Keeper of Dreams: Netherworld, #3

By Christie Rich

Darkness has a way of creeping up on a person … and I'm no exception.

My name is Amelia Blake, and I'm a dreamwalker. I've been fighting a losing battle trying to save Earth from the Erobos, but every time I fall asleep, the super scary, super sexy leader of the Erobos army takes over my dreams. The worst part is he's kind of charming. He seems to think I'm supposed to be his mate, even though Seth and I just sealed the deal. He's after something other than romance. Unfortunately, the only way to find out is to play his dangerous game, but what will it cost me?

I'm so close to finally breaking Seth's curse. I'm pretty sure the clues I need lie in his past yet finding answers amid thousands of years of memories is as hard as it sounds. And I'm running out of time. You see, the Erobos are no longer the only bad guys out there. My father—the one I thought was dead—wants me for his own reasons. The only question is, will one of them capture me before I can find what I'm looking for? If they get me, all bets are off. The Oneioi will fall, and with them any chance of keeping the Erobos at bay.

Keeper of Dreams is an upper Young Adult urban fantasy romance with a kick-ass heroine readers of the Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, and the Shadow Demons Saga by Sarra Cannon will adore. There are mild sexual situations and mild language.

Keeper of Dreams is an upper Young Adult urban fantasy romance with a kick-butt heroine readers of the Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, and the Shadow Demons Saga by Sarra Cannon will adore. There are mild sexual situations and mild language.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christie Rich
• Release date: Aug 28, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393098836

Christie Rich

A professional consultant, Christie Rich has spent the last decade reading and writing sweeping fantasy romance novels in her spare time.  Whether paranormal or epic fantasy, love of reading continues to fuel her imagination. Christie lives with her husband and children in a quiet community in Utah where she enjoys exploring scenic vistas and meeting friendly people.

Book preview

Keeper of Dreams

Keeper of Dreams

Netherworld 3

Christie Rich

Edited by

Chase Nottingham

Illustrated by

Christie Rich

Christie Rich

Keeper of Dreams (formally published as Consumed) Netherworld Book 3

Copyright © 2019 by Christie Rich

Published by Christie Rich

Edited by Chase Nottingham

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Created with Vellum Created with Vellum

Contents

1. 1

Seth

Amelia

2. 2

Amelia

Seth

3. 3

Seth

Amelia

4. 4

Amelia

Seth

5. 5

Seth

Amelia

6. 6

Amelia

Seth

7. 7

Seth

Amelia

8. 8

Amelia

Seth

9. 9

Seth

Amelia

10. 10

Amelia

Seth

11. 11

Seth

Amelia

12. 12

Amelia

Seth

13. 13

Seth

Amelia

14. 14

Amelia

15. 15

Seth

Amelia

16. 16

Amelia

Seth

17. 17

Seth

Amelia

18. 18

Amelia

Seth

19. 19

Seth

Amelia

20. 20

Amelia

Seth

21. 21

Seth

Amelia

22. 22

Amelia

Seth

23. 23

Seth

Amelia

24. 24

Amelia

Seth

25. 25

Seth

1

Amelia

Vertigo slices my concentration, threatening to end this mission before it even starts. I shut my eyes tight and count to three. When they open again, I focus on Seth, who rides the cloud beside mine. For a moment, a smile overtakes me. I’m totally living in a video game, and it rocks.

Before Seth can twist his neck my way, I cover my face with serious and look at the ground. From this height, I shouldn’t be able to see much of anything, but since when have dream worlds made sense?

The occupants of the bustling city go about their business as if Seth and I don’t exist, and I want to keep it that way.

Amelia, says Seth in the tone he reserves for when he’s irritated.

I flash him a grin. Yes?

If you don’t start concentrating, we’re going to attract unwanted attention.

Ugh. Erobos. We don’t have time to deal with them. Not when we’re so close to locating the dreamer. Personally, I want to meet the woman who could come up with this vibrant dreamscape. I just don’t want to have to share it with the dark, soulless creeps who seek to turn Earth into another Eros wasteland. With as many dream worlds as they’ve turned already, it’s not as if they should need any more. Too bad the things can’t seem to get their fill.

I want to pretend they don’t exist, that I don’t have to worry about what they’ll do to my friends—my team. It’s so weird for me to feel attached to people I barely met a few months ago, but they’re pretty much family now. The worst part is the Erobos were once Oneiroi. If you had any doubts, the Oneiroi are the good guys. Seth and his three brothers are all who remain of what was once a vast civilization of dream givers. Oneiroi used to protect our dreams every night, until they opened a world infested with Eros. I still don’t quite get what they are, but supposedly the primordial god whose name they bear was cursed because he was a cheater, and as a result, he split into a gazillion pieces, which unfortunately are trying to find a way to merge at the cost of ruined worlds and forgotten lives.

Seems causing an apocalypse is the risk of cursing an immortal god. What was Psyche thinking? If I allow myself to consider what Eros did, I totally get it. He was supposed to be completely in love with her—she was his wife, after all, but he had a wandering eye and blew it. I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same if Seth ever betrayed me.

Seth sends a guarded look my way, so I concentrate, toning down the colors in my mind, not to mention my thoughts. It hadn’t taken me long to realize much of my ability in the dreamscape lay in my imagination. If I can think it, it will be. Since Erobos are attracted to vibrant life, it isn’t too hard to connect the energy difference between a sepia world and one brimming with high definition like this.

I think she’s close, I say, searching for a link to her thoughts.

You’re sure it’s a woman? Seth asks, his tone skeptical.

I frown. Yeah, I should know the difference.

He leans past the edge of his cloud and peers at the land below. The hustle and bustle of the inhabitants makes me dizzy when I follow his lead, even though our ride is quite leisurely. Something’s not right.

Not once since coming here have I felt the oppression the Erobos bring at first contact. It only gets worse from there. I have no idea what he’s talking about. Everything appears fine to me. What do you mean?

He continues to scan the city, not answering right away. At last, he says, Not sure yet. Give me a minute.

I won’t pretend I know even a smidgen as much as he does about the strange workings of a dreamscape. I might be a tad better at finding wayward or hiding dreamers, but he could be holding back to make me feel okay about my progress.

While he’s trying to name his unease, I set out to locate the dreamer. I’m absolutely certain it’s a girl. The colors have more shades than a dude’s world would have, and there’s the slight hint of a feminine touch in the swirling designs in the architecture. It’s a bit cartoonish, but it’s awesome at the same time. People wear clothes with huge white piping and big patterns like polka-dots and psychedelic spirals. The shoes are exaggerated, as are the hats and hairdos. I fully expect to see a chocolate waterfall and a river of caramel, but there’s a pristine lake filled with fish and wriggly things.

Seth’s cloud floats closer until it combines with mine. His nearness causes my heart to race, so I control my breathing like he taught me. He’s too scrumptious to ignore, and I can’t help how he affects me. Since I let myself admit I love him, I’ve lost control of my senses whenever he’s around. It’s something I’m working through.

He flashes white teeth at me as his arm slides around my shoulder. Warm breath tickles my ear before he speaks. Have you found her yet?

I close my eyes, resisting the urge to press my lips to his. Even if we weren’t on a mission, I wouldn’t exactly trust making love on a cloud. I clear my throat and find his rich blue eyes watching me. How can I melt from one look? I scan the lake, trying to make out the creatures. I think she’s under water.

Seth stays near and takes a gander. His gaze cuts to mine as he gives a secretive smile. I agree.

My heart fills with pride until my legs twitch to spring into a victory dance, but I keep my jubilation to a smirk. He chuckles, pulling wind-whipped hair from my face. Admit it. I’m awesome.

With thinned lips, he stares as if I’m ridiculous. Maybe I am, but I like learning, and I want to make sure I can take care of myself in this place. No matter how innocent it looks, things can change between breaths. He’s not exactly humble, so when he gives me the silent treatment, self-conscious thoughts bombard me. The truth is I need his reassurance. I don’t know when or if I’ll ever be ready to lead a mission of my own, and it’s a must if I’m going to get the rest of the key.

Seth and I are locked in his realm until I can recover the pieces of a key to his front door. Like Eros, Seth was cursed by a woman. She totally betrayed him and every Oneiroi. Seth thought he loved her, and he trusted her. Too bad she’d hooked her wagon to Volos before Peter found her. The brothers fought over Rhea, but neither of them could have ever had her. She was tainted, then consumed with the darkness.

I’ve had enough of the effects of Eros to last an eternity. Sure, the slightest touch from the spidery wraiths brings inexplicable bliss, but it never lasts. The pleasure comes with inexpressible pain, too.

When I glance at Seth again, he flinches. I touch his face. I love you. It’s worth the risk.

Seth

Amelia fills my heart with hope. Her thoughts mingle with mine. She hasn’t developed the ability to communicate by thought, but I’m hopeful she will soon. She was the one who found this world in the first place. I never knew it existed, even though it was part of my jurisdiction. How many dreamscapes have I overlooked? How many are beyond my detection? How far into the pit have I sunk?

Not wanting to sink further, I reach for her until she is nestled within my arms with her face mere inches away. I love you, too, I say before my lips press against hers. At the parting of her lips, I move away. I can’t let myself lose control in this environment, but it would be heaven to have some free time to get lost with her. If it weren’t for the dangers, I would. Any luck? I ask after composing myself.

She scrunches her nose and shakes her head. Her dark hair tickles my cheek until I lift my fingers to scratch. Deep green eyes survey mine, and for a moment, I wonder if she’s keeping something from me. Forget the dreamer. What’s wrong?

Should I tell her I might have lost my capacity to discover awakening worlds? Amelia doesn’t know a thing about them, yet. When I release her, she faces me fully. Concern is clear in her expression. I want to quiet her fears, but she should be aware of my faults. There may come a time when she is the only thing stopping me from delving into insanity — or worse, converting.

My fingers trace her hairline, and she closes her eyes, leaning into my touch. Not long ago, I thought I’d lost her. My heart swells merely thinking about the possibilities with her in my life. Suddenly, the idea of keeping anything from her feels wrong. It’s time to give her the truth about my slipping abilities. What prompted you to take the portal here? I hadn’t noticed it.

She straightens. Was it a mistake?

Wishing she wouldn’t doubt herself, I shake my head. I didn’t sense it.

A deep frown carves her features, making me want to smooth the lines away. Are you serious? I nod, letting her develop her own conclusions. But it was blaring. The heat coming off it alone was crazy.

I swallow and close my eyes. Things are worse than I thought. Not wanting the distraction of her nearness, I lean back. "The short of it is I don’t know how much ability I’ve lost. We can discuss specifics later. Right now, we need to focus on finding this dreamer and leaving. The longer we are in her world, the more at risk she is.

Amelia nods. So … do you want to go first, or shall I?

I glance at the calm surface of sparkling water. Together? I ask. She grins and takes my hand. "On three —"

Laughing, she pulls me over the edge. Our freefall is anything but graceful. The water rushes toward us at a breakneck speed, and I brace for impact. Amelia lets go, tucks hard, then straightens into a dive. Show off.

Immediately, sea beasts swarm me in a lattice of tentacles and sharp teeth, stinging and biting. I don’t care about myself. I’ll heal. It’s Amelia I’m worried for. I catch a glimpse of her red shirt and her dark hair before she pulls me into her arms. Even though breathing water is possible, it still hurts. Amelia seems to have no problem. I remind myself she is only partially here, but she still amazes me.

The creatures dart away, leaving us alone in the vast blue. Amelia smiles, then motions toward an outcropping of rock. She keeps hold of my hand as we swim. If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought she sprouted fins. Her movements glide, while mine lumber. I’m an adequate swimmer, but I do not do it with the grace she possesses. My fingers glide along something slippery on her arm. She’s wearing a wet-suit. Why didn’t I think of it? Before I can set about shifting my uniform, she does it for me. My movements are still clumsy, but I can go faster.

We reach the rocks quicker than should be possible in the thick liquid. It’s more the consistency of soup than water, but nothing is ever as it seems within the Dreamscape. Amelia grasps the stone, stopping our momentum. I frown and look to her, but she’s already pointing. I didn’t notice the lights before. They aren’t exactly hidden. If I don’t compose myself soon, I’ll ruin any chance we have of making contact with the dreamer. Since she is our priority, it’s imperative for me to be on my top game.

Inching around the barrier, we view a large dome. The exterior is some sort of shimmery material usually reserved for the interior of a shell. It both exudes and reflects light, which makes for a great camouflage at this depth. If not for the shadow of the rocks, we might have missed the structure completely. Well, I might have missed it. I have a feeling Amelia is working off instinct more than visual cues.

Since this mission is worthless without contacting the dreamer, we have to find a way into the dome. The trouble is she is likely to have better security inside than the periphery. My skin still stings from the previous attack. We circle the building once, and there is no hint of an opening. The dreamer is well concealed within. I can feel her emotions, but I have no way to judge their strength at the moment.

Amelia squeezes my fingers and dives. I kick to follow, aware she no longer holds my hand. The water charges with anticipation, or perhaps it’s me. When I glance over my shoulder, dark shapes take form into those slippery-scaled beasts. I reach for Amelia and take hold of her upper arm. She twists, giving me a glare until her eyes widen at something behind me. Her jaw tightens, and she twists to the structure again. As much as I want to meet the woman who created the things — half jelly-fish, half shark — I would rather keep Amelia safe.

A tentacle attaches to my arm, sending sharp stings throughout my entire body. Electrical shocks follow, and my vision spins. I blink to bring the world into focus. Before I could make sense of anything, I am yanked toward the lake bottom. My body tumbles forward only to land on a hard surface. I cough up water, spitting it to the side and taking in deep breaths.

Amelia’s face, dripping wet, comes into view. Concern narrows her eyes and tightens her lips. I give a smile, still attempting to catch my breath. She slaps my shoulder. Those things did not like you.

I nod. I noticed.

Two thin lines form between her eyebrows. Why do you think they didn’t attack me?

I shake my head, thoroughly confused. There is no reasonable explanation, so I offer the absurd. Perhaps it’s because you’re female.

Her lips twist into a smirk. Yeah, and maybe it’s because I have green eyes, and yours are blue.

I have no strength to banter, so I offer a weak smile, hoping the throbbing in my head will fade soon. Finally, my mind clears enough to take in the surroundings. A soft scent of spice wafts past. The opaque dome behind us shimmers as if lit from the outside, yet no light penetrates this deep so the source is internal. The glow is enough to reveal a refrigerator and stove. A small table with two chairs rests a couple yards to my left. The space might be small, but it has a cozy feel. Not so for the cold tile under my back.

If not for Amelia’s energy, I would most likely be lying here for hours recovering. As it is, the blisters on my skin flatten, then resolve completely. The burning eases, and my breathing steadies.

As I stare at Amelia, I realize something: her energy is not the only one available. The combination of strength from her and this dreamer provides enough juice to heal me instantly.

With minimal effort, I stand, pulling Amelia to her feet. I can’t be sure from this distance, but my instincts scream the impossible.

Amelia shakes out her hair, then looks toward a corridor to the right. Her stance shifts as if to leave, but I hold her steady. Wait, I say, still trying to process thoughts so jumbled it takes longer than I intended, and Amelia huffs.

She cocks her head. What? I thought we came here to find the dreamer. She glances around. She’s obviously not in here.

I nod. Amelia, I think she’s sibylline.

Amelia

Sibylline? My heart stutters. All dreamers are important to our cause, but recruiting another dream wielder would do wonders. I look to Seth, leveling my gaze to his. Are you sure?

Her energy holds much light.

I smile, hope flooding my body with each thought. We could totally use some more help. I yank from Seth’s grasp and plod down the hallway. There are no doors to speak of along the long blank space, but I don’t let the similarities between Seth’s corridor to nowhere and the simple one ahead. At the end rests a staircase which spirals like a conch shell. Shimmering blue and green tiles line the walls, while the treads are deep mahogany. I grasp the ornate railing and step up. A drive I haven’t known before spurs me up and up until I get dizzy from the spinning. Seth calls for me to slow my furious pace, but I can’t.

Before he can reach me, I reach the top and plow into a bright room. Sultry music rumbles, while a woman sways to the rhythm. Suddenly, I don’t know how to approach her, and the awkwardness of the moment clobbers me over the head. I’m so stupid sometimes. Why don’t I think before I rush?

She whirls, her red hair fanning out in a wispy curtain. Her green eyes find mine, and her mouth drops. We stare.

Seth lumbers into the room huffing. The woman’s pale hand covers her lips before her eyes widen. Her terror rushes at me, and I gasp. I hold out my palm. It’s okay. We’re friends. Taking a step back, she looks as if for an escape. Unless a trapdoor opens to swallow her, the only way out is behind me blocked by my beefy mate. The look on her face takes me back to the night Seth came for me. I couldn’t allow her to freak out. Not when we were so close to making contact. I turn to Seth. Give us some space.

I don’t wait to address her again, but when I face her, she’s slipping behind a panel in the wall. Right. Nothing here is ever easy. I rush forward, but the wall seals before I can stop it. I bang my hand against the barrier, then fist it into my hair. Seth! I call.

He’s behind me before I can look for him. Rigid fingers clamp onto my shoulders and spin me to face him. Where did she go?

How should I know? The wall had an opening, and now it doesn’t.

He closes his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. We have to find her before she wakes.

What a disaster. She wouldn’t even talk. And I’d used the F word. I should have known better. No girl wants to be my friend. Seth should have handled it. I don’t know what I’m doing. I shake my head. I didn’t have time for doubt. We need a solution, and I’m the most likely catalyst.

Fingers curled, I reach for the wall, trying to control my breathing. Panicking isn’t an option. I focus. The cool wall prickles my fingers as if made of peroxide. I’d altered other dreamer’s worlds. This is no different. I hope.

I search for the dreamer’s energy, not allowing myself to get too bogged down with details of her location. Much in the Dreamscape shifts with thought or desire. It has little to do with reality or the way things work in the physical world. Since my desire is to see the dreamer, I focus on her, wishing the wall to dissolve and uncover the slippery sleeper.

Seth’s breath puffs against my hair in a rapid beat similar to my pulse. I close my eyes, knowing when I open them, she’ll be there. And she is.

She frowns, then darts for the wall again, but Seth is too fast for her. I’m grateful he has it under control because every time I alter a world, it drains me.

Seth grabs her arm, holding her in place. Please calm yourself. We aren’t going to hurt you.

Her stiff stance could mean fear or rebellion. The last thing I want is for her to close down her world. It’s hard to escape one when the world crashes from sudden disconnection. I’m really going to have to ask Seth what happens if we don’t escape, but now is not the time. Her lips thin, and she says, Take your meat hooks off my arm. You don’t belong here, and you need to leave.

Something about her body language screams contempt, but she shouldn’t see us as a threat. Oneiroi energy vibrates at a high frequency, similar to humans, unlike Erobos, which are looking for a constant boost. If only we could sever them completely from the Dreamscape at once. The Eros inside them would have no fuel and would have to seek other sources. Thought for a later time.

Seth drops her arm, but he doesn’t back up. Not too comforting, if you ask me. Too bad he isn’t. He’s on serious mode, so I try to be the reasonable one. Please. We only want to talk to you.

She crosses her arms. Why?

In one word, I’m aware she’s no ordinary dreamer. Seth was right. She is Sibylline, and she knows it. But how to get her to reveal her secrets? Your world is unique. We hoped you could help us with a problem we’re having.

A dark smile sweeps her lips. I have my own problems. I don’t need yours, too.

My brows lift as I smirk. Then, maybe we could help you with yours.

She frowned. Are you offering?

I shrug, picking at a nail. Sure. Why not?

Her head tilts toward the ceiling. I shouldn’t.

Seth finally speaks. Why?

She scoffs. Because I realize what you are and what you bring once you enter a world.

Seth’s eyes narrow, and his voice rushes in a threatening whisper. How do you know such a thing?

If I don’t defuse the situation, someone will blow. I’m not sure what’s happening to Seth, but the anger inside him threatens to swirl in my veins. Our connection allows me a small glimpse into his state of mind. It’s not pleasant. Maybe you should give her some room, I say.

What? So she can slip through our fingers? He glances at her with eyes set to murder.

Seth, I said back away.

The woman looks at me. Who are you? I know his kind, but you’re different.

I swallow. The answer to her question will take hours. I settle for simple. I’m not really sure, but I’m trying to help Seth stop the darkness from spreading. We’re recruiting others with the ability, and you seem pretty capable. So what do you say?

A laugh bursts from her, followed by a large smile. Blunt. I like it. Her expression soon shifts, carrying a hint of sadness. I’m sorry, but I can’t. Like I said, you need to leave. I don’t want to make you.

Why can’t you? I ask before Seth can yell at her. I’ve never seen him react to someone like he is, and it’s freaking me out.

She shakes her head. Look. I’m not supposed to even be talking to you. I feel bad for your situation, but certain events can’t be stopped. Prolonging the inevitable will only create more pain and destruction.

Not sure what to say, I bite my lip. You could at least give us an idea of who you are. We know you’re Sibylline.

Quick as a dart, her tongue wets her lips. She presses them together and takes a deep breath. Is that so?

My foot taps against gray tiles. Yep.

She rubs her cheek, shaking her head. Very well. Come with me.

2

Seth

The idea another Sibylline has been found shoves my thoughts to one course. Even though Amelia might not be completely Sibylline, she's got enough of it to count. I watch the two women in front of me walk. Each has a stride more suited to an assassin than a dream wielder. They both glide with grace, and they both can pin me with a single look.

Once, Oneiroi used the seers as catalysts to acquire more worlds. The dimensions of universe and time meant nothing in an existence of impossible possibility. The Netherworld was a place of beauty. Anything imaginable was had for the taking. It's hard to recall Oneiroi beginnings. With a life stretching from eternity to eternity, memory fades in cycles best left forgotten. I wish I could harken back the origins of Sibylline. I wish I could recall my own beginnings. Vague recollections swirl my thoughts, teasing. Frustration wells. How can I protect my people if I can't remember our mission?

We were called to protect Earth from the start, and much has changed since. The more we access worlds, the greater the pull of the Netherworld. I'm beginning to think our fate was decided long ago by wayward gods looking for entertainment. The reality of magic has never changed. Only the realm of use. How could the legend of Eros be true? How can it not? Could a primordial being be cursed? If so, how?

My boots clop against the stone tiles filling the hall. The sound echoes, creating a rhythm which mingles with the clicks of the dreamer's and Amelia's shoes. Fresh worries for Amelia's safety hasten my step until I'm a breath away.

She turns, frowning, her eyes widening. Back off, she mouths. When the dreamer looks to me, I give what I hope is a friendly smile. She frowns, too. I slow to give them room, but I remain close.

The dreamer leads us to a circular room. The glowing dome has been opaque in other parts of her domain, but here, it is translucent. Shards of light cut the water, creating flashes. For a moment, I expect to hear thunder, but the only sound I can make out is my own breathing.

Amelia tips her chin until her shoulders stop the movement. She spins, her eyes taking in the scene. I do the same, attempting to be as inconspicuous as possible.

In the center of the room, a sunken seating area waits with overstuffed cushions to rest a weary back. A small table is situated in the center, which seems to serve no purpose other than to hold the single column that stretches to the apex of the dome. Potted plants in exotic varieties litter the perimeter, making the room blend with the scenery outside.

As much as I want to know the reasons behind her world choices, I'd much prefer to learn her name. When she motions for the seating area, I quickly sit. Amelia scrunches her brows as if in a scold when she joins me. I offer a sheepish smile, but she's already moved on. I'm sorry if we scared you. I'm Amelia. She points to me. This is Seth.

The dreamer lowers to the cushions catercorner to