I hummed an incoherent agreement, then my brow furrowed. Why do you call me that? I wondered. Star, I mean. The nickname always made me smile, but I never understood why he used the endearment.
Don’t you remember loving the stars as a child? he asked. You used to always want to go out at night, lie on the ground, and admire the sky.
I smiled. I do remember that.
Well, that’s why you’re my star.
My heart warmed. I like that.
I know, he replied. Now go to sleep. Dream of me.
I thought you said dreams don’t count.
Not for our first time, but I didn’t say we couldn’t play in the dreams. I could hear the smile in his voice, his teasing palpable. I rather enjoy being your figment.
My lips curled. All right. Tanoomeen Ma Ana.
His chuckle followed me all the way into my dreams.
Only, what waited for me when I opened my eyes wasn’t a fantasy at all, but a nightmare.
One covered in blood.
My blood, and that of my mates.
“Hello, Aflora,” Constantine greeted, his smile cruel. “I think it’s time you and I had a little chat.”