Page 21

Chapter 21

Scarlett

" W ake up, Lady of Darkness.”

Scarlett started, her eyes ?ying open.

Then she sighed when she realized where she was.

“Just so you are aware, I ?nd you awfully annoying,” she groused,

pushing herself up from the too soft grass. The Lord of Night was sitting beside her, knee bent and elbow resting atop it. A gentle breeze ruf?ed her hair. The full moon shone down on them, casting them in a soft glowing light.

His lips twitched at her words. “One could say that is a family trait.”

“Why haven’t I seen you lately?”

“It takes a toll on my magic to dream-walk like this,” he answered, his ?ngers ?exing as if in anticipation of something.

She clicked her tongue in annoyance. “Vague, as always.”

“Not for much longer,” he replied, leveling a silver gaze on her.

“And why is that?”

“You need to wake up. You are almost here.”

“Here? You mean...” Her eyes went wide. “We are almost to Avonleya?”

“You have been close for days. Surely you noticed the waters darkening?” When she stared back at him, he added, “I could not let you in with that tracking Mark still on one who travels with you.”

“How do you know of that?” she asked, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

The Lord of Night got to his feet, ignoring her question and reaching for her hand. “Unlock the wards. You will ?nd me waiting.”

“How? I do not have the keys. Or the lock. I do not even know what the lock is,” she argued, letting him pull her to her feet.

“Altaria will ?nd you. He has a vial. Tip it into the black waters,” he answered.

“That’s it?” she asked, her nose wrinkling. “It seems very anticlimactic.”

He barked a laugh. “Have I ever mentioned I ?nd you awfully annoying?”

“Funny,” she deadpanned.

“All your questions have answers. I hope you are ready for them.” He smiled broadly then, taking a step back from her. “It is time for dreams and stars to meet.”