There was a sharp boundary that marked the end of the garden and plants. What lay beyond was a complicated maze of rock through which countless streams of glowing water cut. In several places, swirling pools had formed shooting shafts of lilac and azure light toward the rock ceiling above.
Beyond it all lay a cavernous maw that exuded an ominous atmosphere that contrasted with the sudden need Kira had to explore what lay within.
“The reckoning,” Graydon said as Kira took a step closer. “This is where you and the rest will go tomorrow.”
Kira’s gaze fixed on the shafts of light, a strange desire compelling her toward them.
“Come,” they seemed to say. “What you need is here.”
Graydon’s hand touched hers, breaking the spell she’d fallen under.
“The reckoning will promise you everything you desire,” he told her when she looked up at him.
“But it would be a lie.”
“It won’t feel like one.” Graydon’s gaze turned inward, almost wistful as he stared unseeing at the pools. “It will seem so real.”
Kira was quiet, sensing Graydon was telling her this for a reason.
After a long second, Graydon came back to himself, his hand squeezing hers as if to assure himself she was still here. He gave her a small smile before tilting his chin at the closest shaft of light. “Look closely. What do you see?”
Kira squinted, surprise widening her eyes seconds later. “There are people in the pools.”
They weren’t simply standing in the water but rather submerged within.
“Those who’ve abandoned themselves to the dreaming,” Graydon said. “They will spend their lives lost in the fantasy the Mea’Ave has created to fulfill their desires.”
Kira couldn’t help but be a little repulsed at the thought of being trapped in a constant illusion. Neither alive nor dead. Simply existing in a world you refused to wake up from.
“This is what happens to those unable to let go,” Graydon continued.
Ah. Kira thought she understood more of why he’d interrupted their evening for this visit.
“You’re warning me.”
It made sense. Kira’s past was riddled with pain and things she would give anything to put right.
She started to tell him his concern wasn’t necessary when his expression caught her attention. His face showed surprise as he stared at her with a look that made her second guess herself.
“It’s not?” Kira asked uncertainly.
Graydon’s features softened as he reached out to catch one of her hands. He lifted it to his lips, placing a kiss as light as the brush of a butterfly’s wing against her palm. “My apologies if I gave you that impression. I can say I’ve never once questioned your mental strength. If there is one thing I don’t have to fear, it is you wandering lost in your dreams.”
Despite the confident way he said that Kira couldn’t shake her doubt. He’d said one thing. That meant there were other things he worried about in relation to her and the adva ka.
Seeing her uncertainty, Graydon gave her a crooked smile. “Since I’ve taken the role of guide, I felt I should act like one.”
Graydon didn’t let her put distance between them, using his grip on her hand to draw her in front of him. He turned Kira to face the pools before embracing her from behind.
Kira let him, finding comfort in the warmth of his arms around her. The feel of his body behind hers.
“Beyond that point lays something that may be in need of your help,” Graydon said into her ear.
Desire tried to rise at the sensation of his breath whispering across her skin. A passion she’d thought they already sated.
“My hope is that you will answer its call if the need arises.”
Kira stilled.
