Nathaniel

Chapter 1

Dedicated to Queen-Deka and SurgeonOfDeath11

Jennie's POV

I woke up screaming at the top of my lungs. The fires felt real, like it was truly nipping at my skin, penetrating straight to the bones. I quickly examined my arms, my feet and even my stomach.

No wounds. I'm alive.

I released a heavy breath, running my fingers through my jet black hair and at the same time wiping the sweat on my forehead. These dreams are killing me, targetting my sanity first.

Glancing at the alarm clock on my bedside table, I yawned. Good thing today's Saturday. My shift in the café is still at 9:00 AM, I still have 3 hours to clean my apartment. I stretched my arms lazily before stretching my legs tangled in the sheets.

*Blag!*

"Oh shit!" I panicked, coming to Nescafé's aid who was right now glaring at me. He nipped at my fingers making me yelp before running to hide under my bed. Damn cat. I was trying to help him, not murder him!

He hissed at me, giving me his best glare to which I matched with my own.

"I told you many times not to sleep on my bed, it's your fault not mine."

He just stared at me with his evil eyes, like what he's doing all day everyday. I just rolled my eyes, not waiting for any reply. Because I'm sure that if he did reply I'd be out of this room faster than a lightning. Talking to my cat is normal, atleast for me, but a cat talking back? That's mental.

***

"Need help?" I asked Abigail. She's assigned to serve orders today while I'm in the kitchen helping our cook.

"Thank the heavens you asked! There are too many customers today." She complained.

"Now you know how I feel. Anyway, too many is better than none. C'mon!" I went out of the kitchen with her in tow.

She's right, the room in the café is packed with customers today. Most of them were girls giggling like teenagers while glancing at the group of gentlemen at the far end every three seconds. Seriously? This is a café not a club.

Seeing my face, Abigail chuckled. "Bitter."

I just rolled my eyes, "I'm not."

"Anyway, those guys haven't ordered anything yet. You go ask them while I serve the girls, okay?"

I nodded, picking up the notepad and ballpen on the counter. I approached their table, none of them seemed to notice I was there yet.

I cleared my throat, "Good day, are you ready to order now?" I asked expectantly.

All eyes turned to look at me except the one with a hoodie covering his face, making me feel uncomfortable. Their eyes widened and showed recognition which disappeared as fast as it came. They closed and opened their mouths, gaping at me like they've seen a ghost.

I furrowed my eyebrows in irritation, "Your orders, what do you want to eat?"

One man beside the hoodie guy hit him lightly using his elbow, making the guy withdraw his gaze from afar. He turned to the man who hit him with a cold stare which in turn pointed his finger at me. Okay..? Is this 'Play mute' day today?

The hoodie guy lazily shifted his gaze onto my frame and as our eyes made contact everything else disappeared.

That face... Those eyes...

My vision blackened before light chased the darkness away, and I was once again staring at those beautiful dark brown orbs. The once cold gaze intensified with some emotions I coudn't name...

"Do you really have to go?" I asked, worry and sadness were making me hesitant to let him leave.

"You know I have to, princess. It is my duty to protect the kingdom... to protect you." He placed a soft kiss on my forehead.

"When are you coming back?" I asked again as he entwined our fingers.

"It depends. The Serpent League has been causing random attacks all over the city, albeit small and unorganized that group can be deadly."

I frowned at that, "You should've told me earlier. You know I wouldn't ask you to stay if I know it's as grave as this."

He smiled playfully, "Maybe I just want you to pester me not to leave you?"

"You're so mean, Nathaniel. Go now and save the day, I'll be waiting for you." I chuckled giving him a hug.

"And I'll always come back for you, princess. Always."

A bell ringing pulled me back into reality. The man was now staring at me with the same emotions I saw in the vision, the same emotions I saw in my dreams every night. But this time one emotion stood out. Longing.

He... H-He's... Oh God. He can't be real. He's just a dream. How...?

Another ringing of the bell startled me. This time I wordlessly handed the ballpen and notepad to Abigail and hurriedly left the table as if my butt was on fire.

Once I reached the kitchen I breathed deeply, trying to calm my nerves which have gone haywire the moment our eyes met.

"Are you okay, J? You look like you've seen a ghost." Cook asked while mixing some ingredients.

"I-I'm fine." I assured him.

I don't know what further embarrassment would fall upon me if ever the bell never rang and cook doesn't need my help.

I chuckled, Saved by the bell.