Aflora
“We really need to stop meeting like this, little rose,” a deep voice murmured into my ear.
I sighed, not wanting to move, my body cocooned in a blanket of comforting warmth. Yet something about those words nagged at me, dragging me back to a reality I didn’t want to face.
To the hard mattress beneath me.
To the stale air of a dungeon.
To the beady red eyes of the supervising gargoyle.
I sprang upward, my head aching with the desire to return to my dreamless sleep. Ugh. The exhaustion had won while I was messing with the magic around my neck, leaving me in the same position as before—powerless.
Shade’s palm ran up my side in a soothing gesture undermined by lies. Leaping to my feet, I backed away from him. He remained on the mattress, his athletic form balanced on his elbow. “The Council concluded that your theoretical commentary was not enough to require action, and I’ve been instructed to return you to the Academy. So whenever you’re ready, let me know.”
I gaped at him. “Theoretical commentary?”
“Yes. I explained to them how you were merely theorizing what should be done if your powers were to grow out of control. As they h
aven’t actually proved uncontrollable, the Council saw no reason to act.” He lifted a shoulder. “Classes resume tomorrow—well, later today, really—as scheduled.”
“I’m… I’m free?”
“Not really. The Academy is just a fancier prison, in my opinion.” He pushed off the ground and landed deftly on his feet. “Shall we, princess?” He extended his hand with the offer, his dark brow waggling in a taunting manner.
“Is this a joke?”
“If you think it is, then my ego’s wounded. Because I swear I’m funnier than that.”
I stared at him.
He stared back.
Time ticked on between us with his hand dangling in the air.
The gargoyle huffed in agitation, his stone wings beating rapidly as he shoved through the door and left it wide open in his wake.
Either I was dreaming or Shade had told me the truth.
“Take a chance,” he dared, a sinful promise teasing the edges of his lips. “I promise not to bite you today.”
“I think it’s a little late for promises,” I muttered, stepping around him to reach the door.
Shade caught me by the waist, pulling me back against him. “I said you were free.” His lips brushed my ear with the whispered words. “I said nothing about using doors.”
“Wh—”
The world shifted around us in a thick gray cloud, causing my stomach to roll with uncertainty.
Then the scent of fresh-cut grass tickled my nostrils.
Followed by flowers in bloom.
And the kiss of a morning sun.
I’m dreaming, I thought, spinning in a circle as the inky smog evaporated into a blue sky. Plush green blades met my bare feet, the sensation of earth breathing life into my being and sending me to the ground in a sob of unfiltered joy.
Earth.