the mirror never lies - part 4

This time she wasn't running in the forest, but in a desert.'The sands of Time' she heard someone say, but didn't dare turn. She ran and ran just like in her previous dreams, but the sand made it more difficult. The sinister laugh that haunted her was ringing in her ear again and she found no place to escape.In a flash she made a choice. Stopped abruptly and turned.
'Who are you?' she asked, with what she hoped courage in her voice.
'You already know, Ramona' said the evil voice.
'Why are you calling me Ramona?', but the question was not answered, but met by the same sinister laugh. Confused, she looked around and there, on top of a dune was the black mirror again. She headed in its direction and approaching it, saw the same man, with outstretched hand, whispering 'Help me'. A loud crash and a flashing light startled her. She felt raindrops on her cheeks and when she woke up she was amazed to find herself standing in front on the house, and the rain was pouring."I must have sleep-walked" she thought, once again bewildered as she never sleep-walked before.

The next morning, she headed to the dining hall for breakfast. Her mother was already there and upon entering, asked her 'Did you get some sleep?'...Deanna pondered whether to tell her mother about the new dream and the sleepwalking, but decided against it."There is no need to worry her just yet, she's on vacation too". Suddenly the front door closed with a loud bang and a strong, deep voice said 'I'm all done, boss'. The women turned, and when Deanna saw the figure, she froze. It was the man in her dreams. He had green eyes, his hair was shorter than in her dreams, his built was muscular. He was wearing faded jeans, a black t-shirt and boots.
'Oh, Deanna, Marina' said Ana,'meet Lucas, he is our handy man and gardener'.
'Pleased to meet you ladies' said Lucas, kissing each customers' hand. The moment he touched Deanna, an electric jolt crossed her body.Her mind was invaded with images as from a distant and past life: a girl who looked exactly like her, and Lucas, only this time the Lucas from her dreams, locked in a tight, desperate embrace, knowing it would be their last one. Lucas looked at her for a long moment, as if trying to tell her something through his gaze.'I just came in to tell you the roses are taken care of, boss' said Lucas as he turned to Ana.'What's next?''For the time being nothing, so you can take some time off' told him the manager. After he left, Deanna decided to enjoy the morning sun and take a look around the hotel. As the storm passed, the air felt fresh, everything looked untouched, but the sea was a bit restless, crashing its ways into the cliffs. Wandering around, Deanna found a forest in the distance, and decided to explore. As she got nearer and nearer, she felt the same unease as the previous night when the thunder was heard. Continuing her walk in the forest, she realized..."this is the forest from my dreams" and her heart leapt. Feeling closer to unraveling the mystery, went on, but found nothing.

When she returned to the mansion, there was no one to be found. She called for her mom, but found no answer."Maybe she did some exploring on her own" she thought, but that nagging feeling in her mind and heart would not ease up and lead her upstairs, towards the west wing of the house, a part which was off limits as Ana told her...'we are doing some renovation as the house is falling apart, being old as it is, and the work started on the west wing'. Still, her intuition told her things were not as they seemed. Stepping carefully on the old creaking floor, she saw a soft light coming from the end of the corridor.When she reached it, she saw that the source of the light was coming from the window of a large room. The room was empty, no furniture, but on the wall next to the window stood...the black mirror. She couldn't believe her eyes. She couldn't understand how it got there.
'I thought I mentioned this room was off limits' a soft voice came from behind. Turning, she saw Ana standing in the doorway, but she didn't have that sweet demeanor as before, she looked rather...frightening.
'Sorry' said Deanna 'I'll be on my way, I didn't mean to intrude'.
'I'm afraid that is no longer possible' said Ana, her voice cold as steel now. 'You see, I went to great lengths to get you here on the island, and now that you are here, there is no escape'.
'Where is my mother?' asked the girl, fear gripping her throat.
'Oh, your mother is fine, but I'm afraid she won't be able to join us just now. Her morning tea was a little bit...strong' said Ana, and smiled cruelly.
'What do you want from me?'
'Your soul' came the simple answer.

- to be continued-