Poisonous Dream (The Starlight Gods Series Book 5) by Yumoyori Wilson (1)

SOLACE ROTATION– VIII, Cycle 5032

"Let's go, Mako."

I stared at her outstretched hand, my eyes looked up at the large gate behind her. Words couldn't describe its beauty— the immaculate appearance of the large gold gate that continued to sparkle and shine with power.

I knew if I walked through those doors, I'd find peace, salvation...even happiness. I knew no one could hurt me again. I'd stay with my best friend forever and we could share all the time we'd missed.

But...

Something was pulling at my heart— telling me I'd regret taking her hand. But I couldn't remember anything else. I only knew I was Makoto Heart and my best friend, Lily Milton, would never betray me. Till her dying breath, she stood by me. How could I abandon her?

She'd been here this whole time, waiting for me. I couldn't let her down again.

I wanted to feel warm again. My essence was beginning to dim with every wasted minute.

"Mako. Why are you delaying? We can't stay here for long. You don't want to play with me?" Lily whispered. My eyes widened, beginning to pool with tears.

"I...don't...know. I need to be somewhere… somewhere." I struggled to form words. I couldn't think straight and wanted to just be safe.

Safe...but...that gate won't lead me to the safety I crave...

"No...Ma...Midn…don't die. Wake up!"

Whose voice is that? Do I know him?

"Mako. Are you afraid? You don't need to be. I'm right here." Lily walked till she stood before me, a big smile on her face.

"I'm afraid? I...the voice. He's telling me to wake up," I confessed, trembling as I began to panic.

I could sense the dread in that person's voice, the sorrow, and hurt that lingered in his desperate plea. He was important to me. Yet, I didn't know who he was. How could someone feel important to me when I never met them?

"Don't listen to those silly voices. They just want to take you away from me. I don't want to lose you again, Mako. We're friends…remember? I'm lonely," she whispered, hanging her head low.

I wanted to answer, to comfort her just as she always did for me through those two cycles at the facility. But, the pull got stronger— my chest ached.

My breathing increased as my shoulders rose and fell, my hand gripped the space in my chest that began to throb in pain.

"Lily...I can't, I can't breathe." I struggled for air.

"You’re delaying that's why. We have to go. Here, I'll help you," Lily whispered, reaching out to grab my hand before she began to tug me toward the gate.

I panicked as I tried to figure out what was causing me to be so frightened and struggle for air.

"Rosalina!"

I froze. Lily tried to pull me forward; we were only a few steps away from the gate, but I wouldn’t budge. I looked over my shoulder— a beautiful woman with wide pink eyes stood a few feet away.

I noticed the oversized scythe on her back, a dangling shaped rose hung at the end of the chain that was wrapped around her arm. She looked out of breath as fear laced those beautiful eyes that looked like they had stars in them. Her purple hair blended with pink, having a soft glow as it floated lightly around her.

I knew this woman...I loved her as a companion, who'd never leave me. She'd never desert me. She'd been with me since day one. She was...

"Nightmare?"

~DANIEL~

I jolted awake, gasping for air as my wild eyes scanned the dark room. I took a deep breath as I tried to calm my breathing. Cold sweat clung to my skin like a layer of clothing. I wiped the tears from my eyes, noticing how my hands continued to tremble from the sheer panic of the nightmare.

Just a dream...just a dream.

"Daniel?"

I glanced to my right; tired purple eyes greeted me from the couch— Ryder Carter laying on his side, staring at me. I could see how he was struggling to keep them open as his head began to fall back against the pillow, but he fought the urge to sleep.

"I'm fine...go back to sleep," I reassured him. I knew he wanted to argue, but the darkness won, his eyes closing as he relaxed. I waited till his breathing calmed, confirming he fell straight back to sleep.

I pinched my nose, pulling off the black blanket and moving from the bed. I grabbed my training bag and a pair of shorts, slipping on my slippers and heading out the door— ensuring I closed the door lightly to not disturb Ryder.

I walked the silent halls of our private section of the castle, heading straight to the training room created just for us. I entered the large room, dropping my duffle bag and removed my slippers as I headed for the showers.

I walked into the shower room, my eyes unable to ignore the large mirror hanging on the wall above the sink— a pair of haunted eyes stared back at me. I noticed the dark circles that cradled my eyes and the exhaustion of getting inconsistent sleep for days lingered in the lines of my face.

My vision blurred in and out, causing me to groan in frustration. I didn't see the point of wearing glasses; these couldn’t do anything to help my vision at this point. I opened the tap, needing to rinse my eyes out with cold water before hopping in the shower.

I didn't need to increase my chances of blindly slipping and injuring myself. I couldn't waste my time on little wounds like that. I needed to help our Firefly, my beautiful Princess.

"We’ll heal her," Azriel vowed, entering my mind.

I splashed my face, the icy chilled droplets made me shiver, but I continued the action two more times before I turned the tap off. My hands rested on the sides of the oversized white marble sink.

I gripped the edges as I struggled to lift my head, to look into my reflection once again. I was struggling with my image— always struggling with seeing myself looking anything other than flawless. Even if it was an angel spirit thing, I couldn't stand when my appearance was anything less than perfect, and my current drenched face, exhausted looking eyes, tangled hair that was lucky to stay in its current ponytail, and the bruises on my shoulder blades from the abuse of my power were far from perfect.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I lifted my head, staring at my reflection once more.

I needed to get stronger. I didn't care if I hadn't slept for two weeks. I didn't care if I reached my limit. I needed to heal her. I vowed to fix this.

When she finds out...about the damage...would she want to face me? No, I can't think about that right now. I can't think negatively. Yes, need to stay positive. I'll work harder and get faster. I'll be powerful enough to make her as good as new.

I was an Archangel— a being who could manipulate anyone to do my bidding and could heal anything at a faster rate than the average angel or fairy.

Why did I spend so many cycles sleeping and not training to get stronger like the others? If I had, would I be able to stop the poison? Would I be able to prevent the suffering I know our Princess will have to endure till I find a way to fix her?

What if I can't fix her? If there is truly no way to heal her...would she hate me?

I'd fucked up. So bad, I didn't know if she'd give me any more chances. Why couldn't I keep my mouth shut? To just let the exams pass, before I meddled and pushed Midnight to the edge.

Now...what's going to happen? Our team is struggling and it's all because of me. Would any of them forgive me? Will the Princess want me as her knight anymore?

"Daniel. Have hope in our Princess. She has a big heart. Let's focus on the task to keep her alive. That's what matters," Azriel comforted.

I nodded, watching the droplets of water fall from my face to the sink. I needed to stop running from my fears and start facing them. Little by little, I would make things right and help bring our team back together. I'd prove my worth.

Yes. Focus on the task. We won't fail her again. We’ll prove to her we’re worthy to stand by her side and fight the darkness. I'll make sure of it.