Page 194 of The Edge of Darkness

“You know how our essences embrace in our minds whenever I mind-walk? I can use that link to let you tap into my power. It can be like an extra reserve to yours. I think that’s what the prophecy is referring to when it says ‘a flame of light’ and ‘a flame of dark.’”

“So, I would essentially draw from your power as well, and use it to reinforce mine?”

“Essentially.”

“And that won’t burn you out?”

“It would all depend on the situation.”

She frowned. “I am not going to risk burning you out, Niall.”

“Don’t worry about that. The power transfer is just a backup option, in case I can’t actually unleash my power alongside you.”

With that statement, she seemed even less confident. “I don’t like the way any of this sounds. It’s as if we’re planning to lose before we even begin.”

“No, darling. I’m just trying to see this from every angle, and prepare for a lot of unknowns.” I tugged her into my chest and breathed in her scent, soaking up the warmth of her body, letting those things drown out the lingering doubt that kept trying to push its way to the forefront of my mind.

“What about the cù-sìth?” she asked.

My jaw hardened at the thought of the creature and its ill-fated omen. “The good thing about the cù-sìth’s omen is that we don’t know when it will come to fruition.”

“Only that it will,” she said, distress dampening her voice.

“Does it bother you?”

“Of course it does, but I can’t afford to think that way.”

“It bothers me too,” I admitted.

“Well, the prophecy’s wording sounds pretty positive. So, let’s stick to that mindset, and we will face whatever comes our way, together.”

A positive mindset. Yes.

Together. Yes.

Karios had chosen well with Auren. She was brave, and steadfast, and she’d accepted her power with overwhelming grace. At times, I wished I could be in such harmony with my own power. I admired her ability to remain unwavering in whatever she faced. She was the very thing I never knew I needed before all of this. She was my balance, my safe place. My strength when I couldn’t seem to find it in myself.

I held her tighter, proud that she was mine. I would rip apart enemies, armies, entire worlds, all for her.

Staring at the monochrome space around us, I felt like we were in another realm, another world, just the two of us. I savored the moment—the silence in it. The calm.

What I would give to be able to hold her like this forever.

Once we were back in Calledan, sleep claimed me quicker than it had in quite some time. But strangely, I didn’t feel at rest. Didn’t feel at peace. My mind was too quiet. Too still.

Every nerve ending prickled. Chills spread down my spine . . .

I wasn’t alone.

That same sinister presence that had recently plagued my sleep, drew nearer. It slithered in the space around me, clawing at the nape of my neck. But I didn’t run. I stood still, bracing for confrontation.

I looked down, finding the dark stone of The Keep beneath my bare feet. Niall wasn’t here this time. It was only me and this thing. This entity that seemed keen on tormenting my dreams.

A soft, sinister laugh rose from the darkness.

I reinforced my mental shield, dipping down into my power to ensure the stone wall in my mind didn’t falter. But there was no attempt on my mind this time. No inky black hands. No claws or talons . . . that I could see. I only felt the atmosphere around me shift.

“Who are you?” I asked. The echo of my own voice fell upon my ears as if the space I stood in was hollow.