Page 217 of Midnights
He looks at me, but his face is unreadable. “I know.” He sets the glass down, and the sound is loud in the suffocating silence. “It’s time. And I really hope everything’s ready.”
His words are meant to reassure me, but they do the opposite. The detached calm in his voice only fuels the fire simmering in my veins.
A low growl rumbles in my chest, carrying the weight of everything spiraling out of my control. The windows rattle in their frames, and I can feel the vibration echoing through the room like a warning. The sharp sound of shattering glass slices through the tension, and shards scatter to the floor.
Cam doesn’t even flinch. He just leans back in his chair, rolling his eyes. “You done?” He asks dryly. I can see the amusement in his eyes.
I wave a dismissive hand, clenching my fists. “Forget it.”
I don’t have time for his sarcasm, and I sure as hell don’t have time to figure out what the hell is happening in this nightmare. I know I'm dreaming, but I still feel like I'm actually angry.
I grab a drink from the desk, and drop into the chair across from him. My eyes land on an open book in front of me. The pages are worn and yellowed, and the ink is faded but I can still read parts of it. The handwriting looks familiar, but I can’t explain why.
My eyes shift to the shattered window behind him, except it’s not shattered anymore. The glass is whole. There's not a single crack or shard out of place.
The hair on the back of my neck stands on end.
I sit upright in bed and the first thing I see is the shadows stretching across the walls. The storm claws at the windows and the wind pounds a hollow rhythm through the room and I drop back against the bed, staring at the ceiling, but sleep doesn’t find me again.
Reaching for my phone, I tap the screen watching the dim light cast a soft glow through the room. I have a message from Raven.
Your Royal Highness: If I can help, let me know.
And please let me know what I owe you.
I won’t let you help if you don’t at least let me pay for it.
I stare at the screen, rereading her text.Stubborn little shit.What she owes me?I should wait until morning to respond, but I’m annoyed enough to reply.
Me: This stuff is basically a game. And you’re not paying for anything. Ever. End of story. Also, you’re not helping either. But if you need to talk, I’m here.
I hit send and toss my phone onto the nightstand, laying back against the pillows. The ping is immediate, pulling my attention right back to my her.
Your Royal Highness: You know, you’re sweet when you aren't glaring at everyone.
Why are you even awake right now?
It's 3 in the morning.
I laugh at her messages, shaking my head. Again with all the questions.
Me: Sweet? Careful, Princess. You’re going to ruin my reputation.
Me: Why are you awake?
I hit send, settling back into the pillows. I'm more alert than I've been all night.
Your Royal Highness: Couldn’t sleep, so I finally gave up.
I was about to head outside. I just have a lot on my mind.
My smile fades and it's replaced with a frown.Outside?
Me: Raven, if you need air, crack a window. Don’t go wandering around outside in the middle of the night.
The silence stretches and I can almost picture her sitting there, debating what to say back, when my phone vibrates again.
Your Royal Highness: You’re such a control freak.
