ZILAYEFA CHAPTER NINE

Zilayefa's eyes snapped open, her heart racing like a wild animal. She was drenched in sweat, her sheets tangled around her legs. The vivid dream still lingered, haunting her. She had seen Prince Stevenson Jnr, her beloved, lying lifeless on the ground. A man, his face twisted in a snarl, stood over him, his hands covered in blood. The man's eyes seemed to bore into Zilayefa's soul, filling her with an unspeakable horror.

As she struggled to catch her breath, Zilayefa felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. She buried her face in her pillow, sobbing uncontrollably. Her siblings, Ryan and Richard, rushed to her side followed by Bryan and Bernard, concern etched on their faces.

"Zilayefa, what's wrong?" Ryan asked, shaking her gently.

Bernard added, "Did you have another bad dream?"

Zilayefa nodded, still sniffling. "I...I saw Prince Stevenson Jnr. He was...he was dead." Her voice cracked as she spoke.

The boys exchanged worried glances. They had never seen their sister so distraught.

"Tell us more," Richard coaxed, stroking Zilayefa's hair.

Zilayefa took a deep breath, recounting the dream in vivid detail. Her siblings listened intently, their faces growing increasingly somber.

As she finished speaking, Zilayefa realized that these disturbing dreams had become a recurring theme over the past few days. She had dreamt of strange, foreboding places and unsettling creatures. But none had shaken her as much as this latest vision.

"I've been having these weird dreams for weeks now," Zilayefa confessed, feeling a shiver run down her spine. "I dreamt of Mother being held hostage by the same man who...who killed Prince Stevenson Jnr."

Bryan and Bernard exchanged uneasy glances. Their mother's absence had already caused them enough worry; now, Zilayefa's ominous dreams were adding to their concerns.

"Try not to worry, Zilayefa," Bryan said, attempting to reassure her. "Dreams are just dreams. They don't always mean something."

But Zilayefa couldn't shake off the feeling of foreboding. It had been only two weeks since Prince Stevenson Jnr proposed, and now she was plagued by these disturbing visions.

As she lay in bed, trying to calm her racing thoughts, Zilayefa realized that today was the day Prince Stevenson Jnr would take her to meet his family. She had been looking forward to this visit, but now her excitement was tempered by the ominous dream.

With a heavy heart, Zilayefa got out of bed and began her morning routine. She prayed fervently, asking for protection and guidance. She couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to Prince Stevenson Jnr.

As she dressed, Zilayefa's thoughts turned to her beloved prince. She had grown to love him dearly, not just for his kindness and generosity but also for the way he made her feel. He was her rock, her safe haven.

After her mother's departure, Zilayefa had taken on the responsibility of caring for her siblings. Prince Stevenson Jnr's support had been a godsend, allowing her to start a new business with her brothers. They had begun baking bread, which had quickly become a hit in the village.

With her brothers' help, Zilayefa had found a sense of purpose and fulfillment. She was determined to secure a bright future for her siblings and herself, and Prince Stevenson Jnr's love and support had given her the courage to pursue her dreams.

As she finished getting ready, Zilayefa's brothers wished her well on her visit to Prince Stevenson Jnr's family. They were busy preparing for the day's bread deliveries, their faces flushed with excitement.

"Be careful, Zilayefa," Ryan said, as he handed her a small pouch containing some freshly baked bread. "Take this for Prince Stevenson Jnr's family. Maybe it'll help break the ice."

Richard added, "And don't worry about the dreams. We'll be here, praying for your safety and happiness."

Zilayefa smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude towards her brothers. She knew they would always be there for her, supporting her through thick and thin.

With a deep breath, Zilayefa set off to meet Prince Stevenson Jnr, her heart filled with a mix of emotions. She prayed that the day would bring her joy and not the darkness she had foreseen in her dreams.

Her siblings are very worried for her. Zilayefa's dreams always comes true. They are that prince Stevenson jnr will be alright and their mother too.