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I trail behind, with Bobble at my feet. The effect of the plants is definitely diminishing, which I’m beyond grateful for. Bobble, on the other hand, seems on edge. His ears are rotating constantly like radar dishes, and his whiskers are perked forward. He rubs against me occasionally and I try to reassure him.
“He’s going to help you, I promise. Don’t worry.”
I don’t feel sure of that, but it is our only option. I want to offer some hope to my sweet Bobble. This wizard that we’re questing for, or whatever he is, better be able to help all of us. Hell, I want him to help Sunder too.
If we can get to a place where our mating bond works, then Sunder and Bobble will be able to reunite with the other parts of themselves. But first, Bobble needs to be out of this cat form.
And then… maybe I’ll go home.
A few days ago, that’s all I wanted. Sunder’s reaction after our mating bond fiasco, especially, is one that made me achingly lonely.
Now that things are different between us, however, my heart isn’t quite as dedicated to the idea of going back.
I blow out a breath. Even that makes me nervous. Am I so desperate for attention that a single kind word makes me want to throw away my entire life on earth? That being here with Sunder, grumpy as he is, is worth it to stay in a magical realm that I know absolutely nothing about?
What if he rejects you again?That awful inner voice hisses.
Before I think about it I hiss right back.Shut up.
For a minute, my step falters and I freeze.
I’ve never talked back to the voice before.
I’ve always accepted what she says as the truth. A nasty version of it sometimes, sure.
But I’ve never actually told her to shut up before.
Huh.
I’m not sure what to do with that. I’m not sure what to do with any of it. So instead, I focus on walking. One foot, then the other, moving after Sunder as we inch closer to the ominous building.
“Ho there!” a small shape is waving at us from the base of the tower.
I squint. “Who is that?”
Sunder shrugs. “I do not know. But it appears we are being summoned.”
He strides forward, and after a moment’s hesitation, Bobble and I follow. As we approach the base of the tower, a small boy of 8 or 9 stands at attention, staring at us. He speaks before we even reach him.
“Master has been waiting for you. Follow me,” he announces loudly, his pudgy cheeks giving way to stoicism. The boy leads us through a large wooden door.
Sunder and I exchange glances. “Is it safe?” I whisper to him.
“As safe as it can be.”
I grit my teeth, but Sunder’s arm reaches out, and he gently touches my elbow.
“I won’t let anything harm you, Mira.”
His eyes are soft with concern.
“I believe you,” I whisper.
I’m not even surprised that it’s true.
We turn and follow the boy. As we walk inside the tower, I see a cavernous room filled with bookshelves lining each wall. The floor is covered in thick rugs, and a few plush chairs are scattered about. I notice a subtle change in Sunder’s gait, as if something sets him on edge, but I don’t see anything noteworthy here.
He’s going to protect me. I’m going to be okay. I breathe deeply, then pick up Bobble.
