11

ELEVEN

Willow

Ember sleeps soundly, twisted in my sheets. I can’t believe she’s here, in my bed.

It could be the moons making me mad, or it’s just the fact she looks like an angel sent here created just for me. The stars and moons dance in the sky above, charging both of our magics as we rest. The moonlight seeping through the windows cast her body in its soft light, causing my chest to tighten for my little dragon.

I can’t seem to fall asleep. Resting on the sofa across the room, stoking the fire with my magic like a lover’s caress. The flames warm my skin and respond lovingly to being near to Ember. It’s like the palace can sense her here and has started to purr because of her presence.

After completely inhaling the food I brought her tonight, Ember’s body overpowered her and pulled her into another deep, restful sleep. She’s been here for a few days now, and has slept almost the entire time. It’s taking so much restraint to not wake her and learn everything there is to know of her. She is such a temptation.

She tosses and turns quite a lot, and I wonder what she’s dreaming of? Sometimes I can even hear her whine and mumble in her sleep. All I wish I could do is hold her and make it all okay.

I have this deep instinctual impulse to keep her safe above all else. As if the moons themselves have made me vibrate with the need to keep her safe, loved, worshiped.

My eye snapped onto ember as I felt her heartbeat quicken.

“Help, please. Stop, don’t hurt the–”

I race to the side of the bed in the blink of an eye. Ember’s tussling in the sheets while sweat glistens her forehead. I can see her chest is flushed under her soft pink nightgown. My poor dragon is being haunted by something in her dreams.

I can’t stop myself from sliding into the opposite side of the bed. I keep my distance but I just want to make sure she’s okay and keep a close eye on her. Resting my head back against the darkwood headrest, my mind draws blank. I feel a sort of silent, inner peace while sitting next to my mate.

Slowly, relaxation takes me as I accompany her into a deep sleep.