265
Lucy
The ride to the Blood Moon Estate was quiet. When we arrived, Amy and Sarah headed upstairs without much to say, and before Duke could even start upstairs, Hito had arrived.
"Hi, Maggie," Duke said warily. Hunter swooped over and landed on his shoulder.
"Hunter was... perturbed, and I can see why. How could you have come into contact with a magical leech?" Hito approached him. "Come with me. You'll be alright, I think."
"Does that mean you won't work me to death?"
"On the contrary. You need to know how to deal with magical leeches of any caliber. That means extra training." Hito turned to me. "David isn't home yet, but I am sure there are snacks available in the kitchen if you would like."
I shook my head. "I'm okay for now. I'll wait."
He nodded. "Come on, then. It will be a short session."
Duke groaned. "Every time you say that, it means it'll be intense as hell, and I'll probably oversleep again."
"You'll need another check-up if you manage to eat a proper meal and still oversleep."
I chuckled as Duke started to complain. He followed Hito down the hall at a slow pace.
Suddenly, I was alone in the spacious living room of the Blood Moon Estate. The ambiance was serene, the only sounds being the distant sound of the wind outside and the fire crackling in the fireplace. It reminded me a lot of being in the White Moon house, except a lot quieter. The overstuffed couch invited me to sink into its plush embrace, and I took a moment to relish the quiet. I kicked off my shoes and let myself relax beneath the thick throw blanket.
The events of the day replayed in my mind, circling and whirling around Daedalus. I knew I'd have to ask about him, but I wasn't exactly sure what to ask. As I lounged on the couch, the familiar scent of the estate enveloped me—a mix of aged wood, comforting earthiness, and a hint of magic that tingled on the senses. The tranquility of the surroundings made me relax. The flickering light of the fireplace cast a warm glow in the room, growing dimmer as the sun continued to set outside. My mind drifted, losing hold of the questions and worries of the day until the sound of the crackling fire drifted away. My eyelids grew heavy, and a dream enveloped me.
The world was filled with color but no shapes, exactly. I could have been anywhere. I turned to see David standing beside me. He smiled kindly and squeezed my hand as a tapestry of swirling lights painted the sky in hues of indigo and gold. The air hummed with a melody from somewhere in the distance. I could hear our hearts beating in time.
We walked through meadows adorned with blossoms that radiated with a soft glow like they were producing moonlight. The scent of wildflowers and the distant murmur of a gentle stream filled in the silence around us. David's eyes were filled with color like the sky. Amethyst and ruby sparks of light danced in his eyes, but they were happy. Happy just to be here with me; I felt that happiness as if it were mine.
As we moved forward, the surroundings shifted to the house in Shell Cove and the sound of the ocean.
"Not here," David said, taking my other hand. "Somewhere else."
I followed. The world around us shifted and flew until we were standing in the middle of a forest that felt alive around us.
It was the forest where the White Moon Pack had once been. I followed him along the edge of a babbling brook and us a stone-laid pathway until I saw it. It was a cozy cottage that seemed to be a part of the landscape and separate from it. Its roof was covered with ivy that shimmered with enchantment.
I felt like we'd come home as we entered the cottage. Time flashed and rushed. I could see us laughing, curled together on the couch. Chasing each other around a table, throwing bubbles at each other. We seemed so happy. I could see us slow dancing in front of the fire. I felt the warmth of his arms around me and the steady beat of his heart. It felt as though we were growing closer and closer by the day.
Suddenly, we stood beneath the branches of a colossal tree, its leaves whispering to us as white petals fell from the sky. I could tell we were high up as if we were on a mountaintop. Below us, there seemed to be a castle bathed in the soft glow of the moon. I could smell cedar trees and something sweet in the air. The moon and stars danced above us, painting streaks of stardust across the sky.
I couldn't say how I knew that we were somewhere, sometime, a long time ago, but it felt like that.
Then, I realized that it wasn't exactly David looking down at me. The man bore a strong resemblance to David, but it wasn't him. Somehow, I knew I wasn't exactly me either.
I felt older, more steady, wiser, and more powerful than I could ever imagine being.
A soft breeze ruffled through my hair, and as David looked into my eyes, a sense of completeness settled over me as if everything I had ever wanted was here. There was so much hope and love in me that I felt like I would burst with it.
He was dressed in armor, a crown on his head. He looked so much older than he did now, but there was no doubting his eyes.
There was singing and a voice speaking in a language I didn't understand, but I felt it twining around my heart and my soul, drawing us closer.
Then, David opened his mouth to speak, but I couldn't hear the words. Still, a part of me knew what he was saying. I could feel it, and the dream started to fade. I was certain that I had an answer.
Suddenly, I was jolted awake by the sound of footsteps. Blinking away the remnants of the dream, I found myself back in the living room of the Blood Moon Estate. The fire still crackled, and a figure stood in the doorway, a familiar silhouette against the warm glow.
"Lucy, you fell asleep here?" David's voice carried a mixture of amusement and affection.
A sheepish smile played on my lips. "Guess so."
He approached and settled on the couch, tugging at his tie.
"Are you supposed to be back at work?"
He wiggled his hand. "A very strict, short schedule for now, and a very strong glamor."
He sighed, relaxing on the couch. I couldn't help but shift around, so I was leaning against him.
"Are you still up for the lesson?" David asked.
"Shouldn't I ask you that?"
"You're the one asleep on the couch."
I winced. "I had... a bit of a rough day."
He said nothing for a moment. Then, he tipped my head up so our gazes could meet.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
I shook my head. "Maybe some other time."
He searched my face but nodded slowly. "I'll let it go. For now."
"How gracious of you."
He smiled. "I like this sassy side. It's cute."
He kissed my cheek. "Sorry for waking you."
"You're not as bad as they were," I said.
"They?"
I swallowed. "The...people who adopted me."
He searched my face. "Whenever you want to talk about them, I'll still want to hear."
I thought back to the dream and leaned against him.
"I don't think I need to talk about them. They were terrible. They sold me to an auction, and I don't want to see them ever again."
"Done," he said and kissed my temple. "Think I could catch a nap with you for a little bit? I promise to change later."
"You don't have to."
"... you like the suit look, hm?" My face heated. "Noted."
He tugged the blanket around my shoulders and rested his head on top of mine with a contented little sigh.
"She'll be here after dinner, so we'll have time."
"Sounds great," I said, closing my eyes.
Soon, he was sleeping, but I couldn't. I kept thinking back to the dream. My heart fluttered as I hoped beyond all reason that it was a vision of the future and not just a wish.
A while later, David woke up, rubbing his face as his phone rang.
"I've got to take this," he said, getting up. "Though, I think Duke is in the dining room if you want to join him while I do."
I nodded. "I'll see you later?"
He grinned. "Of course."
I headed down the hall to the dining room, stretching with a soft sigh and feeling refreshed.
Then, I saw Duke slumped in his chair and almost felt bad.
He looked anything but refreshed.
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