Including her own breath, which had puffed hot and unsteady against Madeleine’s mouth. As if she’d been about to kiss her.

Oh God. No. Absolutely not. Madeleine gritted her teeth. Hæra might be odd, but that didn’t mean she’d been aiming for a kiss! Madeleine was the one who wanted…

Odd. Rude. Too young. Get some sleep before confusion kills you.

Madeleine rolled to her side, tugging the duvet up to her chin. She closed her eyes with determination. Sleep would come. She’d wake in the morning refreshed and better able to face these demons. At least said demons were figurative, not literal. And if she was lucky, God would grant her the peaceful rest she sorely needed.

Please, she thought, before the world blessedly disappeared.

When the world reappeared, Madeleine was in the wrong place.

She’d just closed her eyes in her hotel room, and now she stood alone and naked in the middle of a grassy field. The full moon and stars shone overhead.

Naked, but not cold. She looked around in confusion. Considering how cool the day had been, she should be even colder out in the middle of the night without a stitch on.

How had she gotten herself into such a situation? She had to make it back to the Merryweather. Hopefully everyone would be in bed, and the whole village wouldn’t see her walking down the street stark naked. Just the thought made her cross her arms over her breasts and cringe. They’d all see her…they’d all know…

“Only I see you.”

Madeleine whirled on her heel with a gasp.

Hæra stood about ten feet away, fully clothed, her arms hanging loosely at her sides. Her long hair lay draped over one shoulder. She seemed even taller here than she had earlier. Or maybe it was the way she stood, straight and proud in the middle of the field, not surrounded by the trappings of civilization. Except her clothes, of course.

Madeleine said, “You shouldn’t be wearing any clothes.”

Hæra lifted her eyebrows. “You want to see me naked?”

“Ye…no!” Madeleine wrapped her arms more tightly around herself. “Not like that, I just meant, it isn’t fair. If I’m naked, you should be too.”

Hæra said nothing, just shook her head. Then she began to walk toward Madeleine in slow, easy strides. Her chin was lifted, her lips curved in a soft, sure smile. The moonlight caught on her pale skin, and she seemed to glow.

“Please,” Madeleine whispered.

“It’s not time yet.” Hæra flicked her hair back over her shoulder.

“When will it be?”

“When you’re ready.”

“I’m ready now!” Madeleine dropped her arms so they didn’t cover her anymore. She stepped forward. The grass was soft beneath her bare feet. Yes, oh yes, she was ready.

Ready for what? That part was less clear.