Page 9 of Magic in the Moonlight

“There’s no music.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

Ellister’s trying to distract me from my question. I can see that, but I’m going to let him get away with it for now.

When I flex my toes inside my shoes, I’m so unbelievably thankful for the ability to dance. The symptoms I experienced during the illness are fresh in my mind, and I don’t want to miss the opportunity to be mobile. Every step I take for the rest of my life will be done with appreciation.

Popping the last couple berries into my mouth, I chew the icy fruit as I get up. As simple as the food is here, it’s pretty great. The berries are frozen and sweet, kind of like a sorbet.

“Is it winter out there?” I nod my head to the wall as I slip my fingers against Ellister’s.

He pulls me up and my pulse increases once our faces are just inches apart. “No. Actually, it’s always hot in the Day Realm.”

“Then why is it so cold in here?”

He hikes a shoulder. “Caves.”

“How are the berries frozen?”

Ellister’s eyes soften as he curls a hand around my waist. “I know you like sweet stuff. That’s why I went all the way to the Dream Realm to pick some ice berries for you.”

“Ice berries,” I repeat, still having trouble comprehending the new world I’m in. “How far is the Dream Realm?”

“Far. Basically the opposite side of the world.” He starts a waltz, and our feet move together like we’ve been dance partners our entire lives. “It’s always cold there, and this particular fruit stays frozen for a couple of days after being picked.”

When I look to the rock wall, I try to imagine anything beyond it. Ellister’s talking about an entire world I’ve never seen, but from the glimpses inside his mind, I know it’s magical. I know the air smells fresh and sweet. I know the sky in the Night Realm has three moons.

If I try, I can picture Ellister’s childhood cottage and feel the devastating loss of his soul as if I experienced it myself.

“It’s weird,” I say absentmindedly.

“What is?”

“Feeling like I’m so connected to a stranger.”

His face ticks with a flinch. “You still think of me as a stranger?”

“No. And yes. In a way, I feel like I’ve always known you.”

“But…?”

“But there’s so much I don’t understand.”

“Such as? Ask me anything and I’ll try to answer as best I can.”

“Simple stuff. Like, how are you cooking the meat?”

“A fire. How else?”

I snort. “I actually spent the last couple days thinking you’re a serial killer who lives in your parents’ basement or something.”

His nose wrinkles. “Why would you think that?”

“You’ve had hot and cold food readily available, so I figured you have access to a stove and a refrigerator somewhere.”

“There’s no electricity in Valora. I’m afraid that will take some getting used to for you.”

I nod, my attention going to the candlesticks and old-fashioned clothes. “Right. Because we went back in time. How far back?”

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