Page 50 of Realm of Dreams & Shadows

The answer doesn’t surprise me. Haven’t I already told Tia that my dreams take me somewhere? But I don’t tell Vance that. I just ask, “A journey? To where?”

A smile dances at the corner of his mouth. “Don’t be naïve, my dear. You know the answer. You are a traveler in the Nightmare Realm, of course.”

Nightmare Realm. Ice fills my veins, and I pull my hand free of Tia’s so that I can hug myself. That’s what Mom called it in her letter.

“How do you know that?” I whisper.

“We know many things about your bloodline. About what you can do. About who you are.” His smile is soft. Almost paternal. “The question is—are you ready to embrace your true potential?”

Every single person at that table shifts so that they’re staring straight at me. Like I’m a prize they’ve been hunting, and they have me in their sights.

I sidle even closer to Tia, who takes my hand again. “How do you know all this? And what the hell do you mean by my true potential?”

“Oh, come now.” The silver-haired woman leans forward, her voice carrying mild irritation. “We’ve studied your family for generations.”

I squeeze Tia’s hand—too hard if her little squeak is any indication.

“Studied?” I can’t quash the hard edge in my voice. After all, that’s seriously creepy. I look at their faces in turn, my voice level and cold as I ask, “What exactly is the Oneiroi Society?”

Silver Hair starts to answer, but Vance holds up a finger to silence her. “We study the intersection between dreams and reality,” he says, settling back in his chair as if getting comfortable before telling a bedtime story. “We’re scholars of the dreamscape. And we know that the barriers are weakening.”

“Barriers?” Tia repeats.

He doesn’t answer. Instead, his eyes study me with such intensity, I have to fight not to squirm.

He turns his attention toward Tia. “Between this realm and the Nightmare Realm, for example,” he says. Then his gray eyes meet mine. “I believe you know something of that.”

I swallow, then nod.

“Well, your particular situation is of great interest to us. The dreamwalking talent that runs in certain bloodlines…well, let’s say we have extensive research on the subject.”

“Hold on,” Tia says. “You mean what happens to Cora is common enough that there’s research?”

“Cora is unique. But, yes, others can dreamwalk. It’s not common, but it has been a part of reality since the dawn of time. We have extensive historical records. Genealogical studies. Statements from Dreamwalkers. And so much more.”

“Dreamwalkers,” I whisper. It feels right.

“We’ve traced several family lines across centuries—documenting abilities, tracking inheritance patterns, observing how these gifts manifest.” Vance’s eyes lock on mine. “Some bloodlines are more significant than others. Some have the power to shore up the barriers. To prevent the realms from tumbling in upon each other.”

“I don’t even know what that means,” I say.

“Chaos,” he says. “Pain and brutal death for millions upon millions. And an even worse fate for those not lucky enough to die.”

I realize with a start that I’m shaking my head. “No. No, this is like some sort of weird conspiracy theory thing.”

“Oh, for Pete’s sake,” Silver Hair snaps. “You know better than that.”

I ignore her, my eyes on Vance. “This is nuts. You really think I can do that—keep some mystical barrier from collapsing?”

He nods. “Your family has always been special to the Oneiroi. For that matter, I’ve been invested in your lineage for quite some time.” His eyes go soft, and a small smile touches his mouth. “Your mother was extraordinarily gifted. I had hoped those abilities would pass to her daughter. My understanding is that they have.”

His understanding.

Oh, god. He’s been spying on me. And very, very intently if he knows about my dreams.

A chill runs up my spine, and I turn for the door, fully ready to walk out of this tower.

Vance’s gentle words stop me—“You’re wearing her ring.”