Page 52 of Blood Match

She continues, describing how Heath might use enchanted crystals or herbs to enhance the connection or perform a ritual to synchronize our energies before sleep.

I shift uncomfortably, heat rising to my cheeks. “It sounds…intimate,” I mumble, avoiding eye contact.

Astra’s eyes soften. “I understand your hesitation, dear. But I assure you, it’s a clinical process. Heath is a professional.”

I nod, trying to push away thoughts of Heath’s glowing violet eyes and the way his glossy black hair falls just so…

And somehow, it’s not as compelling as it once used to be.

“It’s simple, really,” Astra continues. “You’ll both fall asleep, and Heath will find you in the dream. You can show him around, and he’ll identify the best places to set protective wards.”

“What kind of wards?” I ask, grateful for the distraction.

“Oh, various types,” Astra replies. “Psychic barriers, dream veils, even some ancient runes that repel unwanted presences. Heath will tailor them to your specific needs.”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. “Okay,” I say finally. “I’ll do it.”

It’s not like I have a choice in the matter.

I feel a flutter in my stomach as Heath enters the room. He’s even more handsome than I remember, his hair slightly tousled and those striking eyes immediately finding mine.

“Hi, Rowan,” he says with a warm smile. “It’s been a while since we spoke, hasn’t it?”

Hardly. I greeted him two days ago when the covens met. Not that it’s unusual. I’ve known him since high school, and yet we’ve barely said two sentences to each other. I manage a small nod, suddenly tongue-tied. “Hi, Heath.”

Astra claps her hands together. “Wonderful! Now that we’re all here, shall we get started?”

She leads us to a separate room, murmuring to Heath as we walk, no doubt filling him in on what we’ve discussed. The space is dimly lit with soft, purple-tinged lights. Two comfortable-looking beds are positioned side by side, surrounded by various amulets and charms.

“Alright, dears,” Astra says, gesturing to the beds. “Make yourselves comfortable.”

As I settle onto one of the beds, I’m acutely aware of Heath’s presence beside me. But surprisingly, I don’t feel the overwhelming nervousness I would have expected. There’s something calming about his demeanor, a quiet confidence that puts me at ease.

“Don’t worry,” Heath says softly, turning to face me. “I’ll guide you through the whole process. Just relax and let your mind drift.”

I nod, taking a deep breath. “Okay. I’m ready.”

As I close my eyes, I hear Astra’s voice, soothing and melodic, begin to chant softly. The scent of lavender and sage fills the air, and I feel myself growing drowsy.

The last thing I’m aware of before sleep claims me is Heath’s steady breathing beside me.

When I open my eyes again, I’m no longer in Astra’s workroom. Instead, I find myself in a misty, ethereal landscape. And there, standing just a few feet away, is Heath.

“Welcome to the dreamscape, Rowan,” he says.

I look around. It’s surreal to have Heath here in my most personal space.

“So, um, where should we start?” I ask, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt.

Heath smiles reassuringly. “Why don’t you show me around? This is your dreamscape, after all. I’m just a visitor.”

I nod and begin to walk, Heath falling into step beside me. As we move through the shifting landscape, I point out various features – a shimmering pond that wasn’t there before, a grove of trees that seems to whisper, a path that leads to nowhere and everywhere at once.

“Interesting,” Heath murmurs, his eyes scanning our surroundings. “Someone has been here.” His brows pull together. “Someone who…who—”

“What about over there?” I interrupt sharply, gesturing vaguely toward a cluster of trees.

“Sure. I think we can set up a ward here,” he says, gesturing to a cluster of glowing mushrooms. “And maybe a veil over there, by that archway of vines.”

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