The Shadow in the Dream
Maya’s eyes flew open, her heart pounding in her chest. The dream had felt so real, more vivid than any she had before. She sat up in bed, trying to shake the lingering feeling of being watched. Her room was dark and silent, the only light coming through the thick curtains. Everything seemed normal, but the sense of unease wouldn’t leave her.
She had been dreaming about him again — the shadowy figure who appeared in her dreams more and more often lately. He was always just out of reach, a presence that was both terrifying and strangely familiar. His eyes glowed with an unnatural light, and his voice, deep and smooth, echoed in her mind even after she woke up. This time, he had spoken to her.
“Soon, Maya. See you soon.”
The words sent a shiver down her spine. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to shake off the fear that clung to her. It was just a dream, she told herself. Just a dream.
But it didn’t feel like just a dream.
Maya’s life had always been filled with love and comfort. As the daughter of King Kai and Queen Elena, the rulers of the Dragon realm, she was treated like royalty — because she was. She had everything she could ever want, but there was always a nagging feeling deep inside her, a sense that something wasn’t quite right. Her parents were overly protective, especially her mother, and they seemed to watch her more closely than her twin brother, Kaian.
Every time she brought their behavior into discussion, her parents dismissed her words, saying that these were the perks of being the youngest child.
Maya sighed and lay back down, staring up at the ceiling. She didn’t want to think about it. Tomorrow is her 18th birthday, and she should be excited. There was going to be a grand celebration, with guests from all the realms, gifts, and dancing. She had to think about the dress she would wear, the music, the cake, anything but the strange dreams and the unsettling feeling they left behind.
But sleep wouldn’t come. Her mind kept drifting back to the figure in her dreams. Who was he? Why did he feel so real? And why did she feel like she knew him, even though she had never seen him before?
Her dreams started almost 4 years ago and when she mentioned it to her parents and friends, they told her that was due to her vivid imagination and watching all kinds of horror movies before sleeping.
Initially, she agreed with them, but after some time, that strong presence returned, night after night. But the weird part is that she could not call these dreams nightmares. Most of the time she was on top of a mountain, while the wind was moving her hair, as she looked around into a sea of darkness. She always felt a strong feeling that someone was watching her, but when she turned there was no one.
But last night, that presence spoke to her for the first time and what he told her was so confusing: “See you soon…”
Maya’s thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on her door. Before she could respond, her mother entered the room, her face lined with worry.
“Are you all right, sweetie?” Elena asked, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I heard you stirring.”
Maya forced a smile. “I’m fine, Mom. Just…nervous about tomorrow, I guess.”
Her mom’s eyes softened, but there was something else there, too, something Maya couldn’t quite place. “It’s a big day. I can’t believe it that you and your brother will be 18,” Elena said, brushing a strand of hair from Maya’s face. “But there’s nothing to be nervous about. You’ll be surrounded by people who love you.”
Maya nodded, but her mind was still racing. She wanted to tell her mother about the dreams, about the shadowy figure who haunted her sleep, but something held her back. She didn’t want to worry her, not on the eve of her birthday.
“It is time to wake up for school,” Elena said, leaning down to kiss Maya’s forehead. “And don’t stress yourself about your birthday celebration. Tomorrow will be wonderful, I promise.”
As her mother left the room, Maya pulled the blankets up to her chin, trying to push the fear aside. She was safe there, in her home, surrounded by her family. There was nothing to be afraid of.
But as she closed her eyes, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was coming.
With a sigh, she pushed the covers aside and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her feet sinking into the plush carpet. Her body felt heavy with sleep, but she forced herself to move, knowing she had to start the day.
She padded across the room to the bathroom, where she flicked on the light and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her long blonde hair was tousled from sleep, falling in soft waves around her shoulders. She ran her fingers through it, trying to smooth it out, but her eyes kept drifting to her own face. Her hazel-grey eyes, usually so bright, looked tired today, as if they held the weight of the world behind them.
Maya knew she was beautiful. It was a fact she had come to accept over the years, even if it sometimes felt like a burden. Her skin was flawless, with a soft, natural glow that required little makeup. Her lips were full and naturally pink, and her cheekbones high and well-defined. She had an angelic face that contrasted sharply with the curves of her body.
Her figure was something the boys at school never failed to notice, especially her breasts, which she knew were one of her best assets. She wasn't ashamed of her body, in fact, she was proud of it, but she had always been cautious about letting anyone get too close. Since hitting puberty, boys had flocked around her, their attention as flattering as it was overwhelming. They flirted, they stared, they made comments they thought were subtle, but Maya had never let any of them get beyond that. Flirting was one thing; letting someone close was something else entirely.
She sighed and shook her head, trying to push away the lingering thoughts of the dream that had disturbed her sleep. She grabbed her hairbrush and quickly worked through the tangles in her hair before reaching for her school uniform. She slipped into the crisp white blouse and the tailored skirt that was just short enough to be fashionable, but long enough to meet the school's dress code. The blazer with the royal crest completed the look.
Maya checked herself one last time in the mirror, making sure everything was in place. She had no time to waste; she was already running late. As she hurried out of her room and down the hallway, she could hear the distant sounds of her family gathered in the dining hall for breakfast.
When she entered the grand room, the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air. Her family was already seated at the long table, and she quickly scanned their faces. Grandpa Richard and Grandma Ana were there, their expressions warm and welcoming as always. Her father, King Kai, sat at the head of the table, his presence commanding yet gentle. Her mother, Queen Elena, was beside him, her beauty radiant as she smiled at Maya. And then there was Kaian, her twin brother, sitting across from her usual seat, looking as perfect as ever.
"Good morning," Maya greeted everyone, trying to sound more cheerful than she felt.
"You're late, Maya. Again," Kaian teased, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
Maya rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. "Sorry," she muttered, sliding into her seat and nudging Kaian under the table with her foot.
Kaian chuckled, clearly enjoying her discomfort. He was the golden boy, the poster child of everything a future king should be, handsome, smart, strong, and responsible. His dark hair was always perfectly styled, his posture always impeccable. He exuded confidence and strength, traits that made him both respected and admired by everyone who knew him and the crush of all the girls from the realm.
Maya loved her brother dearly, and she knew he loved her too, but there were times when his perfection felt like a weight on her shoulders. He was the future king, after all, and it seemed like nothing could shake him. He was always the best at everything, always composed, always in control. And while Maya excelled in her own way, she often felt like she was living in his shadow.
As they all began to eat, Maya tried to push those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the day ahead. She would smile, she would do her best, and she would pretend that everything was perfect, just as it was supposed to be. But deep down, the unease lingered, feeling that something was about to change.
