I stepped back, paralyzed. "What's the meaning of this?"

He wryly stared at me for a moment, his eyes filled with unspoken things that made me feel slightly guilty even though I didn't know what they were. But then he sighed and moved his hand around. "We're in a dream."

My lips pursed. "I know what a bloody dream feels like," I snapped. My eyes roamed around my old room. "I was sick," I murmured to myself, gaze jumping back to Harald. "This must be a mistake. I didn't summon you."

He closed his eyes, and I saw him roll it behind his lids. When they opened again, his dark gaze was serious. "We don't have much time. The halos will activate soon." He stepped closer, I stepped back. But the door was behind me and I couldn't stop him when he planted his hand on my forehead. "You're bloody burning." He bent and I recoiled, bumping my head against the door. His dark eyes peered into mine. "But you'll be fine. Two days the most."

When he stepped back, hand loosely resting in his pockets, I straightened to full height, my chin jutting out. "How do I make it go away?"

"You mean the fever and the headaches? I can tell you a much better way, but I don't think you'll like it." He dug deep into one pocket. "I don't have the pills with me at the moment, but I can—"

"I don't need your pills."

For a second, he just stared at me. Breaking into a taunting grin, he said, "I know you do, but let's pretend I believe you."

I shook my head, feeling lightheaded. "How are you here?"

A flash of annoyance crossed his face. "Let's talk about that some other time because that's a hard question." He stepped closer. "I told you I have things you need. Do you remember?"

I blinked slowly, feeling like I was in water—buoyant and slowly spinning. I had left my body burning in fever and I could feel it even here. Even in a dream, I was dying.

Harald snapped his fingers in front of me. "Focus, Aster. Do you remember?"

What was his question again? "Yes," I answered faintly.

"Good. I have your familiar."

My eyes snapped to him. "You stole Bellatrix?"

"Why would you think I stole—" He shook his head. "Never mind. I found her. There's a difference." When my eyes closed tightly against the crippling heat within me, I felt his hands on my shoulders. Shaking me, his voice was firm. "Focus, Aster. We don't have much time."

I swallowed and forced my eyes open. With the little strength I had left, I brushed his hands away. His touch felt like thousands of needles prickling burnt skin.

"I also have something from your sister."

Now, those were the words that really got my attention. "Brie." My eyes were wide as I stared up at him.

He nodded. "She knew she'll be the only one you can trust."

"What are you talking about, Evensen?"

He shook his head and sighed. "You should have gone to sleep early."

"You're making no sense." I pushed at him as I stumbled to the center of my old room.

"This dream's ending. The halos are activating in a while—"

"I understand the reason for the haste, but can you bloody be clear while you're being urgent?" I gritted out.

"This isn't working. Just go to The Dungeon. It's a small shop two blocks away from Good Blood. You'll find Bellatrix there. And I'll also leave something for you."

I scoffed. "You mean more pills."

When he rolled his eyes again, he didn't bother to hide it. "Don't make this difficult."

"Why would I even do what you're telling me to do?"

"Because you're dying as we speak. And because it's part of the plan."

My breath shook. He was right. This wasn't working. I felt like dying and I wanted to take him with me to hell. "You're the last vampire who should be helping me and I'm the last witch you would ever try saving. Who is making you do this?"

He faced me fully, his entire form glowing from the fire outside the window. "You," he answered. He stepped toward me. "I've been working with you. This was our plan."

I frowned, stepping away. "And why would I make plans with you?"

Something crossed his eyes at that moment. Not annoyance or impatience. It was as if my words struck him. He looked upset, even hurt. But one blink and it went away. "We both knew you would not make this easy," he said, talking faster than I could think. "You studied medicine because you wanted to see if you can cut out a heart without making a mess. And by mess you mean throwing up. Is that a good secret or do you want me to tell you about the time you saved a vampire, which you never considered your proudest moment?"

I scowled. "Who told you that?"

"You did, witch," he said with a tiny growl of frustration. "Among other secrets."

"I would never—"

"Your father had a brief affair with a vampire and you've been keeping it a secret your entire life."

My nostrils flared.

"You told me to tell you this while you were sleeping." He relaxed, dropping his shoulders as I continued to stare at him, stunned. "You've been living in my dream for two centuries, Aster."

I opened my mouth, but he disappeared. The next thing I knew, it was the next day.

***

When I woke up, I wasn't feeling any better.

I rolled on the bed, my back cold from sweat. Taking my crux to the bath with me, I submerged myself in the tub from head to foot until my lungs were about to burst. I pushed back onto the surface, gasping for air.

Catching my breath, I let the water cool me down, my crux pressed against my abdomen. I absently stared at the white wall before me.

How did I end up in a dream with Harald Evensen?

Was it really his dream?

Why was it in my old room?

I closed my eyes and tried to recall everything he said while I deliriously stood before him in confusion, perplexed in a realm I should be very familiar with.

He knew things about me I never shared with anyone. He said we had a plan.

Spinett had told me that people outside the border may find a way to get to me for my gift or for the spell of immortality I supposedly performed. What if Harald Evensen was working with someone outside the border? What if he was here for a reason?

What if I was that reason?

Just go to The Dungeon. It's a small shop two blocks away from Good Blood. I'll leave something for you there.

"Damnation," I groaned, running my palms down my face.

Making up my mind, I climbed out of the tub dripping wet, in quiet disbelief. Having spent years hating Harald Evensen since I met him, always trying to outwit each other every chance we got, ruining each other's lives little at a time, I never would have imagined I would someday reward him with a benefit of the doubt two centuries later.

Too much has changed while you were asleep, Aster, and they outweigh the mutual dislike I have towards you. We may have been nemesis years ago, but I tell you now that I'm your only chance in this place and time.

He didn't mean the world, or the England I once knew. Somehow, he meant me and him. Our lives. Something happened while I was sleeping. I may not remember everything, but Harald Evensen did.

I dried myself and picked up a white, tasteless dress. I donned my hair as best I could, pocketed my crux, and stared at my reflection in my repertory. The dark circles under my eyes made me look older. Funny, because it was true. Everyone in this society considered me ancient and powerful, but I felt the opposite. I was still the same wicked yet naïve nineteen-year-old witch. And I didn't think I felt powerful now because every second, I was dying. Add confused and lost. And desperate.

I'd do anything at this point to get another pill. Even if it meant getting it from my old nemesis, who might very well be setting me in a trap like he always did in the past.

***

"Why have I not heard about this place?" Tiff asked.

We all reluctantly stood outside the small shop. There were no windows, no special door. Just a white facade and a neon sign that read The Dungeon.

"The right question is—" Akira turned to me. "Why are we here?"

I smiled. "To get our familiars."

"Familiars?"

My eyes widened at the genuine curiosity on their faces. "You can't be utterly serious." When they just stared at me like clueless pupils waiting for free answers, I shook my head in disbelief. "Guardians? Partners?" They frowned. I scoffed. "Animals!"

Akira blinked. "You mean like the pet cats ancient witches had?"

"Oh," Lexie and Tiff uttered in unison. "Cute," Tiff said with a smile, "But we don't need pets." She looked at Lexie and Akira, and then at me. "We're each other's guardians."

Shaking my head, I let out another scoff. "No, my dears. Familiars are not just pets." Shooting Akira a look, I murmured, "And they're not all cats."

I walked to the door and pushed it open before they could say anything. The moment I stepped inside, I felt the same feeling I had when I walked into Good Blood. The place smelled of actual things that actual people used. No blinding white walls and floors. Just old floorboards and shelves filled with random things. There was a wall dedicated to bottled ingredients, another for books and baskets for poppets and strings.

Almost immediately, my apostles spread across the floor to inspect areas of interest, while I, who had been to similar shops hundreds of times before, found the narrow staircase that led to the second landing. I was immediately greeted by hoots, mewls, barks, hisses, and other sounds.

When my erratic heartbeats gradually calmed down and a warm feeling replaced the fire surging inside me, enveloping me in a familiar embrace, I knew she was here.

Running footsteps came running up the stairs. "Whoa!" Tiff gasped behind me. Wide-eyed, she looked around. From behind, Lexie squeezed herself to the front and came to a stop. "Whoa," she gasped softly.

"It smells in here," Akira said, arriving last.

I just smiled, forgetting the invisible burning in my flesh, focusing on the slight tug coming from the corner of the room.

"How do we pick one?" Tiff asked, bending her knees to peer down at a puppy.

"It calls you," I said, walking slowly, feeling Bellatrix's pull. "Feel it call for you."

"What if it's not here?" I turned to Akira, secretly wanting to claw at the look of indifference on his face.

"You were brought here for a reason," I simply answered. "You were beckoned here." Lexie walked with me, seriously searching. "You'll know when you meet it," I reassured.

"How?"

I shrugged. "For me and Bellatrix, the bond is stronger every time."

"Every time?"

"She has died twice before. A familiar will always find its way back to you and when it does, you'll know. No matter how many lives you both had lived, you'll always find—" I paused as my eyes landed on a cage and settled. The strings grew in number—hundreds of them pulling me forward. "Each other," I finished my sentence, walking toward my familiar. "Bella," I whispered.

"That's your familiar?" Tiff asked behind me.

I nodded, eyes filling with warm tears.

Stopping beside me, Akira frowned.

"Had she always been a fox?" Lexie asked as I pulled the cage open.

I nearly flinched when the red fox opened its yellow eyes. Bloody hell. "No," I answered, smiling with excitement. "She had always been a cat."

"Well," Tiff said, clearing her throat, flinching as Bellatrix stretched and easily jumped down to circle around my legs. "Does it bite?"

I was not honestly sure. Familiars often mirrored the character of their witches, and mine never failed to do so. She might tear at their necks and I wouldn't even be surprised.

"She's fine," I said, bending down to my feet to greet Bellatrix. She sniffed my hair. Nuzzled, enveloping me with more warmth, completely licking away the blistering fire of my fever. "I'm sorry," I whispered, swallowing a lump in my throat. "Have you been waiting too long?"

Lexie was the most curious. She bent, asked, "You can talk to it?"

"Of course." I stood with a satisfied smile as Bellatrix went around, sniffing each of my apostles before returning to my side.

"How do you understand each other?" Lexie asked.

"You'll know once you find your familiar."

"Help us," Tiff eagerly said.

"I'm sure you'll find your familiar." I stopped, brows arched at Akira. "Aren't you searching?"

His eyes went to Bellatrix and my familiar stared right back at him, ears pointed up. "No."

I lifted a shoulder. "Then mayhap your familiar isn't here. I'll meet you all downstairs."

"If you don't intend to get one, help me open this crate," I heard Tiff say to Akira.

"No way in bloody hell. That's an alligator!"

As I descended downstairs, I stopped to stare down at Bellatrix. "You don't have to do it now, Bella. I'm fine. Save your energy for something worse."

Suddenly, the pain and fire resumed inside me and I gritted my teeth. Bellatrix growled. "I said I'm fine," I bit out, resuming my flight downstairs.

A woman behind the counter smiled at me.

Vampire. Of course.

"I'm getting the fox," I said, stepping in front of her as Bellatrix gracefully moved around, sniffing the premises before settling beside my feet. "And I need things for a full moon ritual."

The beautiful woman's red lips stretched into a knowing smile. "Certainly." She disappeared into a door. I could clearly hear my apostles arguing upstairs, their hisses ringing in my ears. The constant fire in my veins seemed to escalate. Too used to it by now, I braced myself for the series of explosions that would shoot to my fingertips. I grimaced when it happened, closed my eyes to catch my breath. "I'm fine," I snapped at Bellatrix. "I said save your energy." She growled, but obeyed.

At that moment, the vampire reappeared with cloth bags. "Your halo's been scanned upon entry. I'll charge everything to you?"

"Yes."

"Perfect." She placed the bags on the counter. "Your ingredients," she said, her vibrant green eyes glued on mine. "And this." I looked down at the golden case she slid across the counter.

The speed it took from the counter to my pocket was enough to tell anyone just how desperate I was. "You're working with Evensen."

"No questions."

I caught her gaze. "It wasn't a question," I murmured under my breath.

She tore her eyes off me and threw my pocket a look. "That's just temporary relief."

"You must know what's happening to me. What do I have? Tell me. Is it a spell?"

"No questions."

My jaw clenched. "Where's Evensen?"

"Who?" the vampire asked, her knowing eyes roaming my face.

Almost at the same time, we both fell quiet. My apostles were coming down. The vampire smiled broadly as Tiff and Lexie approached the counter. Lexie had an owl perched on her shoulder and Tiff was carrying a black cat in her arms.

"I see you've found your familiars," said the vampire. She rolled her eyes. "You don't know how many of your kind come here questioning my products. They're all registered and safe for any use you may find them for—consumption or otherwise."

"Well, I'm keeping her alive. I love her," Tiff said as her cat jumped over her shoulder and on the floor to circle Bellatrix.

"I think we've known each other all our lives," Lexie added, closing her eyes as the owl nuzzled its head against her hair.

"I haven't seen a witch get a familiar since... Well, fifty or so years," she said with a laugh before she turned to me. "You will get everything?"

"Yes."

"And the dog?"

Tiff, Lexie, and I turned to look at Akira. He was standing alone, but not far away was a white dog sitting alert near the door. "No, I'm fine—" Akira started, but I faced the vampire again and said, "Yes, we'll take the dog."

***

When we came home, Tiff and Lexie went off to tend to their familiars. Akira still insisted he didn't need one and left the dog waiting outside his door. I could hear the two ladies discuss names for their familiars and I could not help but smile.

It slowly faded as I caught Bellatrix staring at me with her yellow eyes from the corner of the room, her body directed toward the door. "It's odd, but I've been a little too sensitive of late," I said when I sensed her curiosity. "I can hear through walls, which is quite useful, but the headaches make it bad. The fever started months ago." I tapped my pocket. "But I have something to make everything a tad more tolerable."

Her movement was still as graceful as when she was a cat, and I smiled when she approached. "I missed you, too, my friend," I said as I took out the ingredients from the first bag. "Yes, I agree. We should mind the boy. He's too smart."

Bellatrix veered her eyes toward the second cloth bag. I reached for it and searched the contents. "Why? What's in here?"

My hand caught it before my eyes did. "Bella, do you know about this?" I asked, opening the beaten notebook. I threw her a sharp look. "Of course you do, you nosy thing."

I flipped the cover open, and a chill ran up my spine when I saw the familiar handwriting.

To My Little Sister by Brenna Marie Byrne, 1880.