Book 9: Botanist to Breeder

Sydney

The sun hasn’t risen yet when a peel of anguished cries thunders down the hallway. Brie’s image flashes in my mind–Brie being held to that altar while Gabriel taunts me, taunts her–and I’m out of bed in a second. 

My heart hammers against my ribs to the point I find it hard to fill my lungs with air. The entire room spins, and I can barely get my bearings.

But then I remember where I am. The deep navy wallpaper and dark wood crown molding comes into view as gray, early morning sunlight ghosts through the silken curtains. 

I slowly sit on the edge of my bed and lower my face into my hands. 

It was just a dream. Another nightmare. Everything is fine. Brie is safe with her parents in Veiled Valley. Everyone is safe and secure. 

Another faint cry sounds from down the hallway, and I’m up again, sprinting through the near silent second floor toward the source of the sound. 

My mind revolts against m