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“How can I not?” She presses her hand against my chest.

“I just need a few hours,” I insist, staring at the wet marks on my arms.

“Brother, he won’t attack yet.” Rome lifts my arm around his shoulders.

“How do you know?” Savy mimics his actions.

“He was shocked and a little afraid. I think he'll regroup,” Rome explains, moving us toward the door.

Griffon wasn’t expecting me.

I'll keep shocking him.

I’m dreaming. The spell of Griffon is playing out in front of me, and I’m watching it as if I were there. I experience everything again, but without the exhaustion creeping in. I’ve never been aware that I'm dreaming. The only reason I would now is Savy.

The ride home is a blur. Rome got me in his car, and my bond held me close in the backseat. The second I felt the bed underneath me, I was asleep. My magic is growing, and again, the only explanation is Savy. My anger and Rome aided me in the location spell, but I did things I didn’t think I could. Interacting with Griffon was surprising, and perhaps I should have kept my involvement with Savy a secret. He doesn’t know we're soul bonds, but now he knows she’s not alone. Rome is right, he won’t make a move tonight.

I watch Griffon walk away. Rubbing my jaw, I realize I can feel my skin. Shouldn’t I feel nothing in a dream?

Turning toward the trees, I hear footsteps. I can’t see anyone. A deep fog hides the woods. I narrow my eyes as the noise increases.

“Archer.” Savy walks toward me, the air clearing.

“Wild One?” I rasp.

“I know…it’s confusing.” She smiles gently and stops in front of me.

I drag my fingers down her cheek. “You’re real.” I brush my thumb over her skin. “I feel your heat.”

“We're asleep in my bed,” she states, and leans into my touch. “I didn’t try to step into your dream, but I was pulled here. I saw everything, so you don’t have to explain what happened.”

“This is…” I shake my head and drop my arm.

“Magic?” She laughs and tilts her head.

“I shouldn’t be shocked,” I say.

“It’s okay to be. We're learning what we can do together. I’m just glad you can see me this time.” She drags her hand down my arm.

“How can we do this?” My body reacts to her closeness.

“Because we're fated,” she whispers.

“Yeah.” I step against her body, wrapping my arm around her waist.

She lays her head on my chest. “I don’t know Griffon. I keep thinking I'll remember his face from somewhere. I agree with you, he must be trying to replace the woman in the picture.”

“Did you recognize her?” I brush my hand down her hair.

“No, but he wants someone who resembles her.”

“We don’t have any more answers than we did before the spell,” I sigh.

“That’s not true.” She props her chin against me, smiling slightly. “I got to see your power. You did things you didn’t think you could.”

“I never tried.” I frown. “But I feel stronger.”

“We learned more about Griffon’s magic, too. His main gift is concentrated on water. He can freeze anything and easily calls his spells. His obsession brought him here, and he won’t leave without accomplishing his task.”