Page 4

**Tasha's POV**

The morning sun spilled through my curtains, casting a golden glow across my room. I groaned, rolling onto my side, my body still weighed down by sleep. But my mind refused to rest.

The dream clung to me like mist—elusive yet impossible to ignore. Waves crashing against the shore. A voice, deep and commanding, whispering my name. And those eyes... glowing like molten gold in the darkness.

A shiver ran through me.

It felt real. Too real.

I pressed a hand to my chest, my heartbeat still unsteady. It was just a dream, I told myself. But the words felt hollow, like a flimsy excuse for something I wasn't ready to understand.

A gentle knock at my door snapped me from my thoughts.

"sweetheart, are you awake?"

Mom's voice was soft yet firm—the kind that left no room for pretending to be asleep.

"Yeah, Mom."

She pushed the door open, stepping inside with her phone in hand and a small smile. "Mina's dad just called. He invited us over for dinner tonight."

I blinked, stretching my arms over my head. Mina's dad was always polite and welcoming, but a formal dinner invitation? That was unusual.

"Oh?"

Mom sat at the edge of my bed. "Mina asked if I could drop you off at her place on my way to work. That way, you two can spend the day together before dinner."

A full day at Mina's? I grinned. "Sounds like a plan!"

She chuckled. "I thought so. Just be on your best behavior."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Always, Mom."

She gave me a knowing look but didn't argue. "Get ready. We leave in an hour."

As soon as she left, I flopped back onto my bed, staring at the ceiling.

I needed to tell Mina about my dream. She'd probably laugh, but still—I had to get it off my chest.

**At Mina's House**

Mina's place had always felt like my second home—a spacious, modern two-story house that somehow managed to be both elegant and cozy. Her dad, despite his busy schedule as a doctor, had made sure she never lacked anything.

The moment I stepped inside, Mina—dressed in an oversized sweatshirt and fuzzy socks—launched herself at me in a dramatic hug.

"Finally!" she cried. "I thought you'd never get here."

I laughed. "It's only been a few hours since we last saw each other."

"Too long." She dragged me toward the couch. "Okay, spill. What's up?"

I hesitated before blurting out, "I had the weirdest dream last night."

Mina perked up, flopping onto the couch. "Ooooh, do tell."

Taking a deep breath, I described everything—the waves, the voice calling my name, the glowing eyes that seemed to pierce through me.

Just as expected, Mina's lips curled into a mischievous grin.

"Girl, you need to stop reading all those supernatural books before bed."

I crossed my arms. "I'm serious. It felt real."

She wiggled her fingers dramatically. "Oooooh, maybe it's a sign!"

I threw a pillow at her. "You're the worst."

She dodged it, laughing. "Okay, okay! If it really means something, I'm sure we'll find out eventually. But for now, let's not stress. Movie?"

I sighed, deciding to let it go. "Yeah, sure."

**A Strange Feeling**

Hours passed in a blur of movies, snacks, and inside jokes. But even as we laughed, a nagging unease clung to me.

At one point, while Mina was scrolling through her phone, I found myself staring out the window.

A chill slithered down my spine.

For a brief second, I swore I felt it—an unseen presence watching me.

The hairs on the back of my neck stood up.

I turned sharply, scanning the empty street outside.

Nothing.

But the feeling remained.

"Tasha?"

Mina's voice snapped me back.

I turned to her. "Huh?"

Her brow furrowed. "You just zoned out."

I forced a smile. "Yeah... thought I saw something outside."

She raised an eyebrow. "Like a ghost?"

I groaned. "Never mind."

But as she laughed it off, I stole another glance out the window.

And this time, for the briefest of moments...

I thought I saw golden eyes watching me from the shadows.

**Dinner Time**

By the time Mina's dad arrived home, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting deep blue hues across the sky. The warm glow of the dining room lights made the house feel cozier than usual.

Mina's dad set his briefcase down and smiled warmly. "Girls, I hope you're hungry."

Mina grinned. "Starving."

Mom arrived shortly after, and soon, we were gathered around the dining table. The conversation flowed easily, laughter filling the space. But halfway through dinner, something shifted.

Mina's dad turned to me, his gaze thoughtful.

"So, Tasha, are you excited for college?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I can't wait to experience life outside of home."

His expression darkened slightly. "That's good. Just remember, sometimes... things aren't what they seem."

I blinked. "What do you mean?"

He smiled, but there was something in his eyes—something knowing. "Just an old man's advice. Keep an open mind about the world around you."

A chill ran through me.

Before I could ask anything else, Mom changed the subject, and the conversation returned to normal. But even as I laughed and ate, my mind kept replaying his words.

Things aren't what they seem.

Was it just casual advice?

Or something more?

**After Dinner**

Later that night, Mina and I sat on her bed, the glow of her bedside lamp casting soft shadows across the room.

"You good?" Mina asked, her voice softer than usual.

I hesitated. "Your dad... he said something weird tonight."

She rolled onto her stomach, propping her chin on her hands. "Weirder than usual?"

I chuckled but shook my head. "He told me to keep an open mind because things aren't what they seem."

Mina hummed in thought. "Huh. That is cryptic."

"You don't think he knows something, do you?"

Mina snorted. "Oh, totally. He's actually a vampire-hunting ninja in disguise."

I threw another pillow at her. "I'm being serious!"

She grinned but then sighed. "Honestly, I don't know, Tash. Maybe he just meant life in general? Or maybe he just wants you to be cautious."

"Yeah... maybe."

But deep down, I wasn't convinced.

As we drifted into silence, I found myself staring at the ceiling again, my mind buzzing.

The dream. The strange presence outside. Mina's dad's words.

It was all too much to ignore.

Something was coming.

I just didn't know what.