That would be utterly scandalous, but also the thought of my naked body walking among the scalding air, laid bare for the wisp of a fresh current, causes my nipples to harden.
That would be glorious.
Thatwillmake me feel better.
Hastily, I remove my underwear, my fingers finding comfort from the wall I follow. My body feels every breath of movement, every caress as it roams around me. Touching my skin in such a way, it feels like a thousand hands are lightly stroking me. Thebreeze I thought was an illusion only minutes earlier, no longer a fantasy.
My head lolls back, my eyes closing as a soft sigh escapes me. This is true peace. This feeling overflowing within me is everything good and positive you can imagine.
This must be what heaven feels like, even though it's hot enough for hell, I like it. It's soothing.
I rock my head from left to right, the stretch easing the remaining tension from my body. Opening my eyes, I tilt my head in confusion. I should see nothing–black.
Can I see…
Can I see light?
Yes, yes, I can. A small sliver of light that you might see under a closed door shines in the distance. An end to this never-ending path. The air is no longer uncomfortable. It feels dry and pleasant to move within, almost charged, excitement tingling just below the surface.
A door.A door!
Where does it go?
Who will be waiting for me on the other side?
It's like I'm on my own journey for the first time in my life. I'm calling the shots, deciding what to do and how to act. I feel like I've been transported to a place that I might belong. It's probably the back entrance to a ‘mom and pop’ takeaway, but I'm sure they will take pity and help me. Whatever lies on the other side ofthat door is thrilling, I can feel it in every part of my being. The light becomes more defined as I get closer, and it's definitely the outline of a door. Reaching out to where I think a handle will be, my fingers clasp a warm metal ring, as though they were guided by the pull of a magnet.
Like this was meant to be.
The stars have aligned for me to get this taste of freedom. I first pull the door, and… nothing happens, well, that's embarrassing. I quickly push it with more strength than necessary, stumbling forward, unable to catch my footing as I fall onto dry, hard dirt. Instantly snapping my eyes shut, the juxtaposition from pitch black to glaring white is too much, and despite my eyes being closed, the light shines through my lids, blinding me.
Chapter 3
Rosalind
Ican hear movement, but it doesn't feel threatening, like it’s hanging back, observing.
“Can you… Can you turn off the light at all?”
My throat feels dry, and it's rude of me to start this interaction with a demand, but lord have mercy, the light is overwhelming.
“The illuminating sky orb has only one setting. I apologise for her brightness, but you will grow accustomed to it.”
The voice is soft, manly, and gravelly, but kind. I don't know what an illuminating sky orb is, but I guess I'll be finding out. He's probably foreign and doesn't know what a floodlight is because that's what it bloody feels like.
“If I may approach, I can provide some shade to ease the process?”
“Yes. Yes please. I can't see,” I whisper.
“Is this better?” The stranger asks.
I'm still on my hands and knees, my head dipped low, but I see the dramatic shift in light even with my eyes closed. He's blocking it with something, and I could weep from the relief my retinas feel. Several seconds pass, and the sharp sting at the back of my eyes eases. Taking a deep breath, I dare to squint them open.
Dry, clay-coloured dirt greets me, dust blowing as I huff out a breath.
I'm definitely not in Horizon City anymore.
“Where am I?” I croak, the skin on my lips tightening with every breath.
