Journey into the Realm: The Stolen Child (Journey into the Realm Series) (33 page)

***

Later, having returned to camp and to Nathan, I lay awake looking up at the stars, wondering what the morning would bring. My eyes burned. I felt ashamed for what I had rushed into: stealing the spell book, reciting an incantation I didn’t understand, somehow binding Stellan’s soul to mine. I had allowed my distress over my nightmares to guide my decisions. I never wanted anyone other than Glissarie to know the extent of my foolishness.

I took a shaky breath and closed my eyes. Glissarie said I would most likely figure out the ramifications of what I had done within a day after reciting the spell. She assumed it would be punishment enough and wasn’t holding my mistake against me, although she made me promise to inform her when the consequences appeared. I was terrified. For her to have forgiven me this easily, I had to have done something horrible.

I finally fell asleep again and woke in a different dream…or at least I thought it was a dream. I felt strangely awake here. My senses were abnormally clear.

I stood in Aaliyah’s orchard in the Elf Realm. The nature around me, the simple beauty, made my heart ache. It made me wish I was home in Birchwood, and that this experience wasn’t just a dream.

I sat down on the soft grass and admired the sights and sounds around me: the shiny fruit on the trees, the big blue sky up above, the sound of birds chirping. It was home. It felt right…until he appeared from behind the trees.

All thoughts of home and comfort disappeared.

This was more than just a dream. Something very wrong was happening here. Something unnatural. I could feel it underneath my skin, deep in my bones.

He grinned and took a few steps closer. Then, casually, he leaned up against the trunk of a Macintosh apple tree. He reached up and picked an apple from a branch. Putting it to his lips, he took a bite, juice dripping down his chin and onto the ground. “Want some?” he asked.

I shook my head, dazed and mystified. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

He was here.

He was…
alive
…in a sense.

Stellan sighed and took another bite, chewing thoughtfully. “I didn’t think I would end up here,” he told me. “Wherever I was previously – my afterlife is a bit foggy now that I’m with you – I was able to hear you recite the incantation. I understood the Ancient words. I knew I had to end up in your dreams, but I didn’t think we would meet in the orchard. I guess we both have significant ties to this place.”

When I didn’t reply, he continued, “I’m glad your spell worked, Ramsey. I really am. Now I can be with you whenever you fall asleep, with no interruptions. There’s no Nathan, no Eder, no journey, and no war. Just us,” he said blissfully, as if every one of his dreams had just come true.

Ironic, right? Considering I was dreaming; or at least, I thought I was.

Finally finding my voice, I asked, “Is this truly real? Did my spell bring you back to me like this?”

“Yes, Ramsey,” he confirmed. “This is in fact…very real.”

He moved closer to me. The scent of him brought tears to my eyes, made him seem even more alive. His raven-black hair, so achingly familiar, took my breath away. I imagined how it would feel to slide my fingers through it like I used to. His bright smile brought back every memory of him I had stored within my mind, within my heart.

“You see, you have successfully bound my departed soul to yours. That means we will spend every night together, here in this orchard. Here in this Realm of Reverie. And you will never have another nightmare. I’ll see to that myself.”

He threw the core of his apple on the ground and chuckled, his green eyes sparkling. “You may know me as Stellan, but you can also call me
the Dream Catcher.”

First, I must thank my brilliant mother, Maryanne Grabo, whose tireless support has helped expand the 
Journey into the Realm
 series. I would be lost without her marketing skills and guidance.

My father, Scott Grabo, for teaching me to stay motivated and to never give up on something you love.

My editor, Patricia Lantier, PhD, who helps me grow as a writer with each novel.

My graphic designer, Vassi Slavova, for understanding my vision and providing me with another gorgeous cover.

My family, for being big and loud and wonderful and loving.

My friends, for giving me so many memorable experiences that I will always treasure.

Phyllis May and Greg Maurice for their support.

The book bloggers, namely D'vora and Brooke, for helping me promote the series. I wouldn't have the audience I do now without them.

My favorite authors, whose remarkable and touching stories gave me the courage to write my own. Also, I want to thank all of the people I've met who have inspired countless
Journey into the Realm
 characters.

My readers, for reminding me each day why I chose this path.

And finally, God, for gifting me with such a beautiful life.

Author of
The Elf Girl
,
The Spell Master
, and
The Stolen Child,
Markelle Grabo continues to work on the
Journey into the Realm
series. Surrounded by a supportive cast of friends and family, she puts her feelings and experiences into everything she writes…with a little bit of magical embellishment of course. And as she continues to write Ramsey’s journey, Markelle is embarking on one of her own as she attends a private university in Chicago.