My Hockey Alpha



And then, when I opened my eyes, I saw it.

The shadow entity, lurking at the edge of the garden. I thought it was just a trick of the light at first, but then it grinned, and its sharp white teeth glared at me through the darkness like rows of knives.

My breath hitched. I couldn't move, couldn't scream, couldn't even blink. I was frozen.

And then vision seized me, unbidden and terrifying. My baby, our baby, lifeless in my arms, a future stolen before it had even begun. Tears stung my eyes, a silent scream lodged in my throat.

And then I woke up.

I shot up in bed, my heart racing, tears streaming down my face. It was a dream, just a dream. But the terror, the loss, it felt so real, so palpable, that I couldn't shake it.

I glanced at Enzo. He was still sleeping peacefully beside me, unaware of the awful vision had just endured. I wondered, for a moment, if I should wake him. But I ultimately decided against it.

It was just a dream, after all, right?

But what did it mean? Was it just a nightmare, the product of stress and hormones, or something more? A premonition, a warning? The shadow entity, it had been in my dreams before, but I had never had a vision like this. Never.

I wiped my tears away, my hands shaking. I had to go back out to that garden, had to see if the entity was still there. In my half-asleep and half-crazed mind, that was the most logical course of action.

Quietly, I slipped out of bed again, my movements slow and deliberate, careful not to disturb Enzo. I grabbed my robe and tiptoed out of the room, closing the door softly behind me.

The hotel hallway was just as dark, quiet, and empty as my dream. I quickly made my way to the elevator, then took it down to the lobby. There was no receptionist this time, just a sign stating to ring the bell, but I walked right past and made my way down the hall toward the door that led to the garden.

And there it was. I pushed through the double doors, the chilly night air biting against my skin, and took in the sounds of the city. The air smelled faintly of cigarettes, a lingering scent from someone else utilizing this garden.

But there was no shadow entity. Just a few potted plants, a couple of benches, and a fence all the way around.

I let out a breath I didn't know I had been holding and sank down onto the bench, onto the very same spot I sat in my dream.

It didn't make sense. I hadn't been out here before, and yet the dream was so vivid, so perfect. Was it possible that it wasn't just a dream? No... I shook my head to dispel the thoughts. I must have seen this garden at some point, maybe from the hotel windows. That wass it.

It was a dream. It had to be. Just a dream, and nothing more.

Because I wouldn't let myself believe that my baby could really be in danger. I couldn't.

As I slipped back into bed, Enzo stirred, his arm instinctively reaching out for me. I snuggled against him, burying my face in his chest, seeking comfort in his embrace.

"You okay?" he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.

I nodded against him, my own voice barely a whisper. "Just stretched my legs. Couldn't sleep. But I'm fine now."

He kissed the top of my head, his arms tightening around me. "M'kay. I'm here if you need

me."Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

I closed my eyes, letting his warmth and his presence soothe the horrible images inside my head.

And as I willed myself to sleep, I pushed those images away.

Because it was just a dream. Just a dream...