Smoke (Under Revision!)

Prologue (Dreams & Fantasies)

I had a dream. It was so enchanting, I wished to never wake up. Reality couldn't offer what I saw in that dream. At least, my current reality was far from its beautiful tales.

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Love is not particularly a strong desire of mine, but I feel so different twirling under the dim moonlight. Prince charming seems to create a whole new world of possibilities that enticed my soul. The call to blissful adventure is like a Siren's lure. I want to love, fall in love, and have my being embraced by his lavish pampering.

“Tressia,” He whispers in his native tongue, deep silky voice sending shivers down my spine. As if the cliché sparks from his hands aren't enough--those warm hands that hold me in a tight embrace, his unique aquamarine eyes gaze into mine, and his lips curl up in a small content smile.

Under his blatant stare, I am subject to the clear warmth in his eyes and the silent praise he gives. My presence makes him elated, and my whole being is accepted by him.

Time stills to bear silent witness of our romance, the moment is forever and we continuously dance, stuck in a time loop. Our sacred dance flows perfectly, under the watch of the purple trident. The glaringly obvious symbol which moves above our heads, following our figures like a well-paid hard-working watchman.

But a moment is not forever.

The wind is beginning to get stronger, my hair flips haphazardly under the fierce assault of the cold wind and my body is enveloped in an ominous chill. Goosebumps rise as my surroundings blur into a hazy image. So blurry I strain my eyes to see.

Slowly, our dance stops. And I stay still in his embrace, resting my head atop his chest, where I can hear the strong beating of his heart. It goes in sync with my fast beating heart, representing the thrill and excitement that races through our nerves.

But it all goes black. The dance has come to an end, along with my excitement.

Another amnesia, paired with the shackles of reality and once again, I cannot remember the face of the reoccurring prince in my dreams.  I awake from my dream with a jolt, sitting upright and gasping for breath. The warmth of the blanket does nothing to expel the cold seeping deep into my bones. Nor can the cold stop the raging heat that pools in my chest.

Cold sweat drips from my temples, and my heart pounds heavily. Except--this time, it is not from the thrill of being with my beloved, but from the fear of the unknown.

The Siren's song is over, and now comes the imminent fear of danger. Realizing you were lured into the monster's sharp edged teeth.

Wide awake, I look outside through the small gap between the curtains of the window. I gaze warily at the bright red moon emitting an eerie glow. And right now I wish time could reverse, so I'd stay away from that forest. Which bound me to a siren that would soon devour my soul.

I dreamt, it was blissful. I awake, it is dreadful. Time is ticking, fate is hatching and a new batch of women would soon face an untimely end.

But not Airin Rutherford.

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Published May 21, 2024. Word count: 433.

Edit: 553 Words. October 1, 2025.