Page 87 of Realm of Dreams & Shadows

As Tia draws in a breath, Chase straightens his shoulders, his expression flat as he turns to meet my eyes. “You’re the last of the Imperial line, Cora. His final chance. He will never stop hunting you, and he will play whatever tricks and mind games he must in order to win your betrothal, marry you, and get you in his bed.”

“Oh.” I hug myself, suddenly seeing the path that Fate has paved for me. “I hate this,” I whisper.

He moves closer, then pulls me to him, his arms engulfing me in the kind of protective hug I never want to leave. “You’re strong, Cora. And you understand what he is, what he wants. You can fight this.”

I nod, but I can’t deny how I’d felt in Adric’s presence. Not just the physical attraction, but my own hunger for that creative power. For the rush of making something from nothing, of shaping reality with pure will.

Of knowing what I wanted and making it come to life.

I know I shouldn’t, but I desperately want to feel that rush again.

And that craving terrifies me more than any nightmare creature ever could.

Chapter

Twenty-Two

All five of us are hyper-alert for any signs of supernatural activity on the walk back to Hamilton Hall. Whistler scouts ahead with Tia while Griffin walks alongside us before cutting off when we reach campus, leaving Chase and me walking together in an Adric-charged silence.

“You felt it,” Chase says finally, his voice tight.

“Felt what?” But I know exactly what he means.

“The pull. When Adric appeared.” He stops walking, turning to face me under a lamppost. “I saw your face when you came out of the session, Cora. You were drawn to him.”

Shame burns in my chest, but I force myself to meet his eyes. “I know I shouldn’t have been. I know he’s dangerous.”

“It’s not about should or shouldn’t.” Chase’s voice is gentle but strained. “You need to understand that the more you use your abilities, the stronger the pull between you and Adric becomes. As well as his ability to locate you.”

“Oh.” I tell myself it’s a chill off the ocean that makes me shiver, but of course it’s not.

“Remember, the more connected he is to you, the more the entire universe is at risk, and every living being in this and every other realm.”

“But no pressure,” I say, trying for a smile, but not quite managing.

“I know you’re attracted to him.” His voice is low, barely a whisper, and he’s looking at the sidewalk, not me.

I don’t deny it. I don’t say anything at all.

“But you need to understand that what you felt… It’s part of the prophecy. The Imperial bloodline and the Nightmare King are connected by forces older than human civilization.”

Ice forms in my stomach. “You’re saying what I feel isn’t real?”

“I’m saying it’s wrapped up in prophecy and duty and very, very complicated.”

“That doesn’t make it fake,” I snap. “I’m attracted to you too. Is that fake?” I fight the urge to cringe. I’d bitten the words out in anger, and now, I’m really, really, really wishing that life had a rewind button.

I expect him to tease me. To say that clearly, I’ve got a thing for guys from the dreamscape. Instead, he takes my hands and tugs me to a stop. “Then stay with me. Let me protect you. Let me make sure you stay far, far away from him.”

“I know what you’ve told me about him,” I say softly. “I’m not an idiot. He’s charismatic, sure, but it’s not like I’m going to go running into his arms.”

“Are you sure?” The words come out harsh and curt.

I yank my hand free. “What the hell is wrong with you tonight?”

“Dammit, Cora, don’t you get it? I saw you.”

“Saw me what?”