Page 52 of Shadow & Stars
“N-Nothing.”
“You are shaking.”
I kissed his cheek. “Don’t worry about me.”
My voice. His voice. Our voice. Realization struck me as Roman flashed across my vision.
Please tell me you’re in there…the witch’s voice echoed in some far corner.
I was inside Past Xavier, sharing thoughts and feelings in a cauldron of conflicting emotions.
He seemed to have reached the same understanding as me.
Is that really you?he asked.
Yes,I responded.
I felt the spikes of confusion, saw his replay of Roman’s pleading.
Please tell me you’re in there…
I rubbed the back of his neck.Ourneck.
How is this possible?he said.
I have no idea.
Get out of me.
I’m trying.I didn’t bring up this inner conflict over Roman.
Tanith waffled on about her plan and her joy. I caught fragments of her sycophantic rubbish, how she was so honored not only to serve her best friend but her king.
You’re polluting my mind,Past Me spoke.
Not by choice.
Spying.
Again, not by choice.
I can’t… I can’t…Roman’s lovely face flashed across my vision again.
Why am I thinking about him?Past Me complained.
I didn’t respond, contemplating how useful a spying tool this might be. If I could figure out how to use it, and if this wasn’t some one-off moment.
It’s because of you. You’re making me…Past Me sighed, catching Ismael’s attention.
“What is it, My Love?”
“Nothing.”
“Are you afraid?” Listening to Ismael never failed to hurt, despite me moving on from him.
“For you, yes,” Past Me answered. “You are vulnerable now.”
“We will take care of each other. I will not let anything happen to you.”
