The Nightmare (The Mist #2) - Regine Abel Page 0,19

both nodded in acknowledgement. “But Zain craves power.”

“He craves your approval more,” Dr. Chandra said. “When Director Thomson first came up with the idea of this project, I thought he was crazy, and told him as much. But I don’t think so anymore. Your Zain has the power to turn the tide and prevent the death of more innocents like my brother. I know this is not what you thought you were signing up for, but we need you to see this through.”

I swallowed hard, feeling like I was getting conned into something that I would live to regret. But I’d already gone down that rabbit hole. The throbbing on my chest alone was a reminder that, like it or not, that ship had sailed, and my sorry ass was on it.

“So, what happens now?” I asked, feeling somewhat dejected.

“I’m going to give you a quick check up to make sure you didn’t get hurt,” Dr. Chandra said. “Then, Thomson will take you back to your quarters where dinner will be brought to you.”

“Before you go to bed, you will have some decisions to make,” Thomson said, looking slightly embarrassed.

“What now?” I asked, tensing up.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Zain will lure you into the Mist while you sleep,” he said cautiously. “Don’t worry! You will be safe.”

His face heated when I gave him the ‘Are you fucking kidding me?’ look.

“After the shattered glass incident, I fully understand you doubting my word when I say you’ll be safe,” Thomson conceded, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish expression. “But it is true. Your body will remain safely tucked in bed. He will lure you to the Mist in your sleep. The difference is that instead of being a passive actor in your dream, this time, you will be fully aware and making conscious decisions.”

“So, you’re saying that I’m going to be wide awake inside my dream,” I said, looking at him like he’d eaten one funky mushroom too many.

He snorted and smiled. “I know it sounds weird.”

“This entire fucking evening has been nothing but a weird fest,” I snapped.

Dr. Chandra bit the inside of her cheeks to repress a smile, while Thomson nodded.

“Take the next few hours to digest all that has happened,” Thomson said. “I hate doing this to you, but time is of the essence. The selfish part in me is glad for this brand as it forces us to move faster. But another part of me had hoped to have more time to prepare you. You cannot hide anything in the Mist. Zain will be able to read your mind like an open book. If you do not truly wish for him to crossover and fight for our cause, he will know.”

“He can read my flipping mind?” I asked, flabbergasted, then threw my hands up in despair and aggravation when he nodded.

“In our world he can only read your emotions, but in his, he can read everything,” Thomson confirmed with a sympathetic expression. “However, so can you.”

I perked up at that comment. My eyes locked with his, I eagerly waited for him to continue.

“It will not be instant,” he cautioned. “The more time you spend in the Mist, and specifically the more time you spend with him, the stronger the connection between you will be. Eventually, you will be able to read him as clearly as he does you.”

That was a small consolation, but it was better than nothing. With time, it could prove a very useful tool. He didn’t have to go into further details for me to know I would have my work cut out for me.

After he answered a few more of my questions, I reluctantly submitted to Dr. Chandra’s exam—or Anika as she insisted I call her after Thomson left the room. I didn’t need her to tell me that I wasn’t hurt. Aside from that wretched brand on my chest and the alien energy coursing through me, I was totally fine. Now that panic and terror no longer controlled me, I had to admit that Zain had been gentle in his handling of me. The disconnect between what he was and how he acted was screwing with my head.

After Anika gave me a clean bill of health—although mentioning my iron was a little low—she released me to the good care of her boss who escorted me to my quarters. As it required us to pass in front of the room with the broken holding cell, my jaw