Finalist in the Dream Realm Awards Competition
From Chapter 1
Jade heard it again, the same musical sound that had kept her awake half the night. Someone was singing. The light, airy tune reminded her of wind chimes, blowing in a gentle breeze.
But that cannot be, she thought. I’m alone. Elaine is in her room across the hall. David is in his. Last night, I thought it a dream, but I’m awake now, and the voice seems real, as real as my own.
I’m hallucinating,” she said aloud, the sound of her own voice comforting. “Nobody here but me and my wildimagination.”
To prove her point, Jade sat up in bed and skimmed a quick look around the room. Early morning light shimmered through the open window. White lace curtains floated lazily over the window seat. Her luggage sat at the foot of her canopy bed where she had piled it last night. She’d been too tired after the long drive from Texas to Charleston to unpack. She made a mental note to do so after she returned from the festival.
Her paintings were stacked against the wall, next to the fireplace. The singing had ceased now. Everything appeared normal. She tapped her ear lightly. “Maybe I should have my hearing checked.”
She swallowed nervously. “And what should I do about the prickly feeling on the back of my neck, as if eyes are watching me? Ignore it? Right. I probably ate something yesterday that caused a chemical imbalance in my system. Result–temporary insanity. So stop worrying, Jade Dalton. The festival awaits you.
Available at Twilight Times Books and Amazon
ISBN: 1-933353.51.1
