Page 53 of Nightmare's Dance

“Monsters gained a certain popularity more recently, and their shift was far more instant. One day, their home territory existed well into Nightmare, and the next, they’re overrun with all the dinosaurs that live in the boundary lands.”

“Dinosaurs?” I squeaked.

“Yes, as with many things, movies and books made them popular. Some already resided in the boundary because children and scientists have always been fascinated by them. However, ever since those movies came out about the dinosaur parks, they have overrun the boundaries.”

“Wait, did you say that the monsters’ territory just moved? Because people want to, uh, have relations with them?” I finally said, lamely.

“Yes. The lands of Nightmare and Dream are ever changing based on the human imaginations that give these lands their form. The boundary between the lighter and darker parts of the realm is the only solid feature besides Nightmare Castle, and Dream Castle, and yes, I know, those names are very eighties cartoon,” Nic explained.

I laughed.

“So we head for the boundary. If we make it that far, then we can cross into Dream. We’ll be safer there. The dream arches aren’t broken, but unless we can find a mirror dweller, we’re stuck here,” Robby said. “It’s possible The Lady in White is hiding out in the neutral boundary lands.”

I snickered. I couldn’t help it.

Nic glanced at me. “What?”

“You have a neutral zone.”

He blinked, then shook his head. “I suppose that is the case.”

I knew he got my reference, and the faint smile on his lips made me think I’d amused him.

Geraint sighed quietly, and I looked at my knight. He released my hand, avoiding my eyes.

Crap, what now? I did not want to confront any of this. I wanted everyone to be happy, and I wanted everything to work out. Not knowing what to do to make things better was killing me.

We hurried down the trail for a while in silence, before Nic stopped and tilted his head, as if listening. Robby looked behind us.

“We’re about to have unfriendly company,” Robby pointed out.

“Yes, I know,” Nic snapped. “Keep moving. I’ll be back.” Before any of us could object, he vanished into the shadows.

Robby took the lead, increasing his pace. Adrenalin and fear warred with a creeping exhaustion that had snuck up on me unaware. I risked a glance into the darkness. The eyes still watched us, and the shadows shifted unnaturally, but nothing came out of the gloom to attack us or help in our escape.

Geraint took my hand and urged me to move faster. I was glad to be touching him again, but the distance in the contact tore at me. Damn it.

“Where is Prince Shadow?” A low voice lisped.

I ran into Robby’s back when he halted. Four immense wolves stepped out of the woods, eyes gleaming in the weird ambient light, fangs practically glowing white against their black fur.

“What the hell,” I gasped, instinctively curling into Geraint’s arms. He let me stay there.

“We come at the prince’s request.” The lead one forced the words through lips that weren’t meant to utter our language.

“Ahh.” Robby bowed. “Our thanks.”

“I’m here,” Nic said, stepping from another shadow. “I diverted the hounds for a time.”

The lead wolf dipped his head. “What is our objective?”

“The boundary,” Nic replied without hesitation.

“Wise,” the wolf agreed. “I will carry our princess.”

Oh shit, we are riding giant wolves?

Geraint, looking nearly as unhappy at the prospect as I felt, tugged me forward. The massive creature kneeled.

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