Page 101 of Haunted

She undertakes a mental review of pertinent moments of her life. I get random thoughts such as arm, leg, knee, soap. She’s ticklish between her toes.

She’s in her morning bath!

As her mind reviews, I work my way down the hallways to glimpses of her memories.

She soul-searches into a young man. I hear his name, Aneirin. Her heart breaks, and she laments how foolish she was.

Then her decision to leave the dragon realm on Seren. Niawen’s exit is quite dramatic. I expected nothing less.

She meets several people after coming to the mortal world, including one key player in a caravan full of people. His name is Owein, and she laughs his name.

Niawen relives healing a bricklayer, Prince Kelyn’s kiss, and Prince Kenrik’s declaration of devotion.

She has done much living during her short time on this mortal plane.

Then her final tortured thoughts of defying her father and coming to Islwyn.

Her thoughts grow happier as she thinks about healing the people in my city.

I’m outside her door by the time she has shampooed her hair and is drying it before the fire.

I’m where I want to be, she thinks. I can celebrate the steps forward in my life. I can even face Kelyn and Kenrik, if I have too. If I ever get a chance to. I hope they’ve moved on.

Another voice echoes in her mind, as if from a memory. Niawen!

What is this? Whose voice speaks her name?

Will I ever be rid of his cries! Niawen laments. It’s as if he still calls to me.

I’m alarmed by her thoughts, but she moves on from them.

Owein, I should find him. I haven’t searched for his light in ages. What part of the country would he be in during the winter? He’s probably in the south, on a warm beach. I can’t imagine good trapping while most of the animals are hibernating.

I’m relieved when her thoughts continue on. Despite my distressing past, this world does feel like my home—with friends I can think of fondly. Friends I can visit. When Seren returns, I’ll visit Kelyn and Kenrik and make sure things are set right between them. And make sure Kelyn doesn’t resent my exit. I regret not saying goodbye to him.

She thinks too much of these princes. I twinge with jealousy.

Her last thought, as she’s finished preparing for the day, is how delighted she is with her hair that Lowry fixed up for her.

Then Niawen opens the door to the hallway.

Surprise is all over her face when she sees me. I’m leaning against the wall, hiding my animosity toward the princes with a grin. “I enjoyed your bath.”

Her eyes round. “Oh no! You fiend!”

“Your hair does look rather lovely, doesn’t it?”

“You listened to my thoughts?”

I chuckle and reach for her. “I’m going to try something, but I’m nervous. Hold still.” I wrap my arms around her when she doesn’t move. I’m stiff, but I want to show her that I’m not angry or jealous. Her fresh scent overwhelms me. “You smell good,” I murmur.

“You shouldn’t have listened to my bath or my thoughts during my bath!”

I wind a loose lock of her hair around my finger. I soften, just enough while keeping my control. “I’m behaving, I swear! I couldn’t help myself. I especially enjoyed how ticklish you are between your toes.”

“You didn’t!” She pushes my shoulder, and inwardly I beg her to do it again.

“You did know how serious a bond is, right?”

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