A head of long, delicately curled blonde hair flashes in the corner of my eye, halting my progress toward the room.
A woman sits in the library, face in her hands and shoulders trembling as sobs rack her body. I bite the inside of my cheek, worry filling me. I can’t see her entirely, but it feels so achingly familiar.
Everything about her brings a painful reminder of memories we once shared. Sparring together in secret when we were children, toes splashing the creek-bed of camp, and endless chores that would’ve been far more miserable had she not been there.
Could it be?
She sniffles and wipes at her tears, giving me a clear view of her crystal blue eyes—confirming that she’s who I think she is.
My heart nearly stops in my chest as she looks in my direction.
“Opal,” I gasp, starting toward her.
But she doesn’t look at me—doesn’t react.
I’m still in my dream realm.
She runs her hand under her nose and stands, straightening her finely made jade-colored skirts.
I have to talk to her, but I hesitate, my gaze snagging on the doorway to the hidden room.
First, I’ll find Nightfall, then I’ll talk to Opal.
I take a step toward the secret door, pushing my feet there instead of toward one of my oldest friends.
A scream tears through the room.
Alarm bells ring in my mind as I whirl toward the noise—toward Opal. She falls to her knees, clawing at her neck until red marks line it. Her screams fill the library, but no one comes.
I don’t know what’s happening, but I don’t have time to speculate.
Without a second glance, I close my eyes and will myself to wake up.
Sixty-Two
Pyrite
I jolt awake.Soren is already alert and focused on me.
“Lunaria?” Graylen’s husky, sleep-heavy voice comes from behind me, and I whirl around. “Soren woke me up—what is it?”
I’m on my feet in a flash, stalking toward the door so I can go get Opal. My pulse pounds in my ears, a whir muting something Graylen is trying to say.
“Wait,”Graylen growls, his fingers closing around my wrists. “Talk to me.”
My spine prickles at the command in his voice. I spin around, a flicker of magic sparking in my chest as frustration sinks its claws into me.
“I found Opal in the library while in my dream realm; she needs my help,” I rush out. “I have to find her?—”
“You can’t,” Graylen says, cutting me off, and Ialmostscream.
“Ican and I will,” I snap, trying to pull out of his hold. But his fingers tighten further.
He shakes his head. “No, you can’t. Not without your collar on and Adrian within a few paces of you, remember?”
The reminder sinks its claws into me, and my jaw tightens.
But I have to help her—something is wrong. That wasn’t normal behavior from anyone, least of all Opal.
