"Ava?"


    Lisa shakes me awake, but it takes a few blinks for my eyes to adjust to reality.


    "What is it?" My throat is croaky, and I clear it with a few dry coughs.


    "Kellan brought dinner. You''ve been sitting like that for a few hours. I wasn''t sure if I should bother you or not."


    My muscles protest as I push myself to my feet, my entire body stiff after hours of stillness. Every joint in my body seems to creak and pop, like I''m twenty years older than I am. Or maybe it''s just the weight of everything bearing down on me.


    "Thanks," I mumble as Lisa hands me a plate with a simple turkey sandwich. The sight of food makes my stomach growl, and I realize I''m ravenous.


    I take a bite, savoring the simple flavors. It''s nothing fancy, but right now it tastes like the best thing I''ve ever eaten. Lisa watches me, concern etched on her face.


    "Did you make any progress?" she asks hesitantly, after depositing the wardstone between us for security. It''s only a ten-foot radius; better to keep it close.


    I grimace, swallowing hard. "I''m not sure if what I did was considered progress."


    Lisa''s eyebrows furrow. "What do you mean?"


    I take another bite, chewing slowly as I try to gather my thoughts. How do I even explain what happened? The eerie forest, the mysterious pond, the spirit... it all seems so surreal now that I''m back in the real world.


    "There''s a place I go sometimes. It''s like some sort of magical realm, but it feels kind of like a dream. This time, there was a dead forest and a dark pond. And a spirit."


    Lisa tilts her head. "A spirit? Like a ghost, or...?"


    I shake my head. "No, not like that. More like... a guardian, I guess? Of the magic in that place. But I still don''t know where that place was, or why I was there."


    Resting her chin in her hand, she watches me eat. "Well, where were you trying to go?"


    "To the book. Well, I wasn''t trying to go anywhere, but I wanted to connect with the book."


    "So doesn''t it stand to reason that it has something to do with the book? That place, and the spirit?"


    "No, they said—" Wait. Squinting, as if that somehow makes my memories clearer, I think back. The spirit never gave me their name, but gave up Grimoire''s without a second thought. The spirit somehow knew about Grimoire and my connection, and knows a lot about the book—and my attempts to contact him.


    Could it be...?


    "Son of a bitch," I mutter, scowling at the sandwich in my hands. I want to go back to that place and demand answers, but my stomach demands more food.


    I''ll just have to eat fast.


    "What is it?"@@@@


    Unable to talk around a mouthful of food, I hold up a hand, chewing furiously as I think. If the spirit is Grimoire, then that place is—what? I don''t know. Either Grimoire''s place in that magical realm, or maybe the bond between us?


    "No, you don''t," I agree, my voice low and steady. "But you do have to do your job fairly and without discrimination. Unless, of course, there''s a specific reason you''re treating me differently?"


    I can feel Marcus shifting behind me, probably itching to step in. But I need to handle this on my own. I''m tired of this. Tired of feeling like everyone''s looking at me sideways. Tired of worrying about not fitting in.


    All I want is to see my mate. To be his strength.


    I''m his partner, and I need everyone to see that. Even if they don''t like it.


    The receptionist opens her mouth, then closes it again, clearly at a loss for words. I press my advantage.


    "Look, I understand you might have your reservations about me. But I am Lucas''s mate, whether you like it or not. And right now, he needs me. So unless you have a direct order stating that I''m not allowed to see Lucas, I suggest you let me through."


    For a moment, I think she might actually refuse. Her hands clench on the desk, and I can see the struggle playing out across her face.


    Wrapping my knuckles on the desk, I add with a cheerful smile, "Right now, ma''am."


    Her shoulders hunch and her head ducks down, refusing to meet my eyes. "Room three."


    I turn to Marcus, who''s watching me with an expression that might be pride.


    "You good to wait here?" I ask him.


    He nods. "As you wish, Luna."


    The receptionist behind me sucks in a sharp breath. Yeah, that title is probably a punch in the gut when she tried to play petty tricks just moments ago.


    "Thanks, Marcus."


    Slipping into Lucas'' room after a quick knock, I lean against the door, suddenly feeling drained. It''s a small victory, but it feels significant. For once, I didn''t back down. I didn''t let someone else fight my battles for me.


    Lucas is sitting up in bed, his broad frame making the hospital bed look almost comically small. His eyes lock onto mine the moment I enter, and I feel a jolt of electricity run through me. Even without his memories, the connection between us is undeniable.


    "Hi," I say softly, suddenly feeling shy. "How are you feeling?"


    Lucas studies me for a long moment before answering. "Better," he says, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine. "You seem worse, though."


    I nod, not trusting my voice. There''s no recognition in his eyes, no warmth of familiarity. It''s like looking at a stranger wearing Lucas''s face.


    "I''m sorry," he continues, "but I still don''t remember you."


    Letting out a shaky sigh, I force a weak smile to my face. "Didn''t expect that to change so quickly. How''s the food here?"


    There''s an empty tray off to the right, and—


    "Wait a second." Where''s his cast? His sling? His numerous bandages?