The Fae King's Dream (Between Dawn and Dusk #2) - Jamie Schlosser Page 0,4

castle at a speed I’ve never achieved before, I bump into servants, spill trays of food, and knock over vases. I don’t have time to apologize.

Father talked about her accident like it happened hours ago. In Valora time, Whitley’s been injured for months.

I’ve been going about my life, oblivious, while she’s been fighting for hers.

When I make it out the kitchen door at the back of the castle, the night air is frigid on my skin and the grass is dewy under my bare feet. My wings unfurl, ruining my nightshirt. I rip it off as I take flight.

My blindness doesn’t slow me down. I’ve memorized my kingdom. Every rock, each blade of grass, the wind whistling over rocks and rustling leaves—they show me the way. If it wasn’t for the curse, I might’ve never taken the time to become so familiar with my surroundings, but relying on sound, smell, and touch is essential. My other senses are so heightened and honed that almost forget I can’t see.

Almost.

Heading to my secret spot, I blink against the harsh winds and ignore the ice crystals pelting my face. We’re due for some snow and, judging by the crisp scent in the air, it could be a big storm.

I land a minute later, hitting the ground at a full force run into the enchanted forest. Passing the sprite territory, I duck under branches and try not to disturb the little creatures.

But of course they notice me. To my left, I hear the humming of wings.

“Damon, do you have a task for me?”

I recognize the high reedy voice. “Hello, Gemma. Could you tell me if there was any activity around the stones recently?”

“For a price,” she replies cheerfully.

Cheeky devil. “It’s not enough that I gave you this territory?”

“That was for the many other favors I’ve done for your kingdom.”

Favors we paid ungodly amounts for. “Never mind. I’ll find out soon enough.”

Because I’m almost there—the magical place where my parents leave trinkets for me. It’s not a portal, per se. It’s more like a mailbox where objects can be passed from one world to the next.

This is where I’ll find something of Whitley’s so I can enter her mind.

Lifting a flat circular rock, I feel around in the hollow area beneath it. My fingers brush against an envelope. It’s bulky. When I shake it, an oddly shaped piece of metal falls out. A string is attached to it, like it’s supposed to be worn around the neck. A gust of wind hits it just right, and a high-pitched sound rings from the object.

A whistle. Sleek and small, it’s unlike the horns we have here. Air passes through it again, and it almost sounds like a scream. A haunted wailing.

Whitley’s perfect face flashes through my mind again, only this time, she’s terrified. Her eyes, her dimples, her smile—her face is etched into my mind so clearly. The thought of her beautiful features screwed up in pain is too much to bear.

My heart spasms.

I need to get to her. Now.

Deciding not to waste time going back to my room, I lie down, grip the whistle, and close my eyes.

Whitley

Car sickness. I knew it was going to be a problem with all the winding roads through the mountains.

Holding a hand to my queasy stomach, I move my gaze away from the window. “How much longer?”

Dad’s brown eyes connect with mine in the rearview mirror. “GPS says an hour and forty-six minutes.”

Ugh. Not sure I can make it that long without needing my designated barf bag. At least we’ll get to the resort by check in. According to the itinerary, dinner will be served at six on the terrace. After that, there’s a tour. Stargazing is at nine.

I’m not sure we’ll be able to see any stars tonight, though. Not with this cloud cover. The sky is so gray it almost looks like evening, not mid-afternoon.

Oh, well. I guess if it doesn’t clear up, I could check out my college schedule instead.

I probably shouldn’t be thinking about school on my vacation, but I’ve procrastinated long enough. Classes start on Monday. I’ll be a junior this year, so I’m familiar with the campus, but I don’t even know who my teachers are or how long it’ll take to get from one class to the next. To be honest, I’m not thrilled about my major. Psychology seemed like a good idea a couple years ago, but I’m not sure I can see myself in the field for the rest of my