Page 52 of Immortal Sun

See what hope brings you? Dreams.

Destruction.

It was a nice thought, and for a while, everything was at peace in a lifetime of war.

Cleo stirs next to me. I sit up and get to my feet. Her hand reaches out to grab mine. “I just had the strangest dream. I never even wanted kids.”

“Dreams…” I pull the blankets up to her face. Her eyes aren’t even open, she’s just mumbling in her sleep. “…Are always one part reality and one part future. Sometimes it’s best to crush them before they happen.”

“That’s sad.” She yawns and grabs the pillow, clutching it to her side.

My chest aches. She looks so innocent. So free. So lonely. I want to lay next to her and whisper lies into her ears. “Everything’s going to be fine. I’ll take care of you. Just rest. I’ve got you.”

The biggest tragedy of all is that I can’t even bring myself to do it, better she walk into this with her eyes wide open like everyone else.

I press a soft kiss to her forehead. “I’m sorry. If it’s any consolation, I’m so sorry.”

Bast meows then rests his head against hers in comfort.

I nod in understanding. “Take care of her as long as you can.”

Bast meows again.

I start to walk out of the room, then turn and say, “kill if necessary.”

Bast growls deep in his throat.

“Good. Boy.”

CHAPTER 12

CLEO

“Those you trust will disappoint you a dozen times, it’s up to you to choose forgiveness when they do. After all, they’re only human.” –Ethan, Immortal Vampire of The Dark Ones Council

After dreaming of meeting some random cop back in New York, I dreamed of giving birth to Cyrus’s child, which is strange even for me. I rarely dream, and when I do, they’re usually images or shapes, not actual futures that feel so real you could swear you felt the pain of actual labor. When I close my eyes again, I dream of swords. Of the sound of them clanging against each other. Metal on metal, the heaviness of the crown of whoever bears them.

Blood-caked knuckles.

A spear like the one downstairs, with spikes coming out of it. With a loud roar it smashes against a gold helmet and then drives into red

Screaming ensues all around me until my throat nearly closes up.

“Wait, it’s me!” I’m screaming. I try to silence my voice, but nothing happens as blood splatters everywhere, and I watch people I don’t recognize—but somehow love—die.

And then it happens, the sound of one last sword dragging across the ground.

Scraping the rocks in a terrifying melody as he emerges from the cave. The tip of the sword glides through everything it touches and turns it to ash, melted from the heat of it.

Fallen.

Fallen.

Fallen.

Rocks are now mere dust.

I’m not afraid anymore. He’s here. He’s come for us.

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