She found herself accepting the beverage and retreating—a sort of out-of-body experience.
“I thought you would enjoy interacting with your son,” a masculine voice said.
Betrys started, her cup rattling on its saucer as she whirled to face the stranger.A tiny squeak escaped her before she registered the man’s non-threatening manner.
“Don’t worry.This is our host,” Leo said.“He and his people are incorporeal and own the village.”Leo returned to his task, his voice low while he spoke with her son.
“I’m sorry I scared you.”The well-dressed man sprawled in a chair.Black trews encased his legs, and he wore a frilly white shirt.He reminded her of a sexually satiated male with his relaxed demeanor and his sleepy-eyed gaze.“I mean you no harm.”
“Incorporeal?”
“Yes.”His grin was languid and satisfied.“Your lovemaking with Leo tasted rather piquant.You have fed us well.”
“Pardon?”She knew she was gaping, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself.“I don’t understand.”
“My race feeds on sexual energy.Since the Mitchell family arrived on Ione we have fed more often.Our race is thriving again.”
“Um, that’s good,” she said in understatement.She thought of what she and Leo had done together on the bed, and heat surged to her cheeks.They’d watched them have sex?
“You don’t need to feel embarrassed,” the man added with a broad smile.“Sex is a natural thing.”
“Um, yes.What should I call you?”
“You can call me Caspar.”
“My name is Betrys.How did Ricci get here?Did you have something to do with it?Am I dreaming?”
“Your son has the power to create dreamscapes, but he hasn’t harnessed his talent yet.I aided his journey and escorted him here.As an incorporeal, I have to power to create illusions.I’m able to pluck wishes from minds and make them come true.”
“So all of this,” she made a sweeping motion with her hand, “isn’t real.”
“It’s real enough.The items we conjure last for as long as the recipient requires them.That’s the simplest explanation.We gift those who please us with our largesse.”
Betrys thought about that for a moment and scowled.“So Ricci will disappear.”
“When he wakes.”
Ah, she knew his appearance was too easy, too convenient.“I wanted to see my son so much.”
“I know,” Caspar said, his smile fading.“You are in a difficult position.You should tell Leo.He is a good man, and despite appearances, he likes you.”
Betrys glanced over at Leo, who was listening to something her son was saying.“I can’t.No matter what I do, I’m stuck in Iseult’s trap.”
“Sharing a problem is a good way to find new alternatives.”
“The sandwiches are ready,” Ricci announced.
“Set them on…” Betrys glanced around for a suitable place and gasped when a table appeared out of thin air.“There.”
“I must go.I will be back to guide Ricci through the dreamscape.He will arrive back at Spiderus Mansion without any problems.”
“Thank you,” Betrys said.
Caspar smiled.“Love well.”Seconds later, he and his chair disappeared.
“Leo promised we can have a special dessert after our sandwiches.He said it’s a pav-pav—” He broke off and glanced at Leo.“What is it, Leo?”
The hero worship in her son brought a sting to the back of her eyes.She swallowed hard.Once.Twice.Do not weep.Do not.
