The Luna on a Chain

wn the windows, traci

a. The car keys were missing, which meant I'd have to pick up my frie

s had already formed underfoot, threatening to seep into my black pumps. The shoes were definite

t. My legs caught on to it immediately and turned

ormous, some so wide I had to jump over them. During on

tered in frustrati

ed the umbrella right out of my hands, sending it flying into the unknown. I

ed like one of their patients -

the door to the waiting area with a bewildered star

you?" my friend asked,

he way, and then th

here? What a

e keys. We'll ta

a crook

aren't ready yet. We'l

pping through a few magazines on the table, I started fidgeting. My

t, and called Maya over. Finally. While my friend was sig

d to coil around him, and the air itself felt charged with danger. I squinted, studying him - wide, muscular shoulders, bla

ift in shape. My heart sank to my heels when I saw b

ere

seiz

ened up, pretending nothing had happene

ward me. We had to leave - fast - before

e better of me, and I glanced over my shoulder. The hall wa

ove home. We had plans for a girls' nigh

he cheerful chaos of preparation, the stra

ll, but I welcomed the chance for pleasant company. The girls had b

ack then - chased by hordes of boys - though she h

kept trying to draw me into their confessions too, but m

hter, we sent the girls home in

to

h the darkness, sharp

from my throat-and ye

reath burned; every sound was swallowed by the dark. Then, slowly, out of that void, a shape emerged-a massive gray

ere was intelligence in that gaze, and something else-sorrow. For a moment, I even tho

ite fangs. Opposite him stood a young man-barely more than a boy-with fear frozen on his face.

out again from somew

olf l

agging me back to reality. I gasped, sitting upright.

e early dawn light bled into the roo

one carried that strange blend of worry and irritation onl

whispered, my

felt warm to the touch-probably red. I half-s

wn with you?" Maya

lanket beside me, the warmth o

she murmured. "What you keep dreaming abo

bright, the dream too close. My chest rose and fell in uneven breath

ice barely above a whisper, "I dream

her turning toward me, searching fo

room gold-soft and forgiving, as if pretending none of it had happened. My hear

my eyes, and for a moment, the sound alm