Page 149 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

He inhaled deeply, letting the night air cool the raw edges of his heart.

He let himself join her.

Let himself breathe.

Let himself release the thoughts he’d been holding like shards of glass.

Forget the way the world had tilted beneath him.

Forget the hollow ache that had carved itself into his chest.

For a moment—just a moment—he allowed himself to feel nothing.

And then—He was there, in his mind-space.

Witnessing the white light that represented the presence of the Gods.

“True King of kings,” the many voices whispered. “We are happy to see you. We are happy with you.”

Their words echoed like ripples in water.

“You saved the princesses of Red from their horrific—”

repulsive

“—captivity, as we knew you would.”

An image flashed before him; the princesses, dressed in matching formal gowns, smiling boldly for a portrait. A future version of them, perhaps. A promise.

“Before we bring you to Princess Scarlet—”

Rain’s consciousness flickered.

Bring him to her?

What did that mean?

“We wish to direct you,” the voices continued. “Seek out the other five Aetherchrome. You must activate all eight. White, blue, and red are already within you.”

The light pulsed.

“Only when you have harnessed the eight will you be prepared to begin your journey to the Rainbow palace. Until then… there are other crowns for you to collect.”

A soft, eerie giggle echoed through the space.

Then the light shifted from white to a warm, glowing amber.

Scarlet’s presence bloomed beside him.

Rain’s heart clenched.

She was here.

In the mind-space.

With the Gods.

And she was so very vulnerable.