The last time it happened, I fell asleep because of the halo's spell. This time, I was wide awake. Not at all pleasant. I couldn't talk, couldn't move. Could even barely move my eyes. I heard and saw everything as I fell on the floor, and the room tilted.

Then I saw Mertha. I almost forgot about her.

She was on her knees, arms wide and stiff. If I could smile, I would have done it. Whatever she was doing, she was struggling. Nalani must have caused enough damage to the Fog, because then Mertha shouted for everyone to leave when one of her apostles tried to approach her.

My last glimpse was the fear and panic in her eyes as she tried to control her little pets from escaping. At least we'd be safe from the Fog for now, I thought as someone carried me out of the building, threw me into a vehicle, and covered my head.

My only relief was when someone shouted that Bellatrix had escaped and Brenna said, "Forget the fox and move along. We'll take care of it if it comes back."

Whatever the venom was, it was quite strong. I couldn't use my gift. I couldn't even summon myself to sleep. It kept me awake and immobile. There was total silence in the vehicle. No one spoke a word, but I knew one of my apostles was traveling with me. Tiff. The smell of her potions was in the air.

I wish they talked about Nalani. I didn't know where they had taken her. Even Alistair was gone. The bastard was nowhere in sight earlier, which meant he was our only chance of escape.

The journey didn't take long. The vehicle eventually stopped, and I was pulled out, carried over someone's shoulder, and then dropped again like a heavy sack of grain. When they finally took off the head cover, I instantly knew where we were.

The train.

My arms were strapped to a narrow bed. They made another line in my vein. Akiko silently and swiftly ran a clear fluid through it. Brenna stood at the foot of the bed, arms folded as she watched Spinett and Akiko work. When she realized I was staring, she offered a small smile.

"It's not your fault, Aster," she said. "You've been too naïve since you woke up. They fooled you into believing that your sister is alive and that she's waiting for you outside. That's far from the truth." She watched Akiko push something into the IV line before her eyes returned to mine. "And it's not your fault you're a vampire."

"We had suspected it for quite some time," Spinett said. "I guess we were too hopeful about your immortality spell that we've neglected the signs."

"But the signs weren't all there," Brenna explained. "Your results had always been a little odd. Nothing pointed to you being a vampire until Akiko did her own study in secret."

"Which led us to believe that someone had been accessing our facility to manipulate your results," Spinett added.

"It's over now," said Brenna. "We got you just in time. Once we reach Genesis, I'll be on your side. I'll fight for you. Vampires are not new to our society. If you can prove your innocence and give us the names of the people who manipulated you into doing this, I'm sure the Council will be very lenient. However, I don't think you can remain as an Astral." She stepped back with a reassuring smile. "Once you're able, we'll talk again."

***

"Will it be sufficient?" Spinett asked Akiko as she pushed another dose of clear fluid through my veins.

Akiko did not answer immediately. She finished what she was doing and stared at me for a long time, her face completely bare of emotions. Nothing I had ever seen from her before. She must think that I was now friends with the vampires who killed her parents.

"It will weaken her long enough until we reach Genesis."

"But if she falls asleep—"

"She won't be strong enough to summon anyone."

They fell silent. Akiko couldn't take her eyes off me, and Spinett's gaze jumped back and forth between me and his colleague. "You don't feel she deserves a chance, do you?"

The woman simply turned away. "I have no right to an opinion."

"I'm not asking about your opinion. I'm asking about what you feel, darling."

Akiko stared at Spinett with a frown. "She put a spell on my brother. She committed a series of crimes with the monsters who killed our parents. How do I feel about it you ask? I feel like bursting into flames. I feel like a trapped bird staring at the open door of a birdcage, but I couldn't do anything because my wings were clipped off. I feel like giving her more vials than I should." When she stopped talking, she was breathless.

Spinett walked toward her and held her hands. "The Saint Society listens to everyone. They will hear your concerns—"

"No one listens to Elementals, Spinett," Akiko hissed. "And you know that."

"No, we are all equal—"

"We are not. I know you know that." She pushed Spinett away. "But I'm not an idiot. I know I'm on the right side." She walked to the door of the small room. "Please lock the door. I'll see you later."

Spinett stared at me for a while. He offered a small smile, but his eyes were cold. "I know you can hear me, so listen carefully." He walked closer and leaned lower so he could whisper in my ear. "I will make sure you get what you deserve. Whatever it takes, you'll never be free again. The first thing I'll do is update your halo. And like all other Archaics, you'll be trapped in Genesis City."

Even if I could speak, I didn't have anything to say to Spinett. I had heard enough threats in my life, but I had to admit I was a little worried. I had a few more hours until the venom's effect wore off. We'd be halfway to Genesis City by then. Whatever Akiko had been giving me, it was crippling my vampire strength. The fever was coming back, too. The pain in my throat already getting worse.

Akiko was right. I would not have the strength to summon anyone.

But I only had to sleep.

And hope that help would be waiting there.

***

I fell into a heap on the floor.

For what seemed like an eternity, I was alone. I could hear the fire crackling, but everything else was still. Evensen wasn't there.

Fear struck me. What if they caught him? What if they connected him to all this?

My breathing was shallow, and I felt my eyes closing in on me. This had never happened to me before. I wondered then what would happen if I slept in my dream. But this seemed to be a different dream. One I barely had control of.

Then I remembered. This wasn't my dream in the first place. I created nothing in here.

This was his dream, and for some reason, I invaded it. Lived in it for two centuries. Walked away from it. But always, I'd come back here.

It was silly to think about it now. It didn't matter why this dream held on to me. I was dying.

I tried to get up, but couldn't. Akiko did a good job with those vials. I was burning like the ballroom downstairs. Invisible fire was eating at my flesh. My veins were dry, my throat was in excruciating pain.

It might be the fever, but I saw fire creeping through the gaps on the floor. Black fire. No... Shadows. And they slipped through, moving fluidly toward me.

With the little strength left in me, I reached for it. Might be a stupid move, but who knew? I was desperate to hold on to something. Anything.

But then, suddenly... swiftly... I was pulled away from it. Arms scoop me off the ground and carried me to the bed. In a haze, I saw the shadows retreat at his presence. As if afraid. As if cast away.

Still in a daze, I smiled. Or I thought I smiled. A funny thought just came to me.

Hands cupped my face, long fingers cradled my head. "Aster."

He looked like a dream, and maybe he was. Maybe he wasn't here, and he was just my dream.

"Evensen. I feel like dreaming." I wasn't even sure if he heard me. "Dreaming in a dream." My laughter came out dry and silent. "Funny, ain't it?"

But he wasn't laughing with me. His jaw was tight, his gaze severe. "You're burning." With one arm, he pulled me off the mattress, guiding me to sit. I fell forward into his chest, limp and burning. He cursed as his free hand unbuttoned his shirt. "Feed," his voice ordered, his hand tilting my chin up toward his neck. "God damn it, Aster. Feed."

My nostrils flared at his scent. The veins in my neck throbbed, my heart thrummed faster. As if breathing him in was enough sustenance.

I felt his hand under my chin, felt his thumb guide my jaw open. The feel of my fangs slicing into his flesh made me open my eyes, my mind slowly realizing he was real. Suddenly, I gained the strength to cling to him as desperation and hunger kicked in. I wrapped my arm over his shoulder, tugged at his hair as my fangs retracted and warm blood flowed into my mouth. My cheeks hollowed in my hunger, my heart beating anew as his blood eased the blazing fire in my veins.

There was a moment of clarity. I could hear nothing but my ragged breaths, but I felt more. Not just my frantic heart or the slow, soft hum that calmed the sizzling fever. I felt warmth wrapped around my shoulder; hand digging into my waist before relaxing to soothe my side.

My hold relaxed.

"Close it."

I blinked, my mind clearing, but not enough to understand what he meant.

"Never mind," he murmured, licking his thumb before running it over the punctured skin. They closed, and blood stopped flowing. My eyes stayed on the trail of dark liquid that trailed over his clavicle. I lifted my head to search his eyes. His arm loosened around me, but he did not move away. He let me rest my forehead on the same spot where I fed. "Are you on the train?" he asked.

I nodded. "Did Alistair—"

He moved away and stood, hands on his hips, the top of his shirt open and stained with blood. The way he looked at me, I knew he was aware of what happened and he already made plans. Selfish as it may, it felt good. Someone else was out there looking out for me.

"What do I do?"

He didn't answer right away. His eyes wandered on my face, as if every inch was some problem he had to fix. "There's still time before the halo's spell. Everyone on the train will fall asleep, and the train will be on full autopilot. Alistair and his men will take the opportunity."

I frowned at the look on his face. "But?"

"The problem is time. Alistair is too far behind. By our estimation, he'll be able to reach the train half an hour before the halo's spell ends."

My shoulders dropped. "Not very convenient."

"He won't be able to take you, Nalani, and Katz out of the train in time. And even if he could, you wouldn't be able to go far. He doesn't have enough men, and that train is full of Bishops."

I cursed under my breath.

"So, this is what's going to happen." He bent to look into my eyes. "Alistair will hide you, Nalani, and Katz in one cabin. When you wake up, tell Katz to use his spell and create an illusion of an empty room. By this time, Alistair and his men will lead most of the Bishops away from the train."

"And we'll make our escape toward the nearest border."

He bent lower, eyes boring into mine. "Whatever happens, and if anything goes wrong, you save yourself first. Leave anyone who may be a burden behind." When I hesitated, he smiled. "You're selfish enough to understand, yeah?" I just stared at him. I couldn't tell him I knew why he couldn't go with us. But I still wanted to ask why he thought I was fine leaving behind everyone else, including him. "Don't look back, my lady. You just go."

"But the border—"

"Katz will have no choice but to come along. He has no future here." He straightened to full height. "Any border is better than what you'll face in Genesis." When I remained silent, he sighed. "This is the only way it can work. You're as good as dead if you reach Genesis."

Spinett's words echoed in my head.

I will make sure you get what you deserve. Whatever it takes, you'll never be free again.

I swallowed. "I know."