Chapter 55: We Are Bonded

"A nightmare?" His voice was laced with sympathy.

"Yes, maybe," she confirmed. "I dreamt of the place where I usually go to meet with my Lady Goddess."

He nodded, acknowledging that dreams conjured by the divine were likely different than the ones mere mortals have. "Go on," he prodded.

"I was there in the dream for eighteen years, before I woke up here with you." As she said this, Tuzi leaned back in his arms so she could gaze upon his handsome face. She touched his chin lightly with her finger tips. He couldn't help it, but rubbed his face intentionally against her hands, finally drawing a slight smile from her. Her shivering calmed down a bit.

"I'm glad you woke up here with me," he said with tenderness.

"I am glad I woke up here with you too," she returned softly, mutually acknowledging his feelings.