Micah sat up, gasping, his hands gripping his shirt, and then searching his chest and stomach. There was nothing, no gaping wound or gushing blood.
Just another horrible vision, but it felt so real, the pain unbearable.
The apartment was quiet as he trudged to the kitchen, the terracotta tiles cool on his bare feet. His mouth was cottony, his tongue feeling thick and swollen.
Just need a drink, he consoled himself. He downed three glasses of water before setting his glass down with a clink on the granite counter. Sighing, he debated between sitting at the kitchen table or returning to his room. Lately, his bed felt more like a prison, a deceptive cocoon of bedding, which only trapped him in nightmares night after night.
He longed for a dream of Eden, even if it caused him heartache. It’d been three weeks since he’d emailed Eden. Emailed her good-bye, it’d felt like.
Still, he’d gladly see her now. I can handle emotional pain… these new dreams are way too physical for my taste. Demons and more demons and now I get to see the prince demon leaders.
He shuddered. Not wanting to wake anyone, he made his way back to his room. Lying on his back, staring at the white ceiling, he tucked both hands under his neck.
It has to get better, right? I’m doing everything I can. All I do, every day, is search for that temple. I’ve stopped thinking about what I want. Or, at least I’ve tried… Eden came to mind. He tried to push her face from him. She’s not for me. There are bigger things than what I want. Like the fire coming, he reminded himself for the thousandth time.
“Micah,” a male voice called in his dark room.
Micah bolted up. “Who’s there?” He searched the darkness.
“Don’t be afraid, Micah.” The voice was rich, full, yet calming at the same time.
“Ok, I’m not afraid, but where are you?” He didn’t see anyone.
“I’m with you now. Listen to my voice.”
He cocked his head to the side. There was something so familiar about his voice…
“I’m listening,” he whispered. “Who are you?”
“I am the Captain.”
He gasped. “The Captain?”
“Yes, and I am pleased with your service, Micah. You have sacrificed everything, and have been willing to sacrifice even more. I’ve come to tell you it’s time.”
“Time? Time for what?” he asked, excited, yet terrified, by the implications.
As if to answer him, Sage appeared. Micah’s eyes adjusted to her brightness as she smiled back at him.
“Sage will tell you all you need to know,” the Captain’s voice continued.
Micah gaped at her.
All I need to know… like the…
“Yes, the location of the Enoch’s temple,” the Captain finished Micah’s thoughts.