again, Highney. This time, try to hit somewhere in the vicinity of the center.”
Too tired for a snappy comeback, I glared at her, wishing my best friend were there to put the smart-apple in her place. Kenna had a way of letting me fight my own battles until she sensed I needed her, then she’d jump in with both feet. I missed her something terrible. Letting my sorrow fuel my next throw, I chucked the axe with all of my strength. But I forgot to anchor my feet, and the moment the handle left my fingers, I toppled forward. The hazy sun winked out and in a snap I was back on my feet with an axe, poised to throw.
“Check out the Warrior Princess.”
Sure I was hearing things, I lowered my throwing arm and turned toward the sound of my best friend’s voice. Kenna, in her favorite Playbill-covered pajama set, sat on a nearby crate, elbows on knees, face propped in her hands.
“What are you doing here?”
“It’s your dream, silly.” She straightened and then glanced around. “I’m proud of you.”
My chest ached with longing. I wanted to run and throw my arms around her, but I knew she wasn’t really there. Desperate to talk to my BFF, even if she was imaginary, I took a step forward and asked, “Why?”
“Winter is gone.”
The snow turning to rain, the warmer air, the line of lavender and yellow crocuses sprouting by the stream, had been in the back of my mind all day. The clues were right in front of me, but I didn’t put it together until I met Kenna’s smoky gaze. “The ruler of Doon is tied to the weather.”
She smiled. “Her strength dictates the weather.”
Because I’d chosen to lead and stop allowing my grief to dominate me, the Protector had rewarded us all. That thought made my heart beat faster. I had to continue to make right choices. But in the case of sneaking into the castle, I didn’t know the best course. Ana had skills, no doubt.
I took a step closer to my best friend. “Should I let Ana go on the mission for me?”
Kenna tossed a lock of red hair over one shoulder and shrugged. “Do you want her to?”
“No.” But maybe what I wanted wasn’t the most important factor. “Ana is way more qualified in breaking and entering. And if something happens to me, who’s going to lead the people? Take out the witch?”
Kenna’s virtual doppelgänger began to blur at the edges. “I have faith that you’ll figure it out.” She waved. “See ya later, Wonder Woman!”
I stumbled toward her fading image. “Wait! Please, don’t go . . .”
The scene reset and I lifted my arm to throw the axe at the target.
“Straighten yer wrist, Verranica.”
The blood froze in my veins. I’d recognize that honeyed brogue if I were six feet under and had worms crawling in and out of my ears. I shifted my gaze to see Jamie, in all his kilted glory, leaning against a tree, one booted foot crossed in front of the other. His intense, dark gaze captured mine, connecting to my soul. In that way only he could.
And my heart imploded. This isn’t real. It’s just a dream. It isn’t real. He’s gone.
“ ’Tis no’ a dream, love. We are connected by our Calling.”
Not anymore. I forced my gaze away from him, straightened my wrist, and threw the axe. It hit the target dead center.
“Tha’s it.”
“You need to go. I can’t handle this.” My voice broke before I could continue. “In my dreams is one thing, but a waking vision . . . I . . . that’s something else.” I couldn’t start seeing him around every corner, like I had before I came to Doon. My precarious sanity—my fragile strength—couldn’t take it.
“I’m here for a reason.” He pushed off the tree and strode forward, extending his hand. “To show ye somethin’.” He reached toward me.
I stared at his strong fingers, broad palm marked by a map of callouses—real in every vivid detail. I lifted my gaze to the glow of his golden-brown eyes and his lips quirked, drawing out a dimple in his right cheek.
Forget strength! If this wasn’t real, I never wanted to wake up.
I rushed forward and reached for him. The moment our fingers touched, images exploded across my eyes.
I’m in the shadowed antechamber of the royal chapel.
I turn in a slow circle.
There are walls and walls of cubbies, sealed with hundreds of tiny doors.