Miriam chuckled as she explained, ‘Nightmares, Ava.’
There were a few individuals I would love to send some nightmares to. ‘You can give people bad dreams?’
‘I can attack people in their dreams and use shadows to bring their nightmares to life.’ Her shy gaze appeared to be tracking my face, assessing my reaction for hints of fear. It seemed she expected me to lose my shit.
Eyebrows raised and tone pitched, I couldn’t stop myself from wondering, ‘Do you do that often?’
‘Only when I lose my patience with his antics.’ I knew she meant her brother, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
Chapter Forty
Avari
Waking up in a land I never knew existed felt peculiar at best and nerve-wracking at worst. The bluish tint of the moonlight, their equivalent of daylight, proved difficult to get accustomed to. Sure, it was bright enough to relay that it was daytime, but it was too far from what I was used to. Though dim and moody, I appreciated that it was no longer as ominous.
Getting up, I solemnly acknowledged that the lack of the usual cherry and citrus scents on my bedding reflected on the quality of my rest. I wasn’t sure how to go about my day, even when I knew I was free to roam the estate—not a prisoner; they made that much clear.
Wanting me to grow comfortable and to get to know them, they did technically trap me in the Isles I could not escape from, but I was free to do as I wished otherwise.
Their generosity knew no limits.
The Lord, in his reawakened appreciation for the arts and knowledge, announced that I would be starting shadow-trainingwith one of the most esteemed professors. He also said that we would be getting a new family portrait by the end of the week in honour of the now complete unit.
‘Morning,’ I greeted my abductor-turned-brother as I entered the dining area. His arms spread out on the table as he slouched, taking up the space of three men.
My presence sent a grin to his face. ‘Well, hello, hello. How was your first night in our humble abode?’
The house was anything but humble, though if the stray-collector were fishing for compliments, he could forget it. ‘As good as one might imagine given the circumstances.’
Alec looked at me, lost in thought, and paid me a glance that cradled sorrow. ‘It might be difficult to believe now, but I think this might be for the best. Think of the opportunities this gives you. Not a prisoner, leverage, or toy… This is your home; you belong here.’
How rich, coming from a stranger. ‘Why would you care? You don’t even know me.’
Averting his gaze, his voice lowered to a mere whisper. ‘I see enough of me in you to know you will learn to love the Isles, like we all do.’
That was slightly unsettling.
Was that why I judged him so harshly, too? Because I saw the resemblance? All this mind-fuckery was grating on my nerves.
‘It all just seems too surreal… I’m supposed to believe that after all this time, I am suddenly whisked away to my long-lost family and everything will work itself out?’
‘We weren’t lost, Ava. You were. We were always here. Had we known you existed, we would have brought you here a long time ago.’ The words sounded genuine but did nothing to douse the flames roaring inside my body.
‘I’ve never even heard of the Isles of Shadow. It’s not mentioned in any literature. Yet, my mother supposedly hitit off with your lord. And you—what a coincidence that you and River know each other…’
Alec cringed, straightening his back upon the sudden attack. ‘I don’t know enough about our father’s history with your mother to comment. If you are keen to learn more about my history with your king, just ask. I am an open book.’
Seconds passed, and as he leaned back, grinning and expecting me to break, I fought my curiosity long enough that I could feel the wheels of my mind overheat. Fearing that steam might exit through my ears, I eventually begged, ‘Tell me.’
He found it hilarious. ‘Like I said, we met at the university—we both attended Sycamore College. I met him as a young lad and don’t know him anymore.’
‘Because of a girl?’ A stab of envy struck me, a hot, choking tightness swelling in my chest.
The thought of another woman seducing River… I didn’t want to think about that. Pathetic. And yet, the ache wouldn’t stop.
A shadowed smile played across his face, betraying the dark designs within. ‘You best believe she was spectacular. Besides, it’s different with mates, and we both foolishly assumed she was ours. We duelled in her honour, though she honestly wasn’t worth it. The friendship didn’t survive that.’
I couldn’t help but wonder what the girl looked like; were we at all similar? Mortification bled through my senses as I recognised the pathetic drift of my thoughts.
