A COURT OF FROZEN HEARTS

"You're insane."

"Maybe,"he smiled. "But you're still standing here. Not running. Not screaming."

He was right. I wasn't running away. Because… because…

Because this is a dream. Here I can't escape.

Only for that reason.

His lips covered mine—softly, surprisingly tender for someone who'd threatened me with death.

The kiss was icy, but not burning. Slow. Exploratory. His tongue touched mine, and a wave of sensations ran through my body—cold and heat, fear and something else I didn't want to name.

I tasted winter on his lips. Snow, pine, something wild and ancient.

And I hated myself because part of me… responded to the kiss.

It's magic. Only magic. Not me.

Caelan pulled back, looking into my eyes. Triumph swirled in his gaze.

"See?"he whispered. "You're beginning to feel."

"It's your damned sorcery!"

"Perhaps,"he traced his thumb across my lower lip, wet from the kiss. "Or perhaps you're just more honest with yourself in dreams than when awake."

He stepped back, giving me space.

"But we'll end here for today."He turned to the window. "Dawn is near. You'll wake soon."

"How do I… how do I wake up?"Desperation broke through in my voice.

"You don't,"he tossed over his shoulder. "You'll wake when I allow it. Or when your body pulls you from the dream itself."

He turned, and the expression on his face became serious.

"But remember, Elise. Every night I'll come."His voice became colder. "And every night I'll go further. Touch more boldly. Learn more."

He took a step toward me, and the world began darkening at the edges.

"By the seventh night you'll be begging me not to stop."

"Never!"I screamed with all my might, and the scream tore free not only in the dream but in reality.

His laughter echoed as reality began to crumble.

"They all say that, darling. All of them."

***

I woke abruptly, crying out from residual terror.

Sitting in