“I ordered dinner to be brought to your room. I figured you would want some time alone this evening instead of being surrounded by strangers.”

“Yes. Thank you, Taegis.” Selene straightened her shoulders. I can do this. Don’t look at the years ahead, focus on the here and now. Just like a mission.

He gave her a warm smile, the first one she’d seen from him. “If I may, my lady, let me be the first one to welcome you to your new home.”

His smile and words comforted her. But they weren’t enough to dispel the lump in her throat or the fear in her heart.

10

Selene.

Selene tossed one way then the other across the bed.

Selene.

It wasn’t so much a voice, but a feeling. A feeling that pulled on her as strongly as if the person were calling to her.

Selene.

She opened her eyes and sat up. A weight sat upon her chest like a stone. She rubbed the area and looked around. In the dim light she could make out the furniture of her new room and the beginnings of a half moon outside the window. The gentle whoosh of the sea waves was barely audible and reminded her of the wind.

She sighed and dropped her hand. At least she hadn’t experienced a nightmare tonight, nor seen that shadowy creature. The very thought made her shiver, and she looked around, almost expecting to see something standing in the corner.

Nothing.

She rubbed her chest again, feeling that same pull. What was this new sensation, this new . . . feeling? Was it another aspect of her dreamwalking gift? Was someone calling out to her?

Or was she just dreaming?

Selene lay back down and stared up at the canopy that surrounded her bed. She couldn’t remember the last time she had actually dreamed, minus the constant nightmares. Maybe this was dreaming. The young maid Essa had reminded her of Renata, which brought to mind all the people she had left behind. Perhaps the guilt was weaving its way into her mind.

She turned onto her side and pulled the coverlet up around her neck. I did what I had to. I made the best choice I could. I have a chance to make things right in the future. I’ll discover exactly why House Ravenwood has been given this gift and free my sisters. Maybe I’ll even find a way to save Renata.

A sad smile crossed her lips. I hope so.

She closed her eyes and gripped the coverlet between her hands. As she started drifting off, the feeling was back.

Selene.

She sat up again and looked around. There was no denying it. Somehow, someway, someone was calling to her. A soft moan drifted through the door on her left, the one that led into the bedroom with the windows that overlooked the sea.

She stared at the door, her heart pounding. There was someone in there—

Damien. Taegis had said Damien would be moved to his own chambers tonight.