“You don’t seem to be doing shit about it, so yes, I do.” Scarlett spat as they glared at each other.
“I created this place because Dreammares were being hunted by the nightmares. While the Dreamers disliked us, the nightmares began to seek us out. Ever since this place, they haven’t been able to get hands-on a single one. I’m doing everything I fucking can to keep my people safe.”
“And what about the people out there?” Scarlett pointed out past the Refuge’s wall and her body quivered with indignation. “What about the people out there? The young and injured Dreamer’s left to fend for themselves? They’re being snuffed out by the Dark Realm and you’re just going to stand by and watch it happen?”
Cain didn’t respond.
“Fucking answer me!” Scarlett didn’t care of who heard anymore as she stepped back from Cain. She was going to lay her part down. She was through with all of the bullshit that’s gotten them nowhere but into trouble.
‘To think, they wouldn’t let history repeat itself.’
“We need your help in this war and keeping your mouth shut is what’s going to get everyone killed! If we worked together instead of hiding these damn secrets, we’d have a chance at winning the war headed our way.”
Cain’s shoulders tensed and Scarlett knew he was reaching the end of his rope.
“Stop hiding.” She pushed.
Cain growled through clenched teeth as he jumped into the air and flew away from Scarlett. She wasn’t letting him get away and followed. He flew to the field they used to train on and landed with a force that caught everyone’s attention.
“Stop avoiding it, Cain,” Scarlett shouted as she followed his every move. He’d begun walking towards the wall and if he reached it, she knew she would have failed.
“You’re being selfish! Dreammares wouldn’t have to be in hiding anymore, they’d have a place in Ever Realm.”
“No.” Cain’s refusal thundered throughout the field and grey tendrils spilled from his hands.
Scarlett ground her jaw as her nostrils flared. “So that’s it? You’re going to leave Ever Realm to die? Ruin the chances of Dreammares and Dreamers ever coming together as one? All because you choose to turn your back out of fear?”
Cain stilled as Scarlett bitterly spat the words. He turned around but before he could begin, another voice made him halt.
“Cain.”
Trevor’s deep yet calming voice paused the storming rage between Scarlett and Cain. They looked around and found Liam and Jayden behind Trevor while more and more Dreammares gathered. They heard it all.
“Trevor.” At Cain’s warning, Trevor solemnly shook his head.
“I have been by your side with every decision, but this time, your thinking is not clear.” Trevor stepped forward and glanced at Scarlett. “If we were to aide in this fight, we wouldn’t have to stay hidden anymore. We’d be able to roam freely as we all wished. We will forever be in your debt for what you’ve done for us, but let us take this stand towards what could possibly be a better future.”
Trevor always had a way with words. Scarlett felt her shoulders loosen as she heard he was on her side. The other Dreammares nodded in agreement with Trevor. Scarlett knew Cain felt the pressure, which is why she’d told Jayden from beforehand to spread the word of possibly a new alliance.
Everyone held their breath as they awaited Cain’s response. He swept his gaze before landing on Scarlett. She saw his decision before he said it himself.
“No.”
A stillness settled over the crowd as Cain’s answer registered.
“Feel free to do as you wish, I will not take any part in this.” Cain flew out of the Refuge without another word.
Trevor heavily shook his head and approached Scarlett.
“He’ll come around,” Trevor gave a wide smile. “He’s always been a hard head.”
A hand was placed on Scarlett’s shoulder and she looked over to find Jayden.
“We want to do this,” Jayden declared as she glanced at the other Dreammares.
“Tell us where to go, Ms. Blackdall.”
Scarlett gratefully smiled at Trevor. Cain may not be present, but she got what she needed.
Twenty-Six
Cher and the Officials awaited Scarlett on the edge of Ever Realm.
Scarlett stepped out of the Dark Realm and nodded at her mother as she straightened her shoulders. Trevor followed next and swept his gaze across the Dreamers.
“Where is Cain?” Cher cocked a brow as she met Scarlett’s eyes.
“Cain will not be joining. I’ve gathered the rest of the Dreammares that are willing to help and start anew.”
Nodding, Cher returned her gaze to Trevor. “We are grateful that you’ve chosen to aid us in this war. Times are changing, Dreammares will be welcome to reside in Ever Realm as they please.”
Her voice was a soft yet firm lull and she gracefully tipped her chin to Trevor. He stood loose and his shoulders held no tension. He knew that they needed them more. “As long as our people are not harmed by yours, we will willingly aid and fight by your side.”
“You have my word,” promised Cher.
Trevor tipped his head towards the leader of the Dreamers and with the deal set, the Dreammares stepped out from the Dark Realm.
More or so, two hundred Dreammares stood side by side as one. The Officials let their gaze sweep over them all. As much as they weren’t fond of the alliance, they secretly gripped onto the glimmer of hope that began to shine through. This was life or death and with the Dreammares on their side, their chances of surviving have risen.
“Dreammares, my Officials have made a residence for you to stay in while you’re here. We thought you’d like to settle in together. Before you are introduced to the rest of my people, my Officials will take you to the headquarters where you will be staying.”
Two Officials rose from beside Cher. “Officials Brenda and Grant at your service. If you’ll please, follow us.”
Trevor moved to follow the Officials before he turned his head towards Scarlett. His eyes shone brightly and a smile graced his lips. She knew he was grateful for this opportunity and that the Dreammares needed it. Even if their leader couldn’t see it.
Scarlett returned the expression as the slightest bit of warmth filled her.
The sight of the Dreammares finally out of the dark and in Ever Realm was one they all thought they wouldn’t see.
∞
Scarlett followed her mother back to the Center. Two Officials accompanied them and stayed a couple of feet behind.
Cher got lost in her thoughts and Scarlett knew they were of her father. Her mother lost her partner, husband, and father of her children. With everything moving quickly, nobody had time to properly grieve. They had a war to prepare for.
“The authorized have been rounded up ma’am,” informed one of the Officials.
Cher snapped out of her thoughts and thanked them. She continued forward and sped her walk. Something ugly dropped itself into the pit of Scarlett’s stomach at the thought of one of their own betraying them. She knew her mother felt it too.
They reached the Center and headed inside to their meeting room. A Dreamer approached Cher and handed her a shortlist. Scarlett knew what it was without asking.