Page 82 of Realm of Dreams & Shadows

“Just the basics,” I agree, though even as I make that promise, I know I’m not going to stick to it. Why should I when I know I can do this?

Yes, I feel an incredible amount of power pulling at me, but where’s the danger? I’m strong, after all. And haven’t they all been telling me I’m special? That I’m here in this safe, neutral space because I need to understand this world. So there’s no way I’m going to just raise my hands and back away slowly.

I can do this, I think, as I bring a bubbling spring to the surface.

I am doing this.

And that’s when it hits me. This is the first time in my entire life that I have real, tangible control over something that matters.

It’s as if I’ve spent my life locked in a tiny box, and now I’m free. Free to explore. To be.

A wave of pure joy cuts through me. I’ve got this. I have so totally got this.

And it’s easy. So very easy to just reach out with my mind and expand the garden a bit more. Then a bit more after that.

“Good work,” Chase says, an edge to his voice. “But pull it back.”

“I will,” I say, even as I add streams and waterfalls, not willing to stop until this tiny corner of the universe fits my vision exactly. “I’m learning,” I say. “It feels so natural,” I add as I bring forth colorful birds singing in the trees I’ve drawn up out of the ground.

“Cora, listen to me.”

I look up at the flock, then throw my arms out at my sides and spin, laughing at the joy of creation. Because how can I be scared in a world where I can do this? A world of my own making?

“You need to pull back.” Chase’s voice is sharper now. “You’re going too deep. You’re putting down roots you may not be able to escape.”

Some part of me knows I should listen to him, should trust him.

But at the same time, I know that I’m stronger than the others who’ve tried this. One or two roses compared to this incredible garden I’ve created out of nothing? There’s no contest. No contest at all.

And isn’t that why they need me? Because the Imperial blood flows in my veins. The blood that makes me special. Surely that’s what gives me the power to do all of this. And I’m strong enough to step away when I need to.

But I don’t need to yet. My garden isn’t finished.

I turn to consider the placement of an apple tree—and that’s when I notice I’m not alone.

Adric sits on a stone bench beside the fountain. I tremble, but not from fear. And when he turns to look at me, it feels as if those silver eyes are seeing my deepest secrets.

He stands, the coat of shadows now billowing behind him, those devastating eyes focused on me.

“You can’t be here,” I say, forcing myself not to take a step back. “You’re bound to the castle.”

“The castle and its grounds,” he says. “And the Neutral Zone is a liminal space that is part and parcel of my castle’s grounds. Your Hunter should know that.” He smiles. “Perhaps the millennia are catching up with him, and he’s becoming forgetful in his old age.”

He strides toward me, and my heart skips—and not just from fear. But because of the complicated truth that I’m actually glad to see him.

“My beautiful Bride,” he says, his voice like velvet over steel.

“I’m not your Bride.”

He lifts his hands. “One of us is right, and one of us is wrong.” He takes another step toward me, then gently strokes my cheek. “I want you, Cora. In my arms. In my bed.”

His hand slips down to take mine, and though I know I should yank it back, I don’t. “I won’t ever be in your bed.”

“Should we place a wager?”

Mischief dances in his eyes, and I have to force myself not to smile. For that matter, I have to force myself not to sigh. And though I don’t want to, I can’t help but be awed by this moment. A king—a powerful, sexy king—wants me. And that’s intoxicating.

But at the same time, I remind myself that he wants me so that he can wed and bed me and make the prophecy come true.