48

SHADOW

I felt like I woke up from a deep slumber to a strange and unfamiliar feeling— emptiness, disconnected. Then, the first thing I saw was the royal wallpaper on the ceiling, but it was dark, just the yellow light from the lampshade illuminating the room.

So, I slept in my room at the palace. I had no idea for how long, but I felt so damn exhausted.

Then there was this hollowness and heaviness and tightness deep in my chest. It somewhat felt like a long-term despair— so painful, as if I had lost something significant to me or someone I couldn’t live without. And the disconnection made it more heartbreaking.

Califf. Oh, my God.

“Califf!” I jolted to sit on the bed, and someone was startled at the corner.

“Shadow!” The tall shadow got up, and the voice was familiar to me.

“Everlee?” I asked in surprise.

“Oh, my goddess!” Her eyes lit up, and she sprinted toward me, pulling me into a tight hug. “I’m so glad you wake up. We’re so worried about you.”

“Oh. How long have I b