Page 73 of Shadows of Fate

“I mean no disrespect, but I don’t want a room. I want to find my mate,” I stated plainly.

Anwen smiled as if she expected some resistance from me. “You will, Ice Queen. Don’t fret.”

I was so confused but so mentally drained. I followed Arabella out of the throne room and down another hall. She showed us to a few rooms that we could use, as well as a bathroom where a large tub awaited.

Trying to relax and not go after my male went against every single thing in my soul. Instead of dipping into the large tub like I wanted to, I dug through my bag. Pulling out a whetstone, I sharpened all of my knives. I started going over maps I’d obtained of the Court of Ravens and the Court of Ice, trying to find places where Raiden could be held.

A knock sounded at my door, but before I could open it Cedar and Bastian came strolling in.

“We’re here to help,” Cedar stated. “We couldn’t sit still either. So, use us.”

Bastian nodded in agreement.

I smiled sadly and handed them a map. “Help me find where he could be.”

Chapter37

Reality and Dreamland

Raiden

Opening my eyes was easier this time, but I immediately regretted it when I realizedwhereI was. Lying on the ground, staring up at the opulent golden encased domed ceiling was not my idea of fun or joy. At least I’d get to see my ice queen, though, even if these versions of her were always strange, and I much preferred the version of her in the meadow.

I could almost still taste her on my tongue and feel her soft skin beneath my fingertips.

I sat up, temporarily enjoying the freedom of pain from my body. Looking around the room, I realized it was once again empty.

I sighed. “Guess I should get up and go find the fun.” Not sure why my dream self couldn’t at least bring whatever insanity it concocted to me, instead of sending me on some sort of mental hunt. But if it gave me a glimpse of my female, I’d start a hunt.

Getting up off the floor, I looked around. Deciding to start with the chambers first, not that I wanted to be back in that room again, but it was a safe bet. Pushing the door open, I was surprised to find Silvana and her sister there alone.

“You have to go, Silvie. Please,” Cora pleaded.

“I can’t leave you, stop asking me,” Silvana said firmly.

“He’s going to kill you, Silvie. I heard him. You have to leave.” Tears streaked down Cora’s face as she pleaded with her sister.

Silvana just shook her head and stared at her sister.

Just then the door opened, and both of them turned quickly toward me. I turned my head and watched as a male walked past me. Only it wasn’t who I expected it to be, it was the male who’d taken me.

Okay, brain, now we’re really meshing reality and dreamland. Lovely.

“Cora, she can’t leave. Master is expecting her,” he leered.

Cora grabbed Silvana’s arm, her eyes pleading, but Silvana just shook her head.

They walked hand in hand out of the door and he followed closely behind.

My stomach sank, and deep in my gut, Iknewthis wasn’t a dream. This was a memory. The dream sharing actually worked, which meant that all of the previous dreams were her memories too.

I felt ill, but I followed them out of the room anyway, knowing I needed to see this through. I didn’t think Silvana was sending me these memories herself, but the Fates worked in their own ways—I wouldn’t put it past them to be in control of this too.

We walked down the hall but away from the domed room this time. I hadn’t been down this hall yet, but it was much of the same extravagance I’d seen prior. The same golden archways, golden floor, arched windows covered in gold gossamer curtains. I wondered what he’d think if he came to visit the manor in the Court of Shadows—not that I’d ever allow him to step foot in my court, but still. The idea of his face was comical to me. He wouldn’t feel at home, I knew that much.

We came to the end of the hall, and it opened up to another domed room. Having said that, this room was completely different from its predecessor. Where the previous room was a shining bowl of gold and beige, his statue in the middle of it, and seats of comfort scattered around—this room was dark. That was the best way to describe it.

It was clear that the previous room was for entertaining while this one was for… death. His throne, the twin to the other, only it was made of a midnight black stone instead of gold, sat up on a large dais. The walls were made of dark stone, and the floors were the same dark stone as his throne. There were no seats, just an open area you walked into. One door in and one door out—which felt planned.

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