in my dimension when I was only an adolescent. Brought over as the very first thing we phase, it’s totally programmable, and we’re always confident that it’s a safe and welcoming environment to phase into. It can be programmed into any kind of dwelling we desire, anywhere in our dimension.
I personally haven’t explored my dimension that much. It tends to be something that older Sinth do once their obligations to the Sinth Sovereignty end and before you give up on life altogether. As such, I’ve waited, knowing I’ll want that final frontier to investigate.
The sun is setting and dropping behind some mountain ranges off to the west. My bed is looking inviting too in my dimension, and I briefly consider whether I should spend some time fixing myself something to eat and relaxing for the night. The humidity has made my skin sticky, and I’m looking forward to bathing.
My wandering thoughts are cut off as I see the most incredible sight far below me between two trees. Just off to the south, steam rises from the forest floor, and there are multiple small pools dotting the area. Sitting in one is a naked female … reading?
CHAPTER THREE
- Zoey
A strange feeling settles over me. Almost like I’m being watched. When I look up from my book, I realize that night has started falling fast. Isn’t it amazing that books can transport you to a world where you forget all time, not even noticing the light outside becoming dimmer and dimmer?
Thankfully, I took a few minutes to wash up before I started reading. I study the forest around me. I’m not scared … really. Some of my favorite memories with my mother were coming here when I was young. We’d stay with my grandparents during the summer, always ending our days by coming to these hot springs and washing up together.
I’m convinced that her passing is what sent my father spiraling down into his own private hell. Despite his attempts to father me in a well-rounded and caring way, he was fighting his own demons with depression and alcohol. Thankfully, I was too wrapped up in my own world to realize my father was drunk most of the time.
By the time I hit puberty and had my period for the first time, I was easily twenty pounds over the recommended weight for my age and height. Getting boobs and developing curves were the least of my concerns. I overheard friends of my father telling him to get me into sports, and we spent one very long summer where he tried to teach me basketball. I think he thought all the running would be good for me.
Looking around, I think about the voices I thought I heard when I was rinsing my hair earlier. At the time, I assumed it was the water in my ears, playing tricks on me. Now, I’m not so sure.
My skin prickles with awareness and goosebumps break out over my skin as I quickly climb out of the toasty water. This is the worst part, although I’ve no intention of getting redressed. It’s not that far to the cabin, and I’ve already stocked up the stove and my firewood like I do every day. All it takes is a match. The cabin is so small, I’ll be toasty in no time.
Leaning over, I quickly towel off my damp hair before drying my body and wrapping the towel around me. I’m an idiot to have let it get so dark before heading back, but of course, I do this to myself almost every night. There’s a shifting of the shadows off to my right, and I look up to see a man standing about twenty-five feet away.
“Hello?” I say automatically, wondering how quickly I could grab my bow that I take everywhere with me. He’s so close! How did he manage that without me hearing him?
As I stare at him frozen, the first thing I notice is how incredibly good looking he is. Dark, short hair is trimmed close to his skull on the sides of his head with a little more length on top. In the low light, I can see his skin is pale and shimmering in the setting sun’s late twilight. But all of his features are classically beautiful with a fine straight nose, big pale blue eyes, and full lips.
He’s close enough I can see his jaw twitch slightly as my eyes drop. The most worrisome thing that registers is how big he is. Tall