Page 51 of Blood Match

Rowan

“Evelyn Blackwood!” Astra’s hands are outstretched as we’re led to her.

My eyes widen as we step into Astra Moonshadow’s workspace. Shimmering crystals dangle from the ceiling, catching the light and casting rainbow reflections across the walls. Shelves lined with battered books and mysterious artifacts surround us, and incense hangs heavy in the air. It’s been years since I’ve been here; I was just a girl when I visited last. Not much has changed.

“Evelyn Blackwood!” Astra’s hands are outstretched as we’re led to her. “What a delightful surprise. And young Rowan, how lovely to see you.”

Gran embraces Astra warmly. “It’s good to see you, old friend. We’ve come for your help.”

Astra’s eyes twinkle with curiosity. “Oh? Do tell.”

Gran glances at me, her expression careful. “Rowan’s been having some… dream issues.”

“Ooh…intriguing.” Astra winks at me. I wish I could share her carefree attitude. “What kind of dream issues?”

“There seems to be an…unwanted intrusion.” Gran glances at me. “An external presence,” she adds, her voice low. “But we don’t know much more than that.”

My stomach twists with guilt. I know Gran’s trying to protect me by not revealing too much, but I can’t help feeling like we’re deceiving Astra.

Astra’s eyebrows lift sharply. “Fascinating. You know, just last week, I guided a young witch through a particularly tricky dreamscape filled with shadow creatures. The mind is truly a realm of endless possibilities.”

She turns to me, her gaze penetrating. “Tell me, dear, have you noticed any changes in your dream patterns? Any recurring symbols or sensations?”

I swallow hard, thinking of Darick’s intense blue eyes, the feeling of his hands on me. “It feels…real,” I manage. “More real than any dream I’ve had before.” More real than reality, in some ways. Which is just nuts.

Astra nods thoughtfully. “I see. Well, we can certainly set up some protective wards for you. Dream intrusions can be quite dangerous if left unchecked. We’re pretty vulnerable in our sleep state. You don’t want something taking control of your mind.”

Too late for that…

She moves to a nearby shelf, her fingers dancing over various crystals and herbs. “We’ll create a personalized dreamcatcher for you, infused with protective magic. It should keep any unwanted visitors at bay.”

“I think we may need a little more than a dreamcatcher, Astra.”

Astra shoots a sharp look at my gran. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“This…presence is ancient. Powerful.” Gran’s expression is carefully neutral.

“He… It feels like he’s in my head,” I add.

“Hmmm…that’s what I was worried about.” Astra purses her lips as she looks at me. “We’re going to need something stronger then. We’re going to have to set spells in place within your dreamscape itself.”

“What?” I frown. “What does that mean?”

“We’ll need to go into your dreamworld and cast blocking spells, Rowan. Find the access points and lock them against outsiders.”

“You can do that?” I tilt my head. It sounds complicated.

“Not me. My days of dream traveling are behind me.” She smiles. “But my son has grown very proficient.”

“Heath? But he’s barely—” Gran stops and then chuckles. “I keep thinking of him as just a boy.”

Astra’s lips twitch. “He’s all grown up now, Evelyn. Just like your Rowan.” She raises a hand and gestures to a young woman who’s been standing silently near the door, calling her over. “Could you ask Heath to join us, Rebecca?”

With a quick nod, the woman leaves the room, and Astra continues.

I listen intently as she explains the process, conflicted by the thought of Heath entering my dreams.

“Heath will use a combination of dream walking and astral projection to enter your dreamscape,” Astra says. “He’ll guide your subconscious to create a shared dream space where you can interact.”

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