Deadly Dreams

My home is wherever you are. If you’ll have me,”

not too late, Fortuna. When I met you, I felt alive in a way I hadn’t for years, and it was only when I started to breathe again that I realized how long I’d been suffocating. I wanted you so badly, I would’ve done anything… and I did. I’m not proud of manipulating you into the mating ceremony, or lying about my ability.”

knew her. She was barely a person yet—she had no memories, no thoughts, and none of the experiences that formed someone, like skinned knees and first kisses—but I knew her. My body knew her. For nine months I had fed her, protected her, waited for her. She was part of me, regardless of whether she still lived inside me. The love I felt for this tiny being had no limits or boundaries.

For me, you were never a Nightmare, Fortuna Sworn—you were a dream come to life.”

“I know you are afraid of me. I know you don’t love me yet. But I vow to do everything within my power to change that. There are many things I cannot promise, because we live in a world of variables. Anything I can promise, though, I do so gladly. My home, my life, my heart. I will never tell you goodbye, because I will never leave you. I will give you a life of hellos, Fortuna Sworn.”