If word spreads to the people of Castleview that Nightmare exists and it’s able to move without me, I’ll have a war on my hands.
I smile, but there's no humor in it.Nightmare, that won't be necessary. You won't have to go searching for her.
A prickle of intrigue runs down my neck.And why not?
Because I'm going to do what I should have done the moment I saw her in that bush. I'm going to choose her. Not for you. For me.
I toss open the balcony doors. Warm air runs over my skin. Guests turn and look, nodding, curious about the Nightmare King.
After I’m done, they won’t be curious anymore.
Eryx
I’m about to say something that can’t be taken back. A public declaration. A binding promise.
My father always said the most lethal magic was the kind you spoke aloud in front of witnesses. Once the words are out, they become real. They have power.
This might be the biggest mistake of my life.
Ask me in two months. Then I’ll know for certain.
“Ladies and gentleman, I’d like your attention please.”
I tap a champagne flute with the side of a spoon. How cliche can I get?
My guests go quiet, curious faces tipped in my direction. “I hope you’re having a pleasant evening, and you’ve learned that even though this is the Nightmare District, there’s nothing nightmarish about it.”
That earns a few giggles from the women and several understanding nods from the men.
What are you doing, Eryx? What’s happening?
I’m giving you what you want. No. I'm giving us what we both want. You want her magic. I want?—
Her. You want her.
I don’t reply.
But how? What are you doing? Are we making a big mistake? She’s not even here.
And thank God for that.Please be quiet. It’s extremely difficult to carry on two conversations at once.
That’s never stopped you before.
But tonight’s been different and Nightmare knows it.
I smile at the crowd. “For too long we’ve lived on opposite sides of the barrier. It’s time our communities were joined together and that we know each other. My kingdom might be dark, it might be strange, but I think you’ll find that deep down, we’re not so different.”
Yes, we are.
Shut up, Nightmare.
“That’s why”—I clear my throat and hope this moment doesn’t get me killed, or worse?—
What’s worse than being killed?
Having you run around behind my back.
It was just the one time,it says meekly.
