Dark Curse (Darkhaven Saga #5) - Danielle Rose Page 0,49

fish swarm that spot, eager to discover the foreign substance that has contaminated their home.

When I look back, glancing over my shoulder, Jasik is there. He stands in the distance, watching me, waiting for my return. He smiles when he notices me watching him. His pale skin—much paler than my naturally bronze skin—is too bright in this light. I shield my eyes against the assault, trying to see him clearly even though the sunlight is blinding.

Jasik says something to me, and I frown. I cannot hear him, and he must know that. I think I ask him to say that again. What? I think. But my lips never move. Still, my questions circle in my mind, and Jasik never responds.

What did he say?

Does he need me?

Is he okay?

The sunlight does not seem to bother him. Not here. Not in this place. On this plane, we are tucked safely in my mind. I protect us from the dangers of the outside world. We can enjoy the sunlight and run barefoot through the night, never fearing what may lie in wait. We are free, safe from the dangers that haunt us at home.

Jasik does not repeat himself. He must be fine, I tell myself. If not, he would have said something; he would have better caught my attention. I think he must be enjoying his time here too, so I look away.

I stare into the distance. The sea seems to be endless, and I wonder if this is the same water that borders Darkhaven. I decide it is not, because that water is dark blue and deep, whereas this water is warm and clear. But if I am not at home, where am I?

I watch the waves in the distance as the water moves effortlessly around my feet. I feel safe here, even if I do not remember how I got here. I do not know where I am or how I found this place, but I feel safe. I want to stay, even if the heat is becoming unbearable.

I am sinking into the sand now, so I begin to move again. I can’t stay in one place for too long, because I begin to take root. I want to escape, not feel trapped in yet another prison.

I take another step forward. The water swishes around my heels, and I laugh. I think I hear Jasik say something, but I do not look behind me. Maybe he is laughing too. Maybe he is behind me now, joining me to cool off. The water is at my knees now, but he is taller. He will need to venture deeper, so I do too.

I am wearing a loose dress that flows in the breeze. The bottom hem is damp and clings to my skin as I walk farther away from Jasik. I think I yell for him to join me. The water is cool. I tell him it will help stave off the heat. I hear my voice, but not out loud. I only speak in my mind, and I never hear Jasik’s response.

The air becomes heavy with mist, and I let my palms rest against the top of the water. I am so deep now—so deep the water is even colder than before. I close my eyes, listening to the waves, but the world is silent and still. Even the water settles. Everything feels peaceful and pristine. When I open my eyes again, the sunlight shining off the water forces me to squint.

I think I see something in the distance. A dark shadow cruising through the depths. It moves closer, swimming so fast, I can barely keep my gaze on it. My heart is pounding in my chest as I watch its approach, realizing I am too far out. I can never swim back to shore fast enough to escape the creature. I want to call for help, but I know Jasik cannot save me.

When the darkness turns out to be just another wave, it splashes against me, spraying my chest with cool, crisp water. Another wave rolls forward, lifting me so I glide with it. I laugh, and when I settle again, digging my feet into the loose sand, I spin around to show Jasik how much fun it is in the water. He should come out too.

But he is not there.

I am alone.

I stare at the spot where he stood only moments ago, but all I see are embers burning in the ash. Jasik is gone, and the air begins to