Reborn From Oblivion by Christia Muray

"Get some rest, okay? I'm going to take a shower." Nathan gave her a gentle smile, his words lingering in the air as he slipped into the bathroom.

A moment later, the sound of water running behind the door made Nathalie's cheeks flush hot. Alone together at night, just the two of them-it felt scandalous, somehow. She couldn't take it. With her heart racing, she hurried out.

She wandered into the garden, letting the crisp night air wash over her. The cold breeze cooled the blush from her cheeks, bringing her back to her usual pale, almost porcelain complexion. Only then did she steady herself and stand.

Above her, a thin crescent moon hung in the sky, bathing the garden in silvery light. Shadows stretched across the grass and flower beds, making the whole place feel mysterious and dreamlike.

Nathalie strolled aimlessly among the roses and hydrangeas, her thoughts drifting as she kept glancing back at Nathan's window. The lights were still on-what could he possibly be doing at this hour? Why wasn't he turning in for the night?

Fatigue crept up on her, heavy and sudden. She found an old wooden bench under an oak tree and sat down, her eyelids growing heavy. Before she knew it, she'd drifted off to sleep.

She dreamed a strange, vivid dream. Nathan appeared before her, dressed in white silk pajamas, looking almost ethereal, like he'd stepped out of a painting or come down from the clouds.

"Nathalie," he called softly, his voice so gentle it almost wrapped around her heart.

have to go

Nathalie blinked at

be sad. I'll come see you again

felt off. She waved

Nathan nodded.

to her feet, stunned. "That doesn't make sense. I'm just a soul right now. You're

touch his face. To her shock, her hand was

now on, I hope

wave of dread washed over her. Something

from upstairs. "Oh

at the house, then back at the fading Nathan before her. Was this really his

she whispered, her voice breaking. She refused

racing up

chest. He looked so peaceful, almost like he wasjust sleeping-if only his skin wasn't so