TWENTY ONE: Aiyana

"Different, you say?" I asked, settling beside Sephora.

"Yes, I've felt a strange unease since we arrived at the palace. From the very first night, I could hardly sleep. It feels as if something is watching me from the shadows," she ranted, and I raised an eyebrow quizzically at her.

"Are you sure you're not imagining things, Sephora?" I asked, genuine concern growing on my face. "Could it be homesickness?"

She stood up to face me, clearly feeling misunderstood.

"No! Yes, I have felt homesick, but I am certain I am not imagining things. I know I must sound mad, and you probably think I've lost it, but I swear I am not lying to you," she cried, her face growing warm.

I got up and walked over to her. "How about tonight, you ask Dori to sleep in your room with you? You might really be imagining it."