Page 3 of Possession
ADA
I woke up choking on a scream, his ghostly presence leaving a signature residue on my skin as always.
Since my reckless attempt at trying to escape him, he had become stronger, bolder, more powerful. The impression of his touch was firmer than it had ever been, and I was simultaneously ecstatic and terrified.
“Sounds like you were having agooddream,” a female voice cut through my panic like a knife. I had momentarily forgotten where I was.
I had half-heartedly grumbled and burrowed deep under my covers when Florence flung them back. “Uh-uh, roomie! You slept for hours. Get your ass up and shower!”
I could already tell she was one of those girls who thrived on friendship and connection—upbeat personality, tenacious nature and popular amongst the masses.
She was the epitome of a high society sweetheart, but with a sharper edge. Despite my stoic nature and being the total opposite of that literal blonde ray of sunshine, I liked her.
So, when she offered a freshly corked bottle of expensive champagne and the promise of a good time, I relented.
I was bustled about like her own personal mannequin, her constant chatters calming the latent anxiety that lingered from my nightmare.
When she was finished, I was squeezed into a ridiculously tight, leather minidress, with red devil horns digging into my dark hair. Florence was my light counterpart, wearing a white angel costume, halo and all. It would have been convincing if her dress weren’t sheer, her lacy white lingerie peeking through with sultry promise.
I clutched onto a fresh champagne bottle as Florence dragged me through the maze-like castle.
“Where are we going?” I asked, unsure if I wanted to know where the blonde bombshell was leading me.
“We’re picking up a new recruit.”
“Aren’t I a new recruit?”
Florence ignored me, pausing outside a random dorm room before her fist banged against the door.
“Felicityyy!” she sang. “Your entourage is here!”
I groaned. “You’ve bullied this girl into coming, haven’t you?” Her face soured at my sound observation.
“You’ve already conned me into this…Maybe we should leave the poor girl alone?”
Florence huffed, turning towards me. “Ada, I refuse to let her waste away in her room because other people suck. You haven’tbeen here, but I promise you, if anyone needs a friend, it’s this girl.”
Geez, way to pull on my heartstrings.“You’re really getting into character, aren’t you?” I asked, my gaze tracking over her angel costume before giving up a smirk. “Why do I feel like you’re going to corrupt us?”
Florence winked before she screamed through the solid barrier, calling out all manner of threats and a not-so-generous countdown. “Three…two—”
The door was wrenched open by a dark-haired girl, her pale face attaching to the name—Felicity. “Don’t you dare!”
Her attention caught on Florence’s barely-there attire, who flourished under the scrutiny, spouting some shit about the perfect outfit. Then, Felicity’s blue eyes bounced to me.
“Hi,” I murmured, trying not to spook her. “Look, you don’t have to come if you don’t want to.”
“Whose side are you on, roomie?” Florence interrupted. “She absolutely does need to come…” Then, she turned to our latest addition, scrutinising her casual hoodie and jeans. “But you can’t wear that.”
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
“Babe, we’re going to aHalloweenparty. You need to dress the part. Not to worry. I have theperfectthing.”
And with that directive, Florence turned and walked the steps we’d just taken, leaving me with the girl I’d just met.
I lifted the champagne bottle between us, a shy smile shaping my mouth. “Wanna drink?”
Chapter 3