I turned and sat down on the low stone wall nearby. My energy level still wasn’t back to normal. “But this sword belonged to Marrow last. Should I be worried?”

“No, the sword is yours, and will do only your bidding.” Lady Elaine sat down on the wall across from me.

I ran my fingers along the silver band, which always warmed to my touch. “But it’s so powerful. This was The Will sword. Won’t there be people who’ll want to take it from me?”

“Only a few of us even know you have it. I suggest you keep it that way. And it’s a sword, so I doubt you’ll have much reason to go flashing it around.”

I snorted, picturing myself standing on a table in the cafeteria as I did my best Xena Warrior Princess impression. “But why didn’t the senate just destroy it?”

“Oh, they tried, but nothing worked.” She grimaced. “So we bound it to the stone plinth with a spell that only the sword’s true master could break.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “But that could’ve been Marrow. It should’ve been him.”

Lady Elaine shook her head. “We don’t know much about sword lore in particular, but we do know that physical death breaks the numen bond. Even if the person will be reborn.”

I exhaled. “So I’m stuck with this thing until I die?”

“One can only hope.” She crossed a leg over the other then said in a gentle voice. “And if you want the truth, I’m relieved it came to you.”

I tilted my head. “Why?”

“Because I can think of no one better to have it. There’s no denying that it’s very powerful and that power can corrupt. But I think you won’t be so susceptible.”

“Why not?”

“Lots of reasons. Partly because you have such a good heritage. The women in your line have a long history of standing against evil, and sacrificing everything to ensure goodness prevails.” A wry smile crossed her face. “I’ll admit your mother’s methods are a bit unorthodox, but her heart is always in the right place. And look at Nimue. She willingly imprisoned herself in a dream for hundreds of years just to keep the sword hidden from Marrow.”

I rubbed my temple. It was a lot to live up to. The band on my wrist felt heavier than ever. “But wouldn’t it have been better if Nimue had found a way to kill Marrow and keep him from resurrecting? I mean, is there a way?”

Lady Elaine considered the question a moment. “Yes, I imagine there must be some way, but we have a more pressing topic to talk about.” I braced myself, guessing what was coming next.

“Eli told me that you know about the dream-seer curse.”

I nodded, unable to speak.

“And do you believe him?”

I met her sharp gaze, managing not to flinch. “I don’t believe he was lying, if that’s what you mean. But that’s not the same thing as whether or not I believe in the curse.”

Lady Elaine’s sigh barely reached my ears. “The curse is very real, Dusty. I can share with you my vision if you would like.”

I shook my head, not tempted by her offer even for a second.

“Very well.” She stood. “Nevertheless, you should know that we are taking steps to ensure that you two keep an appropriate distance.”

Anger heated my face, and I stood up, too. “Oh, I’m aware of it. My mom told me this morning that she booked us on a summer-long tour of Europe.” We’d argued about it for nearly an hour, and each time I’d asked if it was because of Eli she’d changed the subject.

“It’s for your own good, Dusty.” Lady Elaine exhaled. “What reason would I have to lie about this? Do you think I’m a cruel, heartless person out to deny two teenagers the pleasure of true love?”

I wanted to say yes, but I didn’t. I knew she wasn’t trying to keep us apart because she wanted to. I took a deep breath, struggling to keep the waver out of my voice. “If there’s a way to kill Marrow once and forever, then there must be a way to break the dream-seer curse, too.”

Lady Elaine’s pitying look hit me like a slap. “It doesn’t work like that. All magic has a price. Even dream-seeing. And this is it. You and Eli can never be together.”

I didn’t say anything, but turned and walked away, silent tears wetting my cheeks.

All magic has a price.

I knew she was right, but it was a price I didn’t want to pay.

* * *

The following Sunday my mom and I drove to the airport. I still didn’t want to go, but I knew when I was beaten. I was going whether I liked it or not. And it was a trip to Europe. I’d find a way to make the most of it in the end.

A group of people large enough to be called a crowd had come to see us off. Selene was there, of course, along with Lance. They’d been spending lots of time together since his return from Vejovis. Their rekindled relationship didn’t exactly fill me with joy, but I figured if Selene liked him then I would make the effort to accept him as well. So far Selene was making it easy as she continued to poke fun at him the same as always, although with definite affection underlying her tone these days.

“Sorry about bringing him along,” Selene said, pointing a thumb at Lance and suppressing a smile. “But he insisted.”

Lance grinned at me. “Just wanted to say see you and don’t hurry back.”

Selene stomped on his toe.

“Ouch.” He winked at her. “I was just kidding.” He thumped me on the shoulder. “Seriously, have a safe trip, and make sure you make it back. I might get bored without our little competition to keep me entertained.”