Page 83 of Crown of Slumber

“Come back to me.” I raised her hand and brought it to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to her fingertips.

She sighed softly, her shoulders sagging. She swayed, her face going pale and her eyelids fluttering.

I caught her before she fell over. Her skin was cool to the touch, and she trembled in my grasp. I tenderly brushed the loose hair out of her face, and she gazed foggily up at me. “You—You?—”

I shook my head, pressing my finger to her lips. “Don’t speak. You need to rest.

Her eyes fluttered shut once more, and her head sank onto my lap as unconsciousness claimed her.

I watched her sleep for a long moment, worried the strange beast within her would emerge again. But as the sounds of her slowbreathing filled the chamber, it was clear the foreign presence was gone.

But there was no mistaking it. Whatever dwelled inside her was some kind of monster.

Black flames consumed my dreams.The heat scorched my skin, melting my flesh away. I tried to scream, but my voice was lost in the firestorm.

Then, amidst the scourging flames, a brilliant silver light shone, igniting the space around me. From within the light came a black-scaled figure I knew well.

“Mal!” I surged toward him, wrapping my arms around his neck and holding him tightly. He nuzzled his snout into my neck and licked me affectionately.

“What are you doing here?” I peered back to look into his golden eyes. “Are you trapped in the dream world, too?”

I am not,he said.But she is close.

My mouth fell open. Mal’s deep, soothing voice echoed in my head as clearly as if he were another person conversing with me. “You—You can speak to me?”

I always have, Aurelia. You know this.

I shook my head. “No, I don’t—You never?—”

There isn’t time. You must heed my warning. The Dream Mage is waiting for you, and you must be ready. You must unlock the magic within you if you are to save your kingdom.

“I don’t understand.” Panic rose up inside me. “How am I supposed to do that? The last time I unleashed my powers, I nearly killed an entire clan of witches. I have no control over it!”

You have more control than you think, Aurelia. Think of the level of control you exercise when we are flying through the sky. You put yourtrust in me to keep you safe, and you must do the same with your magic. Let it go. Let go of the reins, Aurelia.

“I can’t!” I protested. “Mal, I could kill someone!”

Aurelia—

His words were cut off by a loud banging. I jolted, my eyes flying open and my heart lurching violently in my chest.

I sat up, finding myself half on Fenn’s lap at the edge of the bed. His eyes opened, his body jerking as if he, too, had fallen asleep. “What is it?” he mumbled sleepily.

The banging sounded again, and I jumped, realizing someone was pounding on the door. The candles were still lit, casting the room in a soft amber glow. But the darkness from the window told me it still wasn’t morning yet.

Gods, would this night ever end?

More pounding on the door. Then, a horribly familiar voice. “Aurelia, let me in!”

My blood ran cold. It was Tyrone. He had come for me after all.

I was on my feet in an instant, but so was Fenn, his short sword drawn. He gave me a warning look. I darted to the other side of the room, grabbing my dagger from my pack with shaking hands. I would stab the Autumn King if he tried to touch me. Even if it started a war between our kingdoms, I swore I would never let him touch me again.

Fenn casually strode to the door, opening it just a crack. “Your Highness,” he said tersely. I tried to peer around him to catch a glimpse of Tyrone, but the door blocked my view. “This is quite an ungodly hour for a social visit, especially in my fiancée’s chambers.”

“I… I need to… speak with Aurelia.” Tyrone’s voice was ragged and breathless, as if he had sprinted up the stairs to my rooms.

I frowned. This was nothing at all like the deep, enraged tone I’d expected to hear from him, all authority and fury. This sounded like a completely different person. Someone weak, terrified, and a bit unhinged.

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