“She’s my best friend, my twin flame. I’ddo anything to make sure she’s okay,” she says softly, smiling to herself.
I don’t say anything in response, I don’t need to. Instead, I just give a small smile.
She’s alive, and that’s all we could ask for.
I carry her to my room and place her in my bed before tucking her in gently.
I move around the room, lighting a couple of candles and turning off the big light, just like my girl likes it.
My gaze glances around the room, landing on a candle.Her candle. The one that was blessed by her body, the one that has her scent woven into it.
I reach it in a couple of strides, examining the way it shines in the dark like there’s something magical infused in it.
Grabbing a lighter, I spark its flame.
The energy in the room shifts, and the air thickens. A cold rush of air washes over me as shadows curl along the wall.
The pinch on the back of my neck is stronger this time. Almost unbearable. It feels like someone is right behind me, digging their clawed nails into my spine.
Then she appears.
A woman built from darkness.
I realize then that none of this was ever just a dream. Aisling was never making any of this up.Shit.
“You should’ve been faster,” she says, head tilted.
“I know,” I whisper, the feeling of regret wrapping around me like a blanket.
Why do I respond? No idea. It’s like my body is doing it on instinct. It’s like she already has a hold on me.
“You can still save her, Ronan.” Her voice radiates through me like it’s in my head and in front of me at the same time.
“I’ll do it, whatever it takes. For her.” I say finally.
“Such a good boy. Now unlockyourself.”
“Okay,” I whisper, my voice not sounding like my own.
She leans forward and places two fingers on my forehead. The heat from my neck burns like lava, taking over everything as my vision turns white.
And just like a dream…
I fall back into the darkness.
CHAPTER 36
Aisling
Iwake up gasping for breath as pain shoots through my limbs like daggers.
I reach my arm out, expecting to feel Ronan’s warm body next to me, but all I’m met with is cold sheets and a dimly lit candle.
My heart rate spikes as I scramble out of bed.
“Ro-Ronan!” I beg.
“Ronan, where are you?” My voice comes out more desperate, like I’m pleading to the darkness.