Evey tossed onto her stomach, the sheets twisting in uncomfortable bunches around her legs. Sleep had eluded her since her arrival in the Shadow Gallery three days ago. She had had no real home to speak of since she was a little girl, and although she knew V's home was secure, she felt uneasy. She flipped onto her back, kicking off the hot sheets. The darkness of the room was almost palpable, sending her waking dreams that kept her from sleep. In the deep blackness of the Shadow Gallery's night she did not have to close her eyes to see the faces. She could hear their screams in the resounding silence. Evey shivered, clutching her arms tightly to her chest. Perhaps just a bit of light will help me sleep. She crept from her bed, feeling her way over to the large oak door. Grasping the cold handle in her sweaty palm, she pulled, letting a sliver of golden light slide across the room.
Slipping back beneath the covers, Evey rolled onto her side. A deep sigh escaped her lips. Still wide awake.
"I sing to the sun in the sky…"
What was that? Evey quickly rose up on her elbow, listening to the faint sound from the other room.
"I sing to the sun rising high…"
"Singing?" Evey asked, but the empty room gave no reply.
"Carnival time is here, magical time of year, and as the time draws near, dreams fill my heart…"
Definitely
singing. She eased back into the pillows, careful not to rustle
the sheets. Any sound she made seemed like it might shatter the
serenade. His voice was low and soft, soothing. Evey closed her eyes
letting the satiny sound course over her body.
"I'll sing
while he plays his guitar. I'll sing as the night wakes the dawn."
Her breathing slowed, her eyes fluttering as his voice continued its gentle caress. In her mind's eye, she could see him, leaning against the juke box, his strong back tapering down to slim hips. He swayed slowly as he sang, the soft black silk of his tunic highlighting firm muscles. The wig glimmered in the dim light as it swung with his movement over his shoulders.
"Will love come my way on this magical day? And will love stay in my heart?"
A soft smile spread over her lips as she drifted off into peaceful sleep.
