Page 24 of Whispers of the Elderoak

She ran her thumb over the top of his hand. “Like shadows or something. Like—” She paused. “Like there are people watching me.”

He frowned. “People? Watching you?”

Exasperated, she let out a breath. “I don’t know, it’s just…” She tugged on her earlobe. “I feel them. And see shadows moving.” She stared at him. “Oh god, you think I’m crazy.”

He shook his head enthusiastically. “No no no. I believe you… but—” He hesitated. “Do you think it’s the lack of sleep?”

It didn’t seem like he believed her.

She sighed. “Probably.”

“If it’ll make you feel better, I’ll install a security system for you.”

“Thanks.” She gave him a quick kiss. “I’ll think about it.”

Later that evening,Ava was snuggled on her couch with a cup of chamomile tea to catch up on some reading. She was in the middle of an epic fantasy series about dragons and politics and war and hadn’t had as much time to read in between managing the farm and spending time with Henry. She was lost in an intense battle scene, swords clanging, tension rising and one of her favorite characters was gravely injured.

Luna was nestled at her feet, fast asleep, now a constantcompanion at the farmhouse. It was getting late and though she was starting to get tired, she wanted to finish a couple more chapters before going to sleep, needing to know what happened next. But Ava found herself barely able to keep her eyes open and nodded off, the book face down on her chest.

She was interrupted by frantic growling and pawing at her face. Sitting up, she saw Luna awake and staring at her. “What is it?” she asked, rubbing her eyes.

A small feminine voice replied in her head as the cat evaluated her.Hello, Ava.

Panicking, Ava jumped off the couch. “Did you just talk to me? How?”

I can talk to you in your dreams. But in our world, we can communicate any time,Luna replied.

“What? Our world? I’m dreaming?” Ava said shakily, staring at her feline friend.

Luna tilted her head.Yes. You’re dreaming, but this is real. I’m not an animal of this world, I come from another realm.

“What?” Ava blanched.

Things are not as they seem. Those pictures in the book are portals. You were right.

“Portals to where?”

Anywhere. Other worlds, realms. There’s one in the forest.

Ava gasped and stared at Luna. “Here? On this property? Where does it lead?”

Home.

Shaking her head, Ava replied, “This is my home.”

No, it’s not. You’ve always wondered, haven’t you? Why you were different. How your mother could do magic. It’s because that’s where your family is from. The book you found. It’s sacred. You mustn’t let her attain it.

“Who?”

The demon queen.

“I don’t understand,” Ava pleaded, shaking.

You must find the map and go home. To Eorhan.

“Why?”

Because it was prophesied.

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