Chapter 5

Christian's POV

Can you hear it? The cry of battle resounding from every corner of the world? They are near. You must go and hide, conceal yourself. The sign has appeared on you. They will look for you, capture you, use you. Deny them, deny yourself. One wrong turn will take everything from you and your world. HIDE!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I jolted from the bed I was laying on. My forehead drenched with sweat. I looked around, my eyes darting from corner to corner. What the hell? What the fuck did is that dream? Who is talking to me? My mind is in a jumble. I can't possibly comprehend that kind of information!

I shake my head, the words still ringing in my ears. I need to tell Nathan and Matthew. I need to confide this to someone! I can't bear this feeling anymore. With that, I rose from the bed and make my way to the infirmary door. I was about to open it when suddenly the door burst open. Nathan and Matthew are standing on the other side of the door.

"Christian!" he cried out, his arms flung open and hugged me. "I was so fucking worried! It is the third time this week. Are you okay?" He cupped my face in his palm and looked into my eyes with worry. "No, I'm not fine. I need to tell you guys something. Let's go home. I'll tell you both there." I hugged him back. That dream haunts me still.

"Okay, let's go. The graduation party just finished. Thalia is asking about you." He guides me to the door by the arms. "Ah, I gotta apologize to her," I said. "No need to worry. She said she understands." I nod my head. "I see. She's such a good friend." I smiled.

We walk down the hallways, heading to the parking lot. "We finally graduate, have you thought about your next move?" Nathan asked. "I was planning to get a job. I don't think I could go to college just yet. I need to save money. How about you guys?" I glance at them. They looked at each other and nod. "Yeah, we thought about being with you." "What?! What do you mean?" I look at them both, surprised.

"You heard us. We intended to stay with you. The three of us cannot survive without each other. You live alone. We cannot be there with you when you need us." Matthew explained quietly. I was bewildered by his explanation. "Don't push us away, Christian. You still have some of your walls up. We get it. We know you have trust issues, but you can let your guard down around us." Nathan took my hand and squeezes.

"I... I don't know what to say. I'm sorry if I still looked like I don't trust you guys. It just hard for me. I am trying to be better. I want to open up to you both. I wanted to start now. Believe me, I wanted you both in my inner circle, because I trusted you two." Tears were pooling at the corner of my eyes.

Matthew took a few steps towards me and wiped the tears from my eyes. He smiled at me sadly. "We know. We will be patient with you. Your trust is the most precious." We arrived at the parking lot. Matthew unlocked the car and gestured me to go inside. I went inside and placed my head on the window. Matthew sat beside me. Nathan sat in the driver seat.

He pulled out of the parking lot, and we drove home. The drive is silent, which I'm grateful for. I need to sort out my thoughts first before I tell them. We arrived at my house 10 minutes later. I unlocked the front door, and we enter the house. I quickly made my way to the sofa and plopped down.

Matthew and Nathan followed after me. "So, what do you want to tell us?" Nathan asked. I took a deep breath and told them about my dreams. "And the last one makes me anxious," I admit. " When did it start?" Matthew asked. "It was a few weeks ago. When I was buying food and drinks for us, I bumped into this weird looking guy. He just stared at me, you know? His stare made me queasy. It's like he's peering inside my soul." I recalled back the memory.

"Strange how?" Matthew asked again. "Well, he stood out from the rest of the crowd. His skin is pale, eyes cold blue, and he seems to have dark circles under his eyes." I describe the man. They looked at each other and were silent for a couple of minutes. It's like they are communicating with each other without talking. "Uhm, guys? Why are you two so quiet?" I was confused.

"Did he look like this?" Nathan pulled out his phone from his jacket and showed me a picture. It was that man! "It was him!" I exclaimed. They both looked grim. "How do you two know? Why do you have his picture? Do you two know him?" I was spewing out questions now.

"Calm down, Christian! Don't panic, okay?" Nathan grabbed both of my hands and squeeze. "But how? Why you have his picture?" I croaked out. "Well, we will explain to you later, but now we need to pack up. It's not safe anymore." Matthew nod at Nathan and he went upstairs.

"What do you mean? I need an explanation now! What is not safe?" I screamed out. "This places it is not safe for you, Christian. You are being targeted. Don't ask about it now, we don't have time. Why didn't you tell us before? It may be too late by now!" He growls, his hand clenched into a fist.

"I...I don't know! I just thought it was a weird guy! Don't yell at me!" I began to panic, my eyes watery. He rushed to me and patted me on the back. "Hey, hey, shhh. I'm sorry I yelled at you, okay? I didn't mean to. I was just frustrated. Forgive me." I hug him tight.

I heard a loud thunk behind me. It was Matthew, my luggage beside him. Matthew nod at Nathan. "I'm so sorry, darling. I need you to sleep for a while, yeah?" He whispered into my hair. "Wha...?" Before I could finish my sentence, I felt a prick of a needle break my skin. He pushes the plunger, emptying the content of the syringe into my bloodstream. "Forgive me. When you're awake, we will be in a safe place. Hold tight, Christian." And then the darkness took over me.