“Not easy—strategic.” He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “If I keep you satisfied, you might be inclined to continue helping me.” Something flickered across his expression then, brief uncertainty at odds with his usual confidence. “Besides,” he added quietly, “I seem to remember more when I’m near you.”
My breath caught and I stilled, but the vulnerability in his expression quelled my rising panic. I was tired of being trapped by this constant doubt, of second-guessing every move, of searching for motives that likely didn’t exist. After a moment, I gave a small nod. His easy smile returned at once.
“Excellent, progress at last. Since you’re determined to lead, is there somewhere in particular you’d like to begin?”
I had the strange sense that I did…if only I could remember.
We encountered no one else as we moved deeper into the palace. Our footsteps echoed softly through corridors that felt unnaturally quiet—not abandoned like the ruined castle of my dreams, but subdued in a way that unsettled me. A palace of this size should have been alive with movement, voices, activity. Instead, silence lingered in its halls, as though the life within it had been carefully dimmed.
After several turns, I realized Evander had once again taken the lead, navigating the winding corridors with unsettling confidence. “You seem remarkably certain for someone who claimed not to know where he’s going,” I commented.
He paused. “Forgive me, I hadn’t realized—it must be instinct.” He fell back a few steps, allowing me to pass ahead.
“Why is it so quiet?” I asked.
“It didn’t used to be.” His voice softened, almost wistful. “Once, the castle was full of life.” His expression grew distant, as though he were reaching for something just beyond his grasp.
I opened my mouth to question him further, when a strange unease crept over me. I slowed. Something about this part of the palace felt…familiar.
The corridor ahead stretched empty and silent, its walls lined with faded tapestries and suits of armor dulled by age. At the far end stood a simple wooden door, tucked between two pillars as though it had been forgotten.
I stopped walking. Evander glanced back. “What is it?” When I didn’t answer, his gaze followed mine, studying the door as if trying to recall something just out of reach.
My own gaze remained fixed on it, unable to look away. The door appeared entirely unremarkable—plain wood, a simple iron handle curled like a thorned vine—yet the sight of it sent a sharp ripple of recognition through me so strong it stole the breath from my lungs.
I had seen this place before, not in the waking palace…but in the dream realm. Only this time, nothing would stop me from reaching it. Whatever secrets the palace concealed…they were waiting just beyond that door.
CHAPTER 15
The memories I retained each time I passed from this world and the dream returned without pattern or reason, surfacing at unexpected moments during my waking hours, as though I stumbled upon the key that unlocked them.
I studied the door, tracing the delicate curves of each carved rose framing the wood, the pattern echoing the one I had seen within the dreamscape just last night. It was the same door, I was certain of it…though diminished somehow, like a shadow of one far more vivid.
A moment once shrouded in fog began to sharpen, rising to the surface to paint the blurred memory with color. Details followed in its wake, each one falling into place, bringing the image into clearer focus.
I had sensed a strange power emanating from this corridor during my first tour of the palace. At the time, I had been unable to investigate the enchanted pull that beckoned like a siren. Now I remembered standing before this very door in the ruined castle of my dreams—whatever lay beyond it calling to me with a force stronger than even the objects I stole…along with the dream version of Evander trying to lead me away.
I cast a sideways glance at the man beside me, curious what emotion I might find. But whatever stirred beneath the surface had been carefully concealed behind a composed mask, protecting his secrets from my seeking.
“This is where you wish to begin?” His tone was hollow, absent of its usual charm. “An odd choice. First walls, now doors. I’m certain there are more interesting places to investigate.”
I frowned. The diversion was subtle, but unmistakable. Just like in the dream, he was trying to prevent me from discovering whatever lay beyond. For all their differences, both versions of him shared this thread. I might have found this development intriguing…if it hadn’t put me on my guard. I doubled my determination to discover what he was hiding.
“How gentlemanly of you to retract your offer and choose for me,” I said coolly. “Have you suddenly remembered what you needed my help with that makes you so eager to break your promise?” Though I kept my tone light, I was certain he could hear my barely concealed suspicion beneath it.
He studied me, his expression unreadable. “I wouldn’t dream of going back on my word,” he said at last. “You seem to have little freedom befitting your…position. I merely wish to ensure our limited time is used productively.” His gaze flicked to the door. “You appear familiar with this place. Have you been here before?” The knowing glint in his eyes told me he suspected as much.
For a moment, I was tempted to admit I had been here once before, in a dream that felt far too real. But I still wasn’t entirely convinced those visions were anything more than imagination. Even if they were real, caution still warned me about entrusting my secrets with this enigmatic man.
“I sensed something here during my first tour of the palace,” I said instead. “I was under guard at the time and couldn’t investigate. That’s all I’m willing to share at present—ourarrangement involves cooperation, not the surrender of every secret.”
I expected him to press further, but after a moment’s pause he inclined his head. Though he let the matter drop, it was the first clear confirmation of the warning I’d been given—that he was not to be trusted. I would not forget it.
For someone who claimed not to remember why he needed my help, he seemed to have very particular ideas about what we should—and should not—investigate. Whether that awareness was conscious, or something deeper—something his mind had yet to reclaim—remained to be seen.
I tucked the thought away and reached for the handle. Between the guards’ reluctance to let me pass and Evander’s sudden diversion, I half expected it to be locked. To my amazement it yielded at once, opening easily, as though it had been waiting for me. Evander hesitated, then without further protest, he followed me inside, as though anxious to stay close. I wondered whether that was to protect me against unknown dangers…or to keep me from finding something.
The room beyond the door was not nearly as grand as I expected, given the force that had drawn me to it. A narrow chamber stretched before us, dust coating nearly every surface, as though it had been abandoned in haste. At first glance, there was nothing of interest…nothing obvious, at least.
