Shay knew she was dreaming. But that knowledge didn't stop the gripping, icy terror that clawed at her heart with cold fingers. She tried to shut out everything, tried to stop the images coming to her brain, but she couldn't.

She was covered in blood. It felt sticky and hot on her skin. A hand gripped her arm. She pulled away, recoiling in revulsion. She continued to run, trying to get away. She didn't know what she was running from, but it was horrible. Terrible.

There was a comforting presence beside her, a blonde shadow that seemed to slip in and out of existence. Shay turned to it, trying to see what it was. She couldn't focus on it. The world was a blur around her. Her legs ached, but the ache was far away. It didn't matter. All that mattered was escaping.

Something screamed. The shadow besides her ceased to exist. Despite her urge to run, Shay stopped.

The blonde shadow had materialized. Scared green eyes stared back at Shay from a face exactly like her own. Pale hair, coated in blood and grime, light skin, long, tapered fingers.

Lily…

Shay reached out to her, but something pushed her away. Run! Run!

Lily struggled against an invisible enemy. She couldn't escape. She screamed again, a chilling, wordless shriek.

Shay tried to lunge towards her, but she was forced back by an unseen force. She reached out again, trying to grasp for Lily's outstretched hand.

Suddenly, Lily vanished. Shay was alone. Pain enveloped her world. The world turned red, then black.

oooooooooooooooooooooooo

Shay sat up in bed. Her heart was pounding, her breath came in ragged gasps. She was coated in sweat, her hair plastered to her neck.

She fell back in bed, sighing. It was the same dream every night. The same blonde shadow, the same scared eyes, the same chilling scream. And, like every night, it left her feeling empty and hopeless.

Lily…

Shay got out of bed, beginning to pace the room. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a red glow on everything from Shay's open window. Shay shivered, it reminded her of blood.

Sighing, Shay placed her head in her hands. She couldn't keep this up… Her performance on the training field was suffering, she was becoming increasingly paranoid, and it seemed as though she was always tired.

Ugh, she thought, disgusted with herself. I'm falling apart!

Shay leaned her head against the wall. "Oh, Lily," she whispered. "I miss you so much."

ooooooooooooooooooooo

Murtagh looked down at the girl on the floor. She slumped loosely against the bonds that held her. Her hair – once the color of gold – now hung limply, caked with dirt and blood. Her tunic was tatters.

"Get up," he told her softly.

She looked at him slowly, her striking green eyes hopeless and glassy.

"Galbatorix wants you," Murtagh prodded. He tried to help her to her feet, but she drew away.

"Don't be scared, I won't harm you," he murmured softly to her. He touched her arm tentatively. "Come on."

She shook her head. "Galbatorix…" her voice was barely more than a whisper.

"Shhh, now," Murtagh crooned. "Come on. There's a maid upstairs who will give you a bath and new clothes. Galbatorix wants to talk to you."

The girl shook her head, trying to pull away. She was too weak, and managed only to slump against Murtagh.

Murtagh picked her up. She offered no resistance. Carrying her up the stairs, he sighed.

This was going to be a long day…

Author's Note: This chapter was short and incredibly stupid. Sorry, but I had this terrible writer's block, on top of a migraine. Hopefully the next one will be better. Hearts to all, KittenofShadows