A Kiss At Midnight (Delilah and Caelum) novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68

“Delilah..” the voice drifted through the darkness, soft, distant and almost out of reach.

I spun around. “Where are you?” I was met with nothing, but only endless stretch of white.

“Delilah..” the voice came again, closer and desperate.

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“I can’t see you,” I called, my heartbeat quickening, “where are you?” still no answer, as the silence swallowed everything

Then. “Delilah..” it sounded weaker this time, like it was fading and the fear clawed at my chest.

“No.” I broke into a run, searching blindly. “Daisy!” my voice cracked. “Daisy!”

The emptiness answered with silence. “Daisy!”

A blinding light burst before me and my eyes snapped open as the ceiling came into focus, morning light spilled across my room, washing everything in a pale glow.

Tear slipped from the corner of my eye, tracing a slow path down the side of my face before disappearing into my hair, and then another. I didn’t move, couldn’t as my chest felt unbearably heavy..almost as if someone had wrapped a hand around my heart and refused to let go.

The ache was sharp, relentless, digging deeper with every breath I took, refusing to loosen its grip.

I stared at the ceiling, my vision blurring again as another tear escaped. No matter how many years passed, some mornings still began exactly like this.

The silence didn’t last, and a gentle knock echoed through my room, then came a soft voice from the other side of the door.

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“Miss Quinn,” another knock. “Miss Quinn, are you awake.”

Slowly turning my head toward the door, I stared at it without saying a word. “Miss Quinn.” closing my eyes briefly before dragging the back of my hand across my face, wiping away the tears.

Taking a slow breath, I threw the blanket aside and climbed out of bed, the hardwood floor was cool beneath my feet as I crossed the room. I wrapped my fingers around the doorknob and pulled the door open,, spotting one of the maids standing on the other side.

The moment our eyes met, she seemed to stiffen ever so slightly, clearly caught off guard by the expression on my face.thismakes me almost sighed, knowing she wasn’t the reason I felt like this.

I had to remind myself of that

“What is it?” I asked, my voice flat.

The maid lowered her gaze respectfully, “Your father called the house phone this morning, Miss Quinn.” she clasped her hands together, “he said he couldn’t get through to your mobile.” I didn’t respond, waiting for her to continue,” he asked me to let you know that he and your mother won’t be returning until next month. He also said he believes you’re old enough to manage on your own for the month.”

The words landed without much surprise as she offered a small, polite smile. “And if you need anything at all.. he asked that you not hesitate to call him,” I simply looked at her, my expression unreadable.

Of course

How could I ever forget t was that time of year again, just like they had for the last three years

11:54 Thu, Jul 2

Chapter 68

They had taken the month off, and just like every other year, I was left behind, alone

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Something twisted painfully inside my chest, and I tried to force a smile, but it didn’t come, my lips barely moved before the effort died completely.

“Noted,” I managed quietly.

The maid gave a small nod, “Would you like me to prepare breakfast before you leave for school, Miss Quinn.”

I shook my head. “That won’t be necessary,” my voice sounded distant, “you can carry on with your day.”

“Very well, Miss Quinn,” she dipped her head politely, and u waited until she had taken a few steps down the hallway before gently closing the door.

The latch clicked into place, then I leaned back against it, as the mask I had been trying to hold together cracked, my hand/ flew to my chest.

Air. I couldn’t get enough air. Drewing in a breath, then another., neither was enough.

My fingers curled into the fabric of my shirt, clutching at it as though it would somehow make the crushing weight ease, It didn’t the ache only grew stronger as vision blurred as tears filled my eyes again.

I squeezed them shut, trying to steady my breathing, trying to stop whatever this was before it swallowed me whole.

200

“Happy birthday.” Kaia’s voice rang across the parking lot just as I climbed out of my car causing me to look up as she walked toward me with a grin stretching across her face.

Before I could say anything, she held out a small, shiny gift box wrapped in silver paper with a neat black ribbon tied around it.

I looked down at it, then back at her, “and what might this be?”

She rolled her eyes. “Your birthday gift, obviously,” then nudged the box closer to me, “you might want to open it and see what I got you.”

A small smile tugged at my lips. “Thanks for the birthday gift, I’m sure it’s something good,” I accepted the gift carefully, “and thoughtful.” Glancing down at the ribbon before looking back at her, “I’ll open it later.”

She didn’t answer and Instead, she just looked at me. Her head tilted slightly to one side and a faint frown settled on her face. “What’s wrong?”

My brow furrowed. “What do you mean?” I opened the back door of my car and placed the gift gently on the seat before closing it again. Turning back to her, I forced my shoulders to relax, “”Nothing’s wrong.”

She wasn’t convinced. “Mm,” folding her arms, “I’m not sure I buy that.” Her eyes searched my face for a moment, “It looks like you’re having more than just a shitty-ass day, and the day hasn’t even started yet.”

1 let out a small chuckle, “How could I possibly be having a shitty-ass day when I’ve got a whole ball of sunshine standing right in front of me?”

Nodding as if I had just stated an undeniable fact. “True,” a proud smile spread across her face, “I am pretty amazing,” then her smile softened as she studied me again. “But..”

“It’s nothing.” I cut in gently, offering her a small shrug, “you know how I get around this time.” I looked away for a brief second. “I’ve just never found birthdays all that fun or exciting.”

She doesn’t say something for a while, the sighed. “Which is exactly why you have me,” hooking her arm through mine, “to

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