Museum and Pyramids

Jade and Angela had just boarded the plane and were settling into their seats for the five-hour flight from London to Cairo.

"Where's the flight attendant? I really need a glass of wine right now," Angela said, squirming anxiously.

"Why? We're about to take off," Jade asked, a bit confused.

Angela bit her nails, her anxiety evident. "I have a phobia of flying. I'd rather be knocked out than scared, and wine usually does the trick."

Jade rummaged through her purse and handed Angela a small pill bottle. "I have some medicine that might help you sleep. Do you want it?"

"Oh my god, yes! You're a lifesaver!" Angela quickly took the pill, washing it down with a gulp of water. "Why do you have this, anyway?"

"For emergencies. You never know when it might come in handy—especially in a foreign country."

"Wow, you're always so prepared. I wish I could be more like you, but I'm way too lazy," Angela admitted, shaking her head.

Jade smirked. "This is why I'll live longer than you. Better to be an old hag than die young. Especially when we're about to explore Egypt."

"Bully! I'm definitely going to outlive you! There's no way I'm dying young—not before I've had the best sex of my life! I'm finding myself a hot Egyptian man as soon as we land!" Angela declared with a mischievous grin.

Jade took a sip of water, only to nearly choke as Angela's words registered. "Angela!"

Completely unfazed, Angela hugged her with a sassy smile. "You're an absolute superwoman, Jade. What would I do without you?"

Jade rolled her eyes, taking out her wireless AirPods. She had no intention of listening to Angela's raunchy plans for the entire flight. She leaned back, ready to enjoy a few hours of peace as the plane began to taxi down the runway.

"I'm already getting sleepy. Wake me up when we get there, okay?" Angela mumbled, her eyelids drooping.

"I will," Jade replied, relief flooding her as Angela drifted off.

Eight Hours Later

"Ugh, I'm so tired," Angela muttered as they stumbled into their hotel room in Cairo.

"I know. It's late, but we need to get some sleep. We've got a long day tomorrow," Jade said, wheeling her luggage to the closet.

Angela barely managed a response before collapsing onto the bed, fully dressed. Within moments, soft snores filled the room.

Jade just shook her head and began getting ready for bed. But something was off. Ever since they had landed, a gnawing sense of unease had settled in her stomach. Her pulse raced, her palms damp with sweat. It wasn't typical travel anxiety—this felt like the quiet before a storm.

Her sixth sense, always sharp, was screaming at her now. A warning. But against what? She had no answers, only this growing dread.

After everything she'd been through back in China, Jade craved nothing more than peace and quiet. She wasn't about to let whatever this was disrupt her newfound freedom. Pushing the ominous thoughts aside, she slid into bed and closed her eyes.

But that night, she dreamt of him again. The man with the golden eyes and the air of a king. She hadn't dreamt of him since leaving China, but now he was back—haunting her in the land of his ancestors.

What Jade didn't know was that now, on Egyptian soil, the dreams wouldn't stop. They would only grow more vivid and more intense.

Since arriving in Cairo more than a week ago, Jade and Angela had thrown themselves into their studies at Cairo University. They had learned about ancient healing techniques, delving into the blend of medicine and mysticism that made Egypt such a fascinating place for future physicians.

Jade thrived in the academic setting. Her curiosity was insatiable, and the classes only fueled her passion for medicine. Angela, on the other hand, found more interest outside of campus—specifically in the form of handsome Egyptian men.

Jade often retreated to the library to study. She couldn't bear going back to their hotel room early. More than once, she had heard sounds from inside—noises that made her cheeks burn with embarrassment. Angela was clearly enjoying her time in Cairo to the fullest, and Jade had no intention of interrupting.

"Why does it feel like we never left London? We're still stuck in lectures every day," Angela complained as she slipped into a flowing dress, preparing for their first full day exploring the city.

Jade adjusted her sun hat and smoothed down the floral sundress she had chosen. "I don't know what you're talking about. You barely have half the classes I do."

"That's because I'm smart. I'm living the good life here while you bury yourself in books. Come on, Jade, you need to have some fun too!"

"I plan to. But today is just about us, okay? No boys, no distractions. We're here to see the pyramids and ride camels."

Angela gave a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am! No boys today, promise!"

She slipped her arm through Jade's and leaned in close. "But, seriously, you should consider dating an Egyptian man. I'm telling you—they're a different breed. Once you go Egyptian, you never go back."

Jade's cheeks flushed instantly, the heat spreading down to her neck. Her mind raced back to the dreams. His sun-kissed skin, his strong jawline, the molten amber of his eyes—how he seemed to call to her across time and space.

Angela's eyes widened. "Jade! Are you blushing? Who is he? Spill it!"

Jade turned away, focusing on the mirror. Her reflection betrayed her, the blush stark against her pale skin.

"It's nothing. You're imagining things. It's just hot in here."

Angela wasn't convinced. "Uh-huh. Sure. Keep your secrets, but I'll get it out of you sooner or later."

Jade forced a laugh, but a shiver ran down her spine. She had a feeling this trip was going to unravel more secrets than she was ready for.