Chapter 33

When they were back in their room, Reece removed her hand from Levi’s and walked numbly to the bed in their room. She climbed onto it, curled up around a pillow, and closed her eyes tightly. She hoped Levi would let her be, but she knew that was not going to happen.

She felt him sit on the bed next to her. “My love, I can tell something is upsetting you greatly. You must talk to me.”

She said nothing.

He ran his hand through her hair. “Reece Oxley,” he said soft yet, sternly.

“Please, leave me alone right now,” she managed.

Before he could respond, there was a soft knock at the door. Reece began to feel that tormenting starvation sensation again. It would be so convenient to use her abilities to shut it off, but she could not.

Levi returned with a plate of a variety of different cheeses and placed it on the bed in front of her. She stared at the plate of cheese; they were so tempting, and the only food that she seemed to like as of late.

“They sent a great amount of food up from the festivities tonight. There are also more cheese platters if this is not enough to satisfy your hunger.”

Reece didn’t move a muscle. She closed her eyes again, trying to block everything out. “Reece,” Levi deeply called her name. Startled, she turned back to him in response.

His expression instantly turned to that of remorse. “My love, tell me what is wrong. You must let me help you.”

“That’s the problem, Levi,” she muttered. “After tonight, and the fact that I could not defend myself against that man, how am I supposed to help any of you defeat Mordegrin and those Olteniaus females?”

Levi ran his hand along her back. “Reece,” he softly said. “Look at me.”

She rolled onto her back, and he took her hand into his. The tender way he caressed the back of her hand was more soothing now than it had ever been. “What happened tonight was an excellent lesson for you in your fight against Mordegrin and those dark creatures.”

Reece looked at Levi as if he’d lost his mind. “How is that possible?” She exhaled in frustration. “I was caught off guard. I panicked. I couldn’t concentrate if I wanted to. The last thing I thought of was using my abilities to save myself from Rei.” She ran her hand along his arm. “If this happens tomorrow—if I panic? Levi, I could get us all killed.”

Levi’s expression grew somber. “What happened to the confident woman that has been nothing but encouraging throughout this entire situation?”

Reece rolled her eyes. “She was confronted with the fact that she may not be able to do this. If I can’t handle myself with a man like Rei, how am I supposed to maintain my focus while we all come face-to-face with the most dangerous part of this journey?”

Levi nodded. “Very well, I admit that you panicked; albeit, you were swiftly removed from the situation.”

“Levi—”

“No. I will not allow you to be consumed by fear over this,” he interrupted. “You will listen to me, Reece Oxley, as it is my turn to console you now. You are not going into this alone. The Guardians understand that you may be attacked at any given moment, in fact we are expecting it. Our plans are to protect you from any unexpected attacks, so that should be the least of your concerns.”

He’s right, Reece thought with a smile of relief. “I’m sorry for this. The trauma of being attacked by that man, coupled with the fact that I couldn’t even think to defend myself, had me doubting my abilities.”

Levi traced along her forehead. “Do not let fear consume you. Tomorrow you will be in a different mindset, prepared for danger, and that will prevent your panic. Also, as I said, you are amongst thousands of Guardians that have vowed to protect you and will be armed and prepared to destroy anything that will interfere with your focusing on destroying Mordegrin and the Olteniaus. You must focus on that and know that even though you were near death tonight, you were removed swiftly from that situation. It will be the same when we go to the fortress tomorrow.”

Reece nodded. “Thank you for saving me tonight. I’m sorry I let it overwhelm me like this.”

“No apologies are needed,” Levi returned. “I believe it was an excellent test, even though I still have a strong desire to hunt that man down and kill him for threatening you. But now that you have been in a dire situation, your mind will be prepared and even more focused tomorrow. You will trust the Guardians to protect you, just as we trust you will protect us.”

Reece traced her fingers along his jawline. “I’m ready to get this over with.”

Levi caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “All of us feel the same.” He gazed into her eyes with purpose. “And we will defeat them together and recover my father.”

A soft kiss to her forehead. “Now that we have cleared this up, I must see to it that you eat.” Then his lips curved up into her favorite grin. “Your human body desperately requires nutrition in order to properly nourish the little Pemdai warrior growing within it.”

Reece sat up and brought the plate filled with cheeses into her lap. She began eating and smiled at Levi. “You think we have a little warrior on the way, huh?”

Levi grinned and kissed her forehead. “Or princess. The prospect of either delights me.”

He kissed her once more and stood. “Allow me to change out of this attire, and I will lie down by you while I listen in on Harrison and the men while they plan our mission for tomorrow.”

“I forgot about that,” she said as she swallowed a bite of the savory cheese. “I’m sorry if you’ve missed anything.”

Levi sat in a chair and pulled his boots off. “They have not begun the meetings yet. And do not apologize; I am grateful that you have taken me into your confidence this evening.”

After filling herself completely with the cheese, Reece wanted nothing more than to curl up around Levi and enjoy the security of his strong embrace. He still appeared to be upset over everything that happened with Rei, and she understood why. As frightening as that moment was for her, she found protection in Levi’s fierce and calculating eyes as Rei held the knife to her throat. She recalled the memory of when he saved her that day from the men in the park, and even though Rei seemed larger and more powerful than Levi, Reece knew her husband would find a way to keep her safe.

After she changed into a soft white gown, she crawled under the blanket that Levi pulled back for her. Once she was fully relaxed, Levi got onto the bed, lying flat on his back with his head propped up on the pillow. Even though it was obvious he was listening to the meeting through Harrison’s mind, he smiled at her and brought his arm out, inviting her into his embrace. She nestled in tightly against his side and placed her face on the warm skin of his bare chest.

She glanced up at Levi, whose eyes were now closed. His lips twitched as if he were about to say something. She inwardly laughed, realizing he was probably communicating something to Harrison within his mind. There were times when he would sigh, seemingly frustrated. It was interesting to watch him, but not much later, with Levi gently stroking his long fingers through her hair, she drifted off to sleep.

Reece had no idea how long she slept before she woke up from a terrifying dream in a panic. Strange as it was, the moment she awoke, she recalled nothing from the dream. All she could remember was the feeling of profound agony due to the loss of Levi. A heavy feeling came over her, a feeling of impending doom, which led her to believe that this may be the last time she would ever be with him. Another premonition? she thought, frazzled. “NO!” she nearly screamed as she sat straight up in the bed, trying to calm herself. It couldn’t have been a premonition. She could always recall every detail of their content.

“Reece?” Levi sat up. “What is wrong?”

She looked over at him, and her body felt great relief at the sight of his face. She sighed. “I had an awful dream. Even though I can’t remember what it was about, I’m left with the emotions of how I was feeling in it.” She stared intently into his confused eyes. “I lost you, Levi. I’m afraid it might be part of those premonitions again. The feeling of never being with you again is worse than anything I can imagine.”

Levi pulled her down to relax next to her side. “You will not lose me. You may only be feeling this way because of what you have been through today.”

Reece closed her eyes. “And the anticipation for tomorrow,” she said as she curled up around him.

Levi tightened his embrace. “After our planning tonight, we are more prepared than ever to succeed in this mission. You must relax and rest easy.”

“I love you,” she said as her mind and body felt the security of him at her side. “I can’t lose you, Levi.”

Levi kissed the top of her head. “Then you will not,” he answered. “Please, rest.”

Reece wrapped herself tighter around Levi, and for the first time since entering this galaxy, she imagined they were safely home again. Her tension and negative thoughts faded as she drifted off to a peaceful slumber.

The next morning before daybreak, as Reece was preparing to dress into her Guardian attire, she heard a soft knock on their door. Levi was fully dressed and took long strides across the room to answer it.

“Reece,” Levi said as he entered the room, “Ionis is here, and I believe she has an excellent plan to protect you on our mission today.”

“Send her in,” Reece answered.

Ionis walked in with a warm smile. “First of all, please forgive the actions of Rei at our festivities last night. The man is a great warrior, and it is a shame that he acted in such a way.” Her eyes grew distant. “It is most unfortunate that they will not be able to assist all of you on this mission,” she said in a low voice.

Reece woke this morning in an extremely confident state of mind. She would not allow anything to shake her. “It may take time, but we will succeed,” Reece answered.

Ionis brought her hand to Reece’s face. “You are a brave warrior, just as the men you are with. Do not forget this.” She stepped back with a bowl filled with black paste. “This may not give you power over all of your abilities, but it will heighten your mind, and you shall be able to mentally battle Mordegrin and the dark ones with him much more easily. Take this and rub it along your forehead, under your eyes, and along your cheeks. After that, to heighten the abilities your child already possesses, you will need to—”

“Wait!” Reece reached for her arm. “How could you know that our child has abilities? Are they like mine?”

Ionis smiled. “The only reason you survived traveling through our lands when you lost your energy from the stone was because of the abilities your child carries within your womb. Of course, the child is new in your womb and will not have full access to these abilities until it is born.”

“That’s why my ability to mentally overcome things came and went so drastically,” Reece said.

“Yes. The child was helping you whenever it was able to.”

“Wow.” Reece laughed. “That’s really amazing.”

“That is why I want you to take this paste and smear it over your abdomen as well. It will give strength to the child, and in return help you, should you falter in any way.”

“Thank you,” Reece answered, “so much.”

Ionis embraced her. “We thank you, Empress Oxley.” She stepped back and stared purposefully into her eyes. “You are the only one that can defeat them. You are our only hope. The warriors’ sole purpose is to keep you safe at all costs while they bring you to the Shadowy One and his evil accomplices.” She turned to leave and glanced back. “Destroy them without hesitation,” she said in a grave voice before leaving the room.

Levi entered directly after. “Allow me to assist you,” he said, taking the bowl from her hands. He began smearing the paste over her forehead. “Do not let her words frighten you. I can hear your heart racing faster than our child’s fluttering one.”

“You heard what she said about the baby?”

“I did, and I am not surprised. Our child has interesting genetics that reside within him, and I can believe that the child would give you strength in some form.”

Reece smiled as Levi continued to rub the paste in lines over her face. “Him?”

Levi grinned. “Or her. We will know for sure in close to eight months.”

Once Levi finished administering the paste in the areas that Ionis instructed, he helped her back into the heavy Guardian regalia. He brought her cloak over her head. “From now until we leave this wretched galaxy, you must conceal yourself. Shallek’s army consists of both male and female warriors; even so, I do not want your appearance to be noticed.”

Reece inhaled and nodded. “Okay. Are we ready to do this?”

Levi nodded. “Yes. We depart as soon as we leave this room.”

The dark sky became red as first light greeted the land. The Guardians raced their horses out and away from Shallek’s village before daylight, as planned. They sped out of the land from a different location other than the one they entered through. Diexz informed Harrison that the route the Guardians had been taking to the fortress was longer, and the only reason Mordegrin must have informed them of this route was so it would be easier to destroy the Guardians on their journey.

The current terrain they traveled across was eerie, to say the least. The shadowy forest and the black fog that covered the ground gave Reece an odd feeling of darkness and emptiness.

Out of the three thousand Guardians that were with them on this journey, Diexz and Harrison kept to the original plans of only a hundred warriors riding in Levi and Reece’s company. The other Guardians remained on the outside lines, traveling with Oble and Diexz’s warriors, serving as a protection from any outside forces that may attack them. They were all fully aware that since they had left the protected land they were in, Mordegrin would waste no time sending his armies after them.

They had travelled uneventfully for close to an hour, which was not what was to be expected, and Reece started to become concerned. This is almost too easy. Something isn’t right, she thought. The horses were pacing at a rapid rate, and suddenly the air became heavy. What is happening? she thought as she studied Levi, who traveled in front of her. It seemed that this heavy atmosphere was taking a toll on Areion, as the horse’s usual powerful stride seemed to be less aggressive. Arrow slowed down as well, as if he were caught in thick mud. Reece held her chest, struggling to breathe in this air that was rapidly becoming heavier. Levi, I can hardly breathe! she mentally cried out to him. The next thing she knew, Levi and Areion were at her side. He looked over at her, and his expression was dark.

“It is difficult for me as well,” he said breathlessly. “Do not fear. A shape-shifting dark force has surrounded us. Only Oble’s army can battle them, as they are the only ones that can see their true form. They will deliver us soon enough,” he managed through long, hard gasps.

Reece was wheezing in pain; it felt like she had a hundred pounds of bricks placed on her chest. “Where…are…they?” she wheezed.

Then everything appeared to move in slow motion. Levi spoke, but she couldn’t understand his words. Large creatures flew above their heads, and fiery arrows shot down toward them. Reece was shocked when the large rock that she was passing was hit by the red, glowing dart and the rock turned into a green, monstrous creature. Before she could blink, another fiery dart pierced the beast’s scaly flesh, and it turned into a cloud of black smoke and disappeared. All around them, unique shaped trees, rocks, and bushes were being shot with the fiery darts, turning them into their original beast-like form before another arrow incinerated them. Suddenly, the heavy air lightened and the horses regained their speed. Reece inhaled deeply of the light air and looked up to see that Oble and his army were no longer in the sky above them.

Levi changed course. He guided them off the current trail they were traveling on, most likely to throw Mordegrin off. The snowy terrain was disappearing, and bright green grassy hills rolled along the horizon for as far as she could see. They rode through these hillsides for what seemed to be forever before Levi halted, forcing everyone behind him to do the same. He turned Areion back to Reece. “This is where we must go the rest of the way alone,” he said somberly.

“Will we be able to do this without Rei’s army?” Reece asked him.

Levi nodded. “I believe that man’s army would have caused us more danger than help.”

“That’s what Shallek needed Rei’s army for, because they were the only other beings that were able to block their minds from the Olteniaus females,” Reece answered. “They were our only help in attacking the fortress.”

“We will survive this, but you must remain focused! You must forget about Rei’s army and trust our own,” Levi said in a commanding tone. “Now, before we go any further, we are at the point where you must use the powers of your mind to block out any bizarre or intruding thoughts you may feel. I have no doubt that the Olteniaus will use their mental powers against you now. Once you feel you are prepared, we will move forward.”

Reece exhaled and forced all of her negative and fearful emotions out of her mind. She glanced around, seeing the hundreds of Guardians waiting patiently with fierce expressions on their faces. She allowed her mind to absorb the fearless emotions radiating from the group of warriors. Their craving for this attack fueled her courage, and all doubt was replaced with the longing to destroy Mordegrin and the Olteniaus.

With more confidence than before, Reece turned back to Levi. “I’m already using them, and I am prepared for the Olteniaus,” she firmly returned.

Levi studied her eyes intently before he nodded. “Very well. Let us go retrieve the emperor and destroy this dark threat to our world,” he instructed.

With that, Levi led the charge. They set out through the grassy meadow at full speed toward the hillside in front of them. The ominous skies above them were a blurry green, and Reece gasped when she noticed a black, swirling mist rolling in from their right. As she noticed it, she looked at Levi, who had dropped Areion’s reins, pulled his bow from his shoulder, and instantly started firing arrows toward black creatures flying toward them.

The horses continued to race at full speed as arrows flew from behind Reece and into the long-winged creatures. Reece’s eyes widened when she watched the dragon-like beasts explode into particles of black dust in the sky. More and more of these creatures appeared out of the dark mists, and it seemed likely that Levi and the Guardians she rode with would be overpowered soon.

As they maintained their course, arrows flying into the beasts like bullets, the horses charged up the grassy hillside before them. Reece’s heart was beating as swiftly as Arrow’s hoofs were hammering against the surface of the ground. Levi shot his arrows relentlessly into the skies, this time killing three creatures at once. Reece glanced to her left when she noticed what seemed like thousands of fiery arrows flying from over the hillside. She sighed in relief when she saw the group of men Harrison was leading appear on the mountain range, charging gallantly in their direction. She looked to her right, noticing more Guardians charging in and firing arrows into the air. Under the attack of now thousands of Guardian warriors, the dark mist disappeared.

Levi never once looked back, but continued the charge toward another mountainside. As soon as Levi, Reece, and their group reached the top of the mountains, the Guardian armies coming from both their right and left sides gracefully filtered in with them. Reece rode with two Guardians on each of her sides as they were getting closer. She looked back, seeing the massive line of Guardian warriors behind them lined up in perfect formation.

They were riding swiftly along the top of the mountain range when Levi turned Areion sharply to his right. Arrow and the rest of the horses followed his lead without breaking their stride. Reece looked out and saw where this world seemed to drop off into nothing. The Guardian horses gained even more speed. She strained her eyes, but the land below seemed nonexistent. She looked forward to see Arrow and the Guardian horses were traveling faster than she had even ridden before. As they neared the end of this mountain peak, she watched Areion gather himself and lunge out into ominous clouds. Arrow gathered himself as well, sending her through the air and across into the red, blurry clouds. The air grew thick. Avoiding panic and trusting Levi’s lead and the horse she rode, Reece maintained her calm. She looked down and spotted a valley below them. Areion landed gracefully on another mountainside, as did Arrow and the rest of the war horses. They charged through a peculiar forest until large, jagged rocks surrounded them and a narrow stone bridge came into view.

Levi slowed Areion as he went over the bridge. Three of the four Guardians that rode at Reece’s side slowed their horses and fell in behind her, leaving one warrior to travel alongside of her as they stepped onto the bridge. The forest was behind them, and all that was before them was an imposing, eerie stone castle. A swift river flowed beneath the bridge they were traveling over. The river surrounded the mountainous island that this stone castle dominated. It was the fortress, and it was perfectly situated and carved out of the mountain it resided on. As they grew closer, the fortress became even larger and more intimidating.

Reece glanced up, seeing thousands of black birds circle the castle, filling the crimson skies. Must be notifying them of our arrival, Reece thought as she remained calm, focusing as Levi instructed her to do. Every now and then, she would feel a strange tingling sensation in her head, and she easily blocked it out. She knew it was Mordegrin and the Olteniaus females already trying to use their mental powers on her.

As soon as they were across the bridge, nine warriors rode up and moved in front of her, riding in threes directly behind Levi, and the two Guardians took their place at Reece’s sides again. This is it, she thought as the horses slowed to a gentle canter. They traveled along a stone road, leading them directly to the front entrance of the castle. Reece pulled the hood of her cloak over her head, hiding herself even more.

Reece peeked out from under her cloak and noticed the strange people that lined the road. As the Guardians gallantly entered the first part of the fortress, more and more people, who appeared to be starving, filled the area. Their features were that of an average human with distressed looks on their dirty and worn faces, matching the battered clothing they wore. They stared in fear at the Guardians as the horses loudly trotted through the passageway surrounded by stone walls.

Levi didn’t falter as he rode Areion regally into the fortress with all of the Guardians following in flawless formation. They traveled under a large stone archway, leading them into another part of the fortress. The passageway opened up more, and they followed through this location for close to ten minutes, passing more people along the way. Everything grew unnervingly silent when, without warning, all of the Guardians halted their horses.

Reece peered around at the Guardians in front of her and noticed that Levi halted the group when he was approached by a group of large, barbaric men. They wore dark metal armor, scraggly beards, and their faces were covered in black dirt. Levi walked Areion out alone, ahead of the group of Guardians. The rest of the horses remained perfectly still. Reece felt a sharp pain jolt through her head, nearly causing her to faint. She inhaled deeply and fought it away. She intently focused on Levi and his imposing nature while a large man approached him and Areion. His commanding disposition gave her the strength she needed to remain focused. She tuned in to the sounds only coming from Levi.

One of the barbarians stepped toward Areion and gazed darkly up at Levi. “You would be wise to turn your horses back and leave this fortress now,” the being bellowed. “We don’t need any problems from foreigners.”

“You will not have a problem with me and my men,” Levi returned in a commanding voice, “unless you should choose not to open the gates and let us pass. We are only here for what is ours, and we will not leave until we have him in our possession. Now, open these gates,” he ordered.

The man’s eyes narrowed as he abruptly reached out and grabbed Areion’s halter. Arrow’s weight shifted beneath Reece. Areion instantly reared up onto his hind feet and whinnied loudly in protest of the man’s grip. As swiftly as Areion reacted violently to the man, he brought his front legs down aggressively, using them to knock the man down. Once on the ground, Areion brought his massive hoof onto the barbarian’s chest, restraining him on his back. The man’s eyes were wide as he looked up at Levi.

Areion’s ears lay flat back as he brought his face down to the barbarian’s. “It is easy to see that my horse could crush your heart at my command. Believe me, it is his only desire at the moment. But due to his loyalty to me, he awaits my command.” Levi looked at the other barbarians, who were watching in amazement at the exchange that had occurred. Areion loudly grunted and whinnied, bringing Levi’s attention to the man that Areion was pinning to the stone ground. “If you desire to live, I will only say it once more; open the gates, or you will all die.”

“OPEN THEM!” the being pinned beneath Areion’s hoof shouted loudly.

The sounds of heavy chains clanking together brought Reece’s attention to where a large wooden gate pulled up into the wall above it. Areion grunted and pressed his hoof once more into the barbarian’s chest before releasing his hold on him. Areion whinnied loudly as Levi restrained his agitated horse and led him toward the wooden gate. Areion proceeded toward the entrance, aggressively stomping his powerful hooves against the stone surface. The Guardian line began to move forward, following Levi through the entrance. The barbarians stood back, allowing them to pass, and Reece was distracted by the sounds of a horse’s hooves, which were aggressively clattering on the stone road from behind them. Reece turned around and was relieved to see that it was Harrison charging up to the front lines.

Once he reached where the barbarians stood with scowls on their faces, he slowed Saracen to a trot. As he cantered up to the front lines, he guided Saracen over to where the being that Areion had pinned to the ground was. The brute was getting up and seemed to be gathering his senses when Harrison directed his horse into him, shoving the barbarian into the wall behind him, sending the savage back to the ground. Harrison continued past the angered beings, with a smirk. As he trotted Saracen along the Guardian line where Reece was, he glanced over at her and winked. After a reassuring grin, Harrison trotted past her and disappeared into the entryway the line of warriors were following Levi into.

As Reece and the Guardians followed through the gates, they entered into a large courtyard. Reece’s head began burning with the Olteniaus mental powers working against hers. She felt herself weakening and reached down into the leather pouch, pulling out more black cream and quickly rubbing it on her forehead and the back of her neck. She felt her strength surge and the burning sensation disappear.

The Guardians filled the large courtyard while Levi brought Areion to a halt in front of steps that led up to two massive wooden doors. The doors opened to reveal a white-haired man wearing a silver robe. He walked down and spoke to Levi, but Reece was unable to hear the conversation. After a nod from Levi, the man stepped back up the steps and waited at the top of them. Levi and Harrison dismounted, prompting Reece to do so as well.

Instead of revealing herself, she waited for Levi to approach her, curious as to what the man said to him. Harrison’s gaze was severe, and Levi’s expression was unreadable. Harrison called out to some of his men, while Levi pulled Reece off to the side alone with him. He embraced her tightly, and then stood back and stared deeply into her eyes.

“I must go in alone in order to ensure my father’s safety.”

Reece was flooded with the feelings from her strange dream the previous night. She shook her head and pushed away from him. Tears filled her eyes. “No! Levi, you can’t! There’s another way, we have to think!”

Levi exhaled. “Reece.” His eyes were set with purpose. “Rest assured that Harrison and I will remain mentally connected the entire time. He will see and feel everything I experience. We suspected something like this would happen as the men made our battle plans last evening. Since our predictions proved correct, our plan is for me to enter the location where my father is, alone. When I enter the area where he is, this is when you must start to battle them mentally by impressing into their minds weakness and the urge to die. After you begin forcing your mental persuasion on them, Harrison will wait for me to enter the location where my father is. He will then lead an army of men into the fortress and battle against the trap we know they have set up for me.” He lifted her chin with his finger. “It is the only way they will spare my father’s life.”

“Why you?” Reece said. “I thought they wanted me?”

Levi wiped a tear from her cheek. “Mordegrin wants the stone, and I am the only one who has unlocked the map and knows the location. They need me in that room to capture me and extract the information.”

“If we’re not fast enough, and if I’m not strong enough, they will kill you and your father.” Reece gripped his face with both hands. “You can’t go! We have to find another way.”

“Reece,” he firmly returned, “do not forget the power of my mind. They have to penetrate through my natural defensive barriers, and then figure out a way to get past the protection that Paul created for the map. Have you forgotten that you are unable to persuade my mind to do anything? They can only impress their thoughts into mine. Harrison will see that as well. I will be fine.”

“What if their powers are stronger? I’m human, too. What if they can overpower your mind?”

“If that were true, Mordegrin would have done it when he first met me.” He smiled confidently at her. “Anyhow, I plan to give them no time to try.”

“Once again, I must ask you to remove these fearful thoughts of me from your mind. You and I both know that the fear will weaken your abilities.”

Reece wrapped her arms tightly around him, desperately hoping this would not be the last time she did. “I can’t help it! I think whatever happened in that dream last night had to be a premonition. I beg you; don’t do this, not like this.”

Levi brought his lips down onto her forehead. “Your premonitions always stemmed from your visions, not dreams. You know that.”

Reece rubbed her forehead. “I don’t feel confident about this at all.”

“Remove these fearful emotions immediately. We need your abilities,” Levi ordered.

“Okay,” she answered, giving in to their plans.

Levi nodded. “As I said, Harrison will be watching everything through my mind. When he instructs you, that is when you must do your part.”

She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, securing a passionate kiss. It was too soon when he slowly withdrew from her. He brushed the tip of his finger over her nose. “I’ll be right back,” he said with a nod. Before she could respond, Levi turned and strode briskly toward the steps that led to the entrance of the fortress.

Reece stood paralyzed, watching Levi disappear into the doors with the white-haired man. She jumped when Harrison unexpectedly brought his arm around her shoulders. “Come,” he said in a commanding tone.

She followed him to where a group of Guardians stood with their shields and swords already drawn and waiting. Her legs became weak, even though she was forcing herself to remain calm.

“Kneel with me,” Harrison said absently. His eyes were glowing, and she could tell he was watching Levi.

Harrison knelt down on one knee and stared hypnotically at the ground in front of him. Reece slowly knelt at his side, watching him. His eyes moved rapidly back and forth, and his mouth twitched. She sought comfort in knowing that Harrison, even though he was with her, was with Levi, too.

She exhaled, finding her balance and strength within her mind again. Harrison glanced over at her and gave her a reassuring smile. He reached out and gently took her hand into his strong one. “He is perfectly fine,” he said. “There have been no attacks against him, and he is almost to his father’s location.”

Reece gripped Harrison’s sturdy hand tighter, seeking comfort in him as she would Levi, and then she closed her eyes. At any moment, they would need her to mentally battle the Olteniaus. Five minutes of silence passed, and it seemed like an eternity.

“What?” Harrison angrily called out. “Where’s Mordegrin?” His eyes grew fierce.

He withdrew his hand from Reece and abruptly stood. Reece stood as well. She wanted to ask him what was happening, but his eyes were so severe and distant, she could tell he was studying what Levi was going through.

“He’s free,” Harrison deeply said aloud, while staring intently at nothing. “Emperor Navarre is free! Excellent work, Levi,” he said proudly.

Before Harrison could turn to lead the Guardians into the fortress, he roared in pain. He gripped his head tightly and plummeted onto his knees and elbows.

“Reece!” he loudly growled. “You must stop this, NOW! You are the only one that can save Levi from this!”

So involved with watching Harrison and waiting for his orders, she panicked and couldn’t focus on anything but wanting answers to what was happening to Levi.

Harrison was gripping his head tightly and groaning in pain. “Harrison, you have to tell me what to do. What’s happening?” she said in a panic, watching Harrison wallow in pain.

“They are destroying his mind!” he groaned in pain. “You have to go into Levi’s mind and protect him from this. You must get into his mind like you have done before,” he cried out with pain in his voice.

Reece became focused, and with all of her mental power she closed her eyes and forced her thoughts to revolve around Levi, his mind, and whatever pain he was going through. She mentally persuaded his mind to block the intrusion. A sharp pain radiated from between her eyes, and a powerful surge of energy knocked her flat onto her back. She concentrated harder, focusing on nothing but forcing protective thoughts into Levi’s mind. Her head felt as if it would explode, and she forced herself up to her knees, gripping her head as tightly as Harrison was. Leave him! she thought angrily. In that moment, all pain subsided within her. Her eyes reopened when Harrison stopped moaning in pain.

He leapt to his feet abruptly. His eyes were bloodshot and distant. “Levi!” he called out loudly. “Our minds are no longer connected.” He looked at Reece in confusion, and then his eyes widened in panic. “NO!” he bellowed. “NOW!” he ordered Reece fiercely. “You must kill them now!”

Harrison turned to the group of men waiting for him and drew his sword. Without another word, Harrison and the men stormed into the fortress. Reece closed her eyes, sending herself into deep meditation, focusing only on persuading these dark creatures to seek their deaths.