Selene turned every direction. Nor Esen stood to the north, Lux Casta to the west, Rafel’s capital city of Surao within the great forest to the south, and even the stronghold of House Merek, Burkhard.

She could see all the lands of all the nations from up here. And high above her was an unending sky.

Selene spread out her wings and slowly circled back down to the highest tower of Rook Castle, the same place she had been earlier with Amara.

I am everywhere. The wind seemed to spread the invisible words. Every domain is mine. Both dreams and reality. To you I gave the gift of the dreamscape.

“Why?”

Dreams are where the deepest part of a person dwells. It is there that fears, hopes, and desires exist.

Selene knew that only too well.

This is the gift of the dreamwalker: to remind the people of peace, hope, and joy. To comfort those who are sick and dying. To inspire those who are fighting. To bring light to those in the darkness.

“But how?” She continued to glide along the wind in her raven form above the tower.

What you receive, you pass on to others. Through their dreams.

Selene looked around, then stared at the spot in the middle of the tower, the place where she had held her dying sister. A sunbeam shone across the stone floor. It was there she had shared her own visions of the Light.

She flew to the spot, then transformed into her human form, knelt down, and brushed her hand along the warmed stone. This was how she could help people. This was what her gift—what the Ravenwood gift of dreamwalking—was meant to be.

To remind people of the Light.

“I understand.” No, it was more than that. The feeling grew inside of her until it filled every part of her being. “This is what I want to do. For the rest of my life. But—” She looked up. She couldn’t see the Light, only the sky above her. “What of my sister?” She swallowed. Her sister would never experience this.

All things are in my hands. Even your sister. Let them remain there. I will take care of them.

In his hands.

Selene looked down and stared at her own palm.

In the hands of the Light. Brilliant and beautiful.

A small smile spread across her lips. Her heart was still heavy with emotion, but a sudden image of Amara spreading her raven’s wings and soaring beneath the light brought a measure of tranquility.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Now it is time for you to go, dreamer. And remember this: I am with you.

The scene around her began to fade into a dim grey, growing darker and darker. . . .

Selene opened her eyes. A night sky greeted her above gnarled branches. The ground beneath her was cold and soft. She slowly sat up and placed a hand along her face. She felt battered and bruised, her face blotchy.