finally, calm, I broached the topic he skillfully avoided last night. “So…”

“So…” He raised an eyebrow like he didn’t know what I meant.

“Elora? Where is it?”

“It’s near.”

“And?”

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