“My gift?”

“We have yet to discover what your gift can really do. You’ve helped me twice with my dreams. But . . .”

Oh. She could see the hesitancy in his eyes. There still seemed to be a shadow lurking inside his mind concerning her dreamwalking. “Because of what it was previously used for,” she said softly.

He dropped his head. “Yes.”

At least he was honest. “But doesn’t my marriage to you already connect me to your coalition?”

“Partly. Although I would prefer you to join of your own volition.”

“And my gift?”

“We’ll continue to search for other ways you can use your power.”

She held his gaze. “I think I want to find out more about my dreamwalking gift before I join.”

Damien bowed his head as he pulled his hand away. “I understand. And I am happy to help you in any way I can.”

Did he really know what he was offering? Did he mean that he’d be willing for her to use his dreamscape? And would she actually take him up on that?

He reached the door, then looked back. “Oh, and one more thing. Would you be interested in joining me in the breaking of your fast tomorrow morning? There is something I would like to show you.”

Selene raised her eyebrows. “I have no obligations tomorrow. I believe I can join you.”

He smiled back. “Wonderful. It has something to do with my family, and I would like to share it with you.”

Her pulse increased. What could that be?

“Good-bye, Selene.”

“Good-bye, Damien.”

The door shut quietly behind her, and she sat in silence as the fire burned low and the snow continued to fall.

“There is a reason the Light gave seven families special gifts. Gifts to help all people, not only the family.” Damien’s words were similar to the ones he said the night of the gala back at Rook Castle: gifts were given to help people. And even those leaders without gifts could serve their people through sacrifice and love.

But what about my gift? I refuse to hurt anyone else with my power. And I can only visit one mind at a time. She leaned forward and placed her head in her hands. Yes, she had brought peace those times she visited Damien’s dreams. But he was only one man, one dream. Was that truly the extent of her gift? But . . .

She raised her head. Did that matter? If what Damien said all those months ago still proved true, then she could serve people through sacrifice and love.

She stared at her fingers. She was already familiar with sacrifice. But love? How could she still love her people when she was no longer at Rook Castle? Could she love the people here, in the Northern Shores? What was love, really?

Selene stood and headed for the door. I need to find out more. More about my gift. More about the Light who gave me this gift. More about who I am.