STAIN (My Soul To Wake Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

bring myself closer, almost touching, as if to join their chorus.
    I see my reflection in the sapphire blue of its depths. I feel the salt spray my face with coolness, showering me with the wealth the bottomless pool bares. The rushing wind whipping past my ears is the greatest symphony ever told. Each note, each chord, resonating within me as if echoing in the largest cathedral in existence.
    The chanting chorus of these songs now meld into one. The words are ancient, yet I know them and sing the long-forgotten tones. I feel a warm tear as it drops, a testament to the timeless beauty of their meaning.
    My vulnerability exposes itself, unshielding itself, as I am in the safest of all places. The words protect me, their strength offering to shelter all who seek it. I shroud myself in them, cocooning myself within, becoming one with the words.
     
    ~*~
     
    “We’re here!”
    I tighten my eyes, not willing to let the words go.
    “Wake up, wake up! We’re finally here! Seriously, Leah, how is it that you could sleep after all the coffee, anyway?”
    I stretch my neck, my body following with a deep involuntary yawn. My eyes flutter, attempting to open themselves. The car doors open, with each of the girls excitedly jumping out.
    The sounding of the trunk opens, very close to my head, and I think it best to move away. I weakly move my feet to clear the car, stretching the rest of my body while standing on the pavement.
    I stand in front of large, imposing building, the brick façade and key lime window awnings impressive in their own right. Large wooden window boxes full of colorful blooms and rich greens are abundantly overflowing their soil. Golden letters emboss the fabric of the awning protruding out over the main door, anchored on either side by iron lamps.
    HAWTHORNE HOTEL
    Although I may have packed light, my companions have not. They struggle with the bulky luggage, and I can see they need my assistance. I’m not any larger than either of them, but have proven time and time again that my strength is greater. They let me pass between them, removing the last three bags from the trunk.
    I can guess by the weight of them which ones belong to Courtney. I shake my head jokingly. She must have enough clothing in there to clothe a small army. Or Kim Kardashian. One or the other, I suppose.
    “You two go check in, I’ll park the car,” Courtney directs us as she reenters the driver’s seat of the low-lying car. I hear the clicking of the extendable metal handles as Nina wastes no time in moving along to the next phase of our journey. The hotel lobby.
    The heavily moulded walls welcome us as we enter. Quaint patterns cover surfaces and carpet alike, complementing and, some might say, clashing at the same time. A large oiled circular wooden table sits adorned with a multitude of florals arranged atop. Directly above, a circular halo of light projects both light and shadows onto the textured walls.
    I can see why the girls picked this hotel for our lodgings. It’s magnificent and grand. It doesn’t fight to look new like most of its competition. Instead, it celebrates its age and history.
    I’ve lost pace with Nina as I’m admiring the expansive rooms of the lobby, and hasten my steps to catch up. I reach her at the large reception desk as she’s beginning our introduction.
    “Reed, please. Nina Reed. We have two rooms reserved.”
    She multitasks her greeting while removing her wallet from the cross body purse she wears.
    The spectacle-wearing woman before us smiles warmly. “Welcome, Miss Reed. Of course. Let me bring those up here and we’ll get you all settled in. Her fingers type, nails clicking on the keyboard before her, as she sets out to officially check us in.
    Knowing I’m not desperately needed for the rest of the transaction, I wander over to the built-in bookshelves flanking a large and regally adorned mirror. The shelves are full of books of all sizes and shapes. The thickness of some dwarf others, as