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“You think this isn’t a show,” I rasp, shaking my head. “Always be yourself. I love it.”

“Good.” Grinning, she walks to the side of the bed. She picks up a pen, and writes something on a little piece of paper before pulling the covers down. “It’s the code for the door,” she says, and I nod. “I don’t want you to worry. I usually don’t sleep very long, but it might be longer since I’ll be with Aria.”

“How many hours do you usually sleep?” I drag the chair to the side of the bed.

She frowns, looking at the chair. “Five to six,” she answers, and points to the furniture. “Do you plan to sleep in that?”

“I don’t plan to sleep. I’m going to make sure you wake up.” I sit and fold my hands.

“No. You have to sleep.” She swings her arm, aiming her finger at the bed. “I know it’s not a king, but it’s big enough to fit you.”

“You want me to sleep with you?” I tilt my head, and she drops her arm.

“Well, of course,” she says.

“How can I tell if you're sleeping or trapped in a dream?” I ask.

“Usually, if my body is completely still, I’m in a dream. If I move around, I’m sleeping normally,” she says quickly. “On second thought, wait until I’m asleep and then join me on the bed. I won’t fall asleep if you're next to me, distracting me.” She removes her jewelry and places it on the bedside table.

“I’ll distract you.” I lift a brow.

“Don’t play innocent. You’ve seen you,” she snorts, climbing on the mattress.

I laugh. “I promise I’ll wait until you're asleep.” I lean forward. “What do I do if you don’t wake up?”

“It won’t happen.” She tucks the covers around her body. “Well, it probably won’t happen. It hasn’t for years. My tattoos work to ground me. Perhaps you could try kissing me.” She grins. “That should work.”

“It will be a sacrifice, but I’ll suck it up.” I lift, fist both hands on the bed, and lean toward her. “I’ll do whatever I have to to keep you with me,” I say softly, and she gasps. I hover close to her, worry in my gut, before kissing her lightly. “Be safe, Wild One. Come back to me.”

“Nothing could keep me away,” she says seriously.

I nod lightly and move back. I settle in the chair and stare at her face. She closes her eyes and almost immediately becomes still. Her power amazes me. She wasn’t exaggerating. I’ve never met anyone who can demand their body to sleep. She looks peaceful, yet frozen in time. It’s not natural to remain in the same spot through sleep. I don’t like seeing her like this.

I lean forward, grasping her hand. I just found her. Nothing will take her away from me.

If I have to fight her nightmares and mine, I will.

Chapter Seven

Savy

It’s a jolt as I fall into my sleeping state. I feel weightless, and everything in the real world disappears.

Find Aria.

I push out my spell, and a mist envelopes me. Nothing hurts, and I feel peace. Stepping forward, I glide through flowers and trees. The sun is warm on my skin, and my bare feet sink into the lush grass. My white spell hovers around my ankles as I move. I smile and lift my arm, spreading my fingers as the air caresses them. The smell of water and grass is strong.

My gift can be, well…magical. It’s astonishing how otherworldly dream-walking is, and I don’t fear it anymore. I’ve learned control, and as long as my preventive measures continue to work for me, I'll continue to find the beauty in it. It’s a world that not many witches can experience, and I handle it with respect.

I hear water, and know I'm getting close to my sister. We enjoy sitting in the sun on the bank. Even though it’s not technically real, it is to me. I don’t delve into how I do it or how the scenes appear. I think with magic, nothing can really be explained, yet you have to believe.

The trees thin, and I see Aria.

“Sister,” she squeals, bouncing. “It’s been forever.”

We move forward and collide, hugging fiercely.

“It hasn’t been that long.” I squeeze her once and ease back. “How are you?”