CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

Darkness. Ruby felt herself suspended in an ocean of darkness—unable to see, feel, or move anything. Fear coursed through her as her mind was the only conscious part of her being. All her senses were numbed except her hearing and smell, which was surprisingly more potent. Slowly, Ruby felt herself descend until her feet touched a soft surface. She perked up her ears to pick up even the slightest sound. She could hear breathing. Slow, steady breathing. She listened harder to pinpoint where the breathing was coming from. It was close, too close to her—as if whoever it was was right next to her or in her. Placing her hand over her chest, she felt her heart beating erratically. Ruby soon felt the soft caress of a hand covering hers. "Ruby, remember me. Only then will you understand." ***** She jerked awake with a gasp. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she placed her hand over it. The memory of the dream she had flooded her mind. Who was that? What did she have to remember? Where