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I pacedin the wooded edges of the meadow dreamscape, awaiting the arrival of my guests. My arms behind my back, my fingers knotted together, and my back straight, I attempted to calm my racing heart.
"Baelen?" I heard Clawdia call.
"Where the fuck are we?" another voice asked. The witch?
I turned to see them in the middle of the meadow, waist deep in wildflowers. They couldn’t see me since I blended into the trees, but I watched them, unsure of my welcome.
Clawdia spun, and her face lit up in delight at the sight of him. "Charlie, you're here?"
He smiled and patted himself. "I think so." She rolled her eyes but took his hand as he approached her. He looked around, his shrewd eyes scanning the new landscape. "Where is here?"
"This is a dream." She gazed around the meadow, and I didn't move from behind the tree. "Baelen should be here."
"Late to his own dream." Charlie shook his head. "Where’s Zaide?"
I was concerned about it myself.He should have arrived with the others.I closed my eyes, searched for his consciousness, and found it in a scape that looked like Drakor. The dry desert sand and bright sun stung my eyes as I caught a glimpse of him and a titan who looked just like him.
He got lost in the scape but found his brother in a dream.
Unwilling to tear him apart from his sibling and ruin the bright smile crossing his face, I left him there, promising to return later. But I wanted to speak to Charlie first.
Returning to the meadow, I opened my eyes to the sound of Clawdia’s concerned voice. “—fighting somewhere? Or attacked again?”
Charlie pulled her into his arms. “I think they are fine. Stop worrying. Doesn’t this meadow make you want to frolic?” She gave him a look. “No?”
She rolled her eyes. “I don’t want to frolic in the meadow.”
“Come on. Frolic with me. I don’t ever get to frolic.” He whined playfully and threw their joined hands over her head and twirled her.
She laughed as she spun. “Stop staying frolic.”
He whirled her back in his arms and nuzzled her head. He didn’t whisper as he said, “Stop worrying. Baelen’s just hiding over there. I think frolicing will draw him out.”
“What do you mean he’s over there?” Clawdia screeched, her outrage clear as she twisted to look for me.
I sighed, unable to put it off any longer, stepped out from my hiding place, and walked toward them. "Sunlight. Charlie." I nodded, trying not to show how nervous I was.
“Baelen, where have you been?” She walked toward me, her expression frustrated and concerned. “Where’s Zaide?”
“Zaide is fine. He’s with his brother,” I assured her. “I will return for him in a moment.”
“His brother?” she asked.
“I’m sure he will explain.” I turned my attention to the male behind her. “Charlie, I’m glad to meet you.”
"I can't say the same." He crossed his arms and glared. “You caused quite a stir this morning.”
Clawdia bowed her head, and her shoulders slumped. I resisted the urge to pull her into my arms and whisper comforting words. While I didn’t know what exactly occurred, I assumed she’d been honest with her soul pair about our kiss.
I sighed. "Understandable. I know I owe Clawdia and her soul pair a proper apology."
"You don't think you need to make it up to me too?" He raised his eyebrow.
I hesitated, but the realization soon hit me. "You are also in a relationship with Clawdia."
He looked at Clawdia for confirmation, which made her smile and nod. "Yeah."
