SHADOW OF MYSELF

Chapter Six(ii)

Prisca's POV

Two days had passed since the chilling dream. Consumed by the need to understand it, I neglected calling Joshua.

Lost in thought at the library, a question gnawed at me: what were Felix's true motives? He seemed harmless, almost charming. "Looks can be deceiving," I thought, the encounter from my dream replaying in my mind.

Suddenly, a voice broke my concentration. "Hey there!" Felix appeared, attempting to sit close. Panic jolted through me. Instinctively, I scooted away, the memory of his past actions fresh in my head.

Unease settled in my stomach, yet I knew it was the right thing to do. Felix, his voice dripping with concern, asked, "Is everything okay, Prisca?"

My gaze darted away. "Everything's fine," I mumbled, hiding my fear. "Just getting lost in my studies."

He chuckled, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "Of course," he said smoothly, "just checking. Remember, if anything's bothering you, I'm here for you."

"Here for me?" My mind scoffed. His words were tempting, but trust wasn't built overnight, especially after the strangeness surrounding my dreams. Why did he seem so interested in them before? Why the constant prodding for my anxieties?

From the moment we met, a prickle of unease ran through me whenever he was around. His convenient "random" appearances when I was alone felt calculated. Was he playing a role, just like the woman in my dreams had warned?

Fear kept my gaze downcast as I forced the question out, "Felix, why were you so curious about my unusual dreams?"

He averted his eyes, the telltale sign of someone hiding something. Clenched jaw, clenched fists - his entire posture screamed discomfort. I pressed on, hoping to catch a crack in his facade.

"Don't worry, Felix," I said, feigning a carefree laugh, "I was just joking! You're like a friend, someone I can trust, right?"

A flicker of anger crossed his features before he schooled his expression into forced calmness. "Of course, Prisca," he said, his voice strained. "I care about you... like a friend should. Just know, I'll always be here, waiting for you to trust me."

His words sent a shiver down my spine. Determined to escape the suffocating atmosphere, I gritted out, "Thanks, Felix, but I really need to get home. My brother needs me."

Without waiting for a response, I practically bolted from the library, his unsettling gaze burning into my back.

My escape was nearly derailed by a collision. Dashing out the door, I bumped into David, sending our books flying. With a sigh, I bent to pick them up, but before I could, David's hand grasped my shoulder.

"Let me help, Prisca," he offered. I straightened, a blush creeping up my cheeks as I watched him gather the books. He was undeniably handsome and confident.

"Here you go," he said, handing me the books. "Sorry about the mess."

"No worries, David," I replied sweetly. "Thank you."

His smile was genuine. "We should talk sometime. I'm in a hurry right now. Bye, Prisca!"

His departure left me strangely flustered. My walk home became a daydream as David's kindness replayed in my mind.

Lost in thought, I nearly stepped into oncoming traffic. A strong hand yanked me back just as a car zoomed past. Gasping, I looked around, searching for my savior. But the street was empty.

Who saved me? Where was my mysterious guardian?

My heart pounded against my ribs as I hailed a cab. Back in my apartment, the near-accident replayed in my mind. If not for the unseen hand, I could be lying in a hospital bed, or worse.