Leigh’s shoulders slump, and I hold her close as she whispers, “I wish you weren’t so far away. I wish Stellan Navis didn’t exist and that Alden would go home and take Ravi with him. Why can’t this be real life and everything else be a dream?”
I tighten my embrace, wishing I could shield her from the world. “Because if this were real life, we’d never grow. We’d stay like this forever.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad.”
I kiss her head. “Leigh, you’re a new queen. Everyone faces challenges when they start something new. Trust me, you’ll get the hang of it.” Her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Look at what you’ve already accomplished. I mean, you’re owning your magic. That’s incredible.”
“Yeah?” she asks, a glimmer of hope.
“Yeah.” A thought strikes me, and a smile tugs at my lips. “If this is my dream, does that mean I have control here? If I wanted us to be at the beach instead of in the desert, could I make that happen?”
Leigh shrugs, a playful gleam in her eyes. “I’m not sure how it works, but maybe?”
Holding her close, I close my eyes, conjuring the memory of a long-ago family vacation to Nereus. It was my favorite trip before my Emergence, Mom’s promotion to Altum Healer, and Desiree’s struggles at school. I picture the tropical beach town, the endless expanse of azure sky, the sun’s relentless heat, the gritty sand between my toes, and the distant crash of waves against the shore.
Leigh’s gasp prompts me to open my eyes. We are sitting on a deserted stretch of pristine sand. The sun hangs high in thecloudless sky, its warmth enveloping us like a hug. The ebb and flow of the waves is almost enough to lull me back to sleep, but I’m already dreaming.
“It worked,” I breathe.
Leigh arches a brow. “A bikini?”
The tiny black string bikini she’s wearing sets my blood on fire. The small triangles barely conceal her curves, and the slinky bottoms seem more suited for lounging than swimming. I groan. She is perfect.
But if I keep staring, I won’t be able to resist pouncing on her. And while I’m hurting to have her, I’m also eager to explore this dream world we’ve created.
Springing to my feet, I flash her a challenging grin. “Race you to the water.”
“Wha—”
Before she can finish, I take off toward the inviting waves. Her startled cry and laughter rings in my ears. Sand flies beneath my feet as I sprint, not slowing until I’m knee-deep in the welcoming sea. I plunge beneath the surface, the water surprisingly pleasant, like a soothing bath.
“Is it cold?” Leigh calls from the shore.
Emerging from the depths, I stride toward her, grinning. In one swift motion, I scoop her into my arms. My laughter drowns out her protests as I toss her into the waves. Leigh vanishes beneath the turquoise surface, only to resurface, sputtering and wiping the saltwater from her eyes.
“What the hell?” she yells, but amusement dances in her eyes.
“Come on, princess. Don’t tell me you can’t swim,” I tease, earning myself a face full of water.
“I can swim,” Leigh retorts.
I ignore her, pulling her close. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you. You’re safe with me.”
She wraps her long legs around my waist and encircles my neck as my hands find her hips, toying with the strings of her bikini bottoms. “I said I can swim,” she repeats, a smile tugging at her lips.
“Then you can let me go,” I challenge, but her grip tightens.
I’m acutely aware of every inch of her skin pressed against mine, every point of contact setting my insides ablaze. I kiss her chin, trailing kisses over her jaw and throat.
But then she asks, “Is everything okay in Aurora?”
I freeze. I consider lying, or at least omitting the truth, but it feels wrong in the raw honesty of this shared dream.
“It’s not,” I admit, and her chin lifts. “But it will be. They’re working on restoring power, and I have plans to see Stellan soon.”
“There hasn’t been an article in a few days. Maybe Stellan’s given up on me?” A hopeful note colors Leigh’s voice.
“Maybe,” I say. But deep down, I doubt it. Something tells me Stellan is just getting started.
