Page 46 of Realm of Dreams & Shadows

I laugh, and even though the thing didn’t burn me, I start to pull it off. I’m not a ring person, so Mom’s ring can go back to hanging out around my neck.

Except I can’t get it off.

Tia peers at my finger. “What’s wrong? Is it starting to burn?”

“It’s stuck,” I say, heading to the in-room sink. I soap up my hand, then tug and twist. But the damn thing stays firmly put.

“It’s still not burning you?”

“It feels fine. Except for the not coming off part.”

“We can try coconut oil when we get back.”

“Fine,” I say, less annoyed by the ring than I’d expect. Usually rings bug me—I want to spin them, play with them, and the way they rub between fingers just feels weird to me.

This ring feels right.

And that feels wrong.

“We really should get going,” Tia says, edging toward the door. “You ready to go party at the mysterious frat house that knows your secrets?”

Hell, no. But I don’t say it out loud. Neither do I share my Freaky Ring Thoughts. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I say instead, grabbing my phone and room key. Every instinct is screaming that Whitehall is dangerous. That I should heed that anonymous message. Not to mention Uncle Finn and Chase’s warnings.

But I just shove those pesky thoughts aside. I want what the invitation offered—answers about my dreams. And if that means throwing caution to the wind, then so be it.

Besides, I’ve never before received a highly coveted invitation to a party with a mysterious reputation. If I blow it off, I’ll be kicking my ass tomorrow. I’m sure of it.

I aim a firm look at Tia. “We stick together, right? Like glue. And the second anything feels off⁠—”

“We bail. I know, I know.” Tia leans her head back and mock groans. “You’ve only told me fifty times. Total Final Girl vibes.”

“Exactly,” I say.

She links her arm through mine. “We stick together, we stay alert, we leave if things get weird. Promise.” Her expression softens. “I’ve got your back, Cora. Whatever’s going on with these dreams of yours, we’ll figure it out.”

My heart squeezes a little. I haven’t had many friends in my life, especially after Mom died, but somehow Tia slipped past my defenses without even trying.

“Thank you,” I say, the words inadequate for the emotion behind them.

She grins. “Thank me by having actual fun tonight. Even supernatural mystery-solvers need to party occasionally.”

Whitehall House sits just past the edge of campus, nestled between two ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss. Unlike the weathered stone walls and sweeping arches that dominate the nearby campus, this building is all gables and turrets and ornate trim that looks like petrified lace in the moonlight. The path to the entrance is lined with paper lanterns, their warm glow threading through the trees and turning the whole approach into something that feels less like a college party and more like a scene from a movie with a much bigger budget than my life usually warrants.

Even from outside, I can feel the bass in my chest. Not the tinny thump of a Bluetooth speaker propped on a keg—this is a full band, and a good one, the music rolling out through the open windows along with glimpses of a light show that belongs in a massive concert venue, not a house. Albeit a huge one.

Tia grabs my arm. “Oh my god. They weren’t exaggerating.”

She’s right. And we haven’t even gotten inside yet.

“Ready for this?” she asks, bouncing a bit. Clearly, she’s completely ready.

I draw a breath. “As I’ll ever be,” I say, though I’m starting to wonder how this rock concert of a party can possibly have any connection to my dreams. Worst case, we’ll forever have the stamp of coolness that comes from having attended a Whitehall party.

Best case, we leave in a few hours with an answer or two—plus full tummies and a buzz.

The massive oak door stands partially open, the entryway manned by a tall girl with porcelain skin and jet-black hair worn in a bob. She’s more striking than pretty, but what catches my attention is her outfit—a floor-length dress of deep blue velvet that seems more appropriate for a Victorian séance than a college party.

Then again, considering all the warnings and weirdness…