Page 63 of Realm of Dreams & Shadows

It’s late, and the street is quiet as we walk back to campus, Chase’s presence both comforting and unsettling now that I know what could be lurking in the darkness. I frown, then glance sideways at a looming shadow before fingering the little herb pouch tucked in the pocket of my jeans.

“So, about this training,” Tia says, breaking the silence. “What exactly does it involve? Meditation? Lucid dreaming techniques? Please tell me it’s not just ‘think happy thoughts.’”

Chase glances at her, a hint of amusement in his expression. “More complex than that. Dream combat isn’t about positive thinking—it’s about understanding the rules of the other realms and learning to bend them to your will. Especially in the Nightmare Realm.”

“Dream combat?” I repeat. “I’m picturing those plastic green army men on fluffy clouds shooting at us.”

“Yes,” Chase says dryly. “That’s exactly how it will be.” He lifts one eyebrow, his mouth quirking into a half-smile as I glance toward him.

“Sorry,” I say. “My imagination goes to strange places when I’m scared.”

“It’s a good defense mechanism. And you’re right to be scared. The situation’s ominous, but that doesn’t mean you’re helpless. Dreamwalkers with training can be formidable opponents, even for powerful mares.”

We pass under a streetlight, and I catch sight of his profile—strong jaw, serious expression, that strange intensity that seems to radiate from him, this incredible man who lives mostly in a completely different world, so entwined with this one.

It’s hard to believe that just a week ago, my biggest concern was whether I’d make friends in college.

“How will this training work?” I ask.

“Controlled exposure and repetition. We’ll lock in the basics, then move on to more advanced skills.”

“Such as?”

“Environment manipulation for one. The other realms operate on different laws than this one. Belief and will have more power there. If you truly believe you can fly, you will. If you’re convinced you’re defenseless, you are.”

“That’s why the monsters felt so real,” I realize. “Because in the Nightmare Realm, they are.”

“Exactly. But the same principle works in reverse. If you believe you’re powerful, you become powerful.”

Tia kicks at a loose stone. “What about people like me? Can non-Dreamwalkers help at all?”

“Absolutely. And your magical background gives you an advantage.”

“Not much of an advantage when I can’t actually do magic,” she mutters. “I can’t even float a feather.”

“You’d be surprised. The blocks suppress your active abilities, but they can’t eliminate your sensitivity to supernatural energy. That’s how you sensed Vexarin even before he appeared.”

“Are you kidding? I didn’t notice squat.”

“You did,” he insists. “Your subconscious recognized the threat. You were tensed up and ready before he materialized.”

“I was?” Tia asks.

“How on earth do you know that?” I ask.

He shrugs. “You see a lot when you’ve been around as long as I have. And I saw you react the same moment that I did,” he tells her.

“You’re not bullshitting me?”

“No bullshit. And you’re going to train too,” he says. “Not as a Dreamwalker, but with the power and magic inside you, you’ll be an asset. We’ll get the power out. Maybe we’ll find a way to release the magic too.”

She glances at me. “I like him.”

“Yeah, he’s okay,” I say, shooting him a grin.

We’re approaching the edge of campus now, and I slow my pace, wanting to delay the moment when I have to process everything I’ve learned tonight. And when I have to leave Chase’s side.

“So, what time tomorrow?” I ask, trying to sound braver than I feel.