Page 109 of Secrets of Avalon

Her screams have subsided to whimpers, but her body still trembles violently. Through our bond come waves of terror and pain so intense they nearly overwhelm me. What nightmare has her in its grip?

"Melinda, please," I beg, pressing my forehead to hers. I push all my love, all my strength through our bond, trying to reach her. "Come back to me. Wake up."

Suddenly, her body goes rigid. Her eyes fly open, glowing with an white iridescent light. "Release me," she says, her words echoing with a malice that gives my chills. "And give me back what you stole or this one will be mine."

As quickly as it began, it's over. The glow fades from her eyes, and she collapses in my arms, unconscious.

I look down at where Kellan is crouched at her feet. “What the fuck was that?” My heart is racing. Fear grips my chest. "Get Healer Thalia. Now!"

“It was the fucking queen in the tower.” He twists toward the door and shouts. “Elen, fetch the healer.”

Melinda's eyelids flutter, and a soft groan escapes her lips. I cradle her upper body against my chest, relief flooding through me as her eyes finally open.

Kellan releases her legs and pulls a blanket over them.

"Hawke?" Her voice is a hoarse whisper. "What... what happened?"

I brush a strand of hair from her face, my touch gentle. "You were having a nightmare, sweet girl. Do you remember anything?"

She furrows her brow, concentrating. "I... no. Just darkness and anger. And fear." She shivers, and I pull her closer.

The door bursts open again, and Elen rushes forward with Healer Thalia close behind and Melinda’s other maid Lydia right behind her. "How is she?" Thalia asks, her keen eyes assessing the situation.

“I’m fine,” Melinda says, tugging one of the blankets higher. “Really. Nightmares happen.”

“Not nightmares where evil queens possess you and make you speak for them,” Kellan says in a low growl. “Let Thalia look you over.”

Melinda’s mouth drops open, shock blanching her face of all color. “I– what–”

Thalia approaches slowly, her hands raised in a placating gesture. "Prince Stormblood, I need to examine her. Please."

The maids back up a step and take up position next to Kellan, who looks like he’d like to toss me out of my own room and take over the entire situation.

“Hawke,” Thalia uses my name. I’ve known her my whole life. She’s been with my family for generations.

I hesitate, then nod permission. As Thalia moves closer, I keep my eyes fixed on her every movement.

The healer places a hand on Melinda's forehead, closing her eyes in concentration. Thalia moves her hand to Melinda's chest, right between her collarbones. Melinda's breath hitches, but she remains still.

"Her breathing and heart are steady," Thalia reports. "I sense no spells or poisons. You say she spoke as possessed?” Thalia asks.

“Yes,” I say. “She said to release me and to give back what was stolen.”

“Kellan is likely correct in thinking it was Aena,” Thalia says quietly. "Melinda made a connection with her in the tower from what your parents told me."

I shake my head, frustrated. "But dream-walking is an Upir ability. Aena's Fae. I’ve never heard of a Fae possessing another through a dream."

Thalia shrugs, a wry smile on her face. "Not everything in the world follows the rules we think we know, Prince Hawke. There are older magicks at work here. And you don’t really know if Aena is Fae or not. No one does."

“I think she’s right, Hawke,” Melinda says, her words slow and forced. “What I felt afterward was very similar to how I felt in the tower when my hand was stuck to the sword.”

“I can’t believe I’m going to say this. The woman is a walking collection of trouble, but I think you should speak to Nimue.” Thalia crosses her arms over her chest and frowns down at me. “She and her sirens were instrumental in getting Aena into that tower. Perhaps they know if something was stolen from her.”

My jaw clenches. Nimue. The very thought of involving her more with Melinda than she already is sets my teeth on edge. Nimue is unpredictable. Her goal is to fix the soul mate magick, but I fear the cost she’s willing to pay. But if it means protecting Melinda... I'd bargain with the devil himself.

“Thank you, Thalia. I will consider speaking with her.”

“Of course.” She bows and backs away a few steps before turning and walking out of the bedroom.

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