6

6

Max’s breathing quickened until it turned into ragged gasps. His eyes, once aflame, dimmed back to normal as confusion washed over him. He struggled to steady himself, coughing between shallow breaths.

“What happened?” His voice cracked. “What have I done?”

He saw Jillian, pale and trembling near the wall. Panic flared again. “Did I hurt you?” She didn’t answer, too shaken to speak. Max grabbed Mikan by the shirt, desperation in his eyes. “Did I hurt her?”

“Calm yourself,” Mikan ordered firmly but gently, placing a steadying hand on Max’s arm. “You didn’t hurt anyone. Frightened her, yes but no one was harmed.” Max sagged with relief, his muscles loosening as he slumped against the wall.

Trace, Brie, and the others stepped into the room. Trace turned to Jillian. “Tell me what happened. Max won’t remember anything when he’s under the sentinel effect.”

Jillian took a steadying breath. “I heard the baby fussing, so I came to check on him. Max and I both looked into the crib. Connor started crying then suddenly, he screamed. I’ve never heard fear like that before. Then… poof he changed into his dragon form.” She swallowed hard. “It startled me. I stepped back, took a defensive stance and Max reacted. He threw me across the room before I could blink. After that, everyone rushed in.”

Mikan nodded slowly. “So Max was fine until Connor changed form?”

“Yes,” Jillian confirmed quietly.

Brie’s eyes widened. “Mikan, Connor shouldn’t be able to change form yet.”

“I’m aware, cousin,” Mikan said with a touch of irritation, rubbing his temple. “That’s what worries me. We need to find out what triggered it and fast. We can’t risk Max going into another sentinel episode.”

He moved to the wall console and activated the communications panel. “I’ll contact a few people. I don’t want to leave Max unattended until we know more, especially since the baby’s already back asleep.”

Brie gently laid Connor back into his crib. The tiny infant stirred, but stayed peaceful this time. She turned to Mikan. “Let us know what you find.”

Trace placed an arm around her as they left the room, their sentinels following close behind. Neither of them could shake the unease settling in their chests. They trusted Mikan to get answers but that didn’t make the waiting any easier.

It was still early, so they dressed for the day ahead. By morning, they were in the throne room meeting with a local merchant when Mikan entered. His expression said everything he was not bringing good news.

He motioned for them to finish their business first. Once the room cleared, Trace leaned forward. “How is everyone?”

“There was another episode about twenty minutes ago,” Mikan said flatly. “Max lost control again. I had to sedate him. He'll be out for a few days. Tia’s watching over Connor for now.” He pulled a chair forward and sat facing them.

Brie frowned. “Are you sure Tia won’t be affected, too?”

“She’s not a true sentinel,” Mikan assured her. “She hasn’t taken the oath, she's just a trained caretaker. I’ve spoken with Raje and the medical center director. This isn’t the first child born with an awakened dragon, but it is the first one connected to a sentinel bond this early.”

“So there’s precedent,” Trace said slowly.

“Yes, but Connor’s case is unique,” Mikan continued. “The doctor says the dragon side can be put to sleep it’s a simple procedure. But first we need to confirm whether the transformation itself is what’s triggering Max.”

Brie nodded. “How do we test that?”

Mikan leaned back, his expression darkening. “It happens when Connor dreams. Every time he’s frightened in his sleep, he shifts and so does Max. Since Connor’s already using telepathy and transforming on instinct, I want to know what he’s dreaming about. To do that, we’ll need a dreamer.”

Brie frowned. “A dreamer?”

Trace’s entire demeanor changed, his jaw tightened, and his tone hardened. “And who exactly do you have in mind?”

“Trace, listen,” Mikan began carefully. “We’re talking about a prince. We can’t bring in just any dreamer. The one I’m considering won’t hurt the child.”

“No,” Trace interrupted sharply, standing. “He won’t hurt Connor. He already saved that pleasure for me.”

Mikan sighed heavily as Trace turned and strode out of the room, his anger simmering.

Brie stared after him, confused. “What was that about?”

Mikan rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I’m guessing you’ve never heard of dreamers.” She shook her head.

“They’re similar to us,” Mikan explained. “We use telepathy to read thoughts or memories. Dreamers can enter a person’s dreams and watch or manipulate them. They can see what the dreamer sees, feel what they feel. It’s powerful… and dangerous. They can alter memories, even reality, for the sleeping mind. That’s why they’re rarely trusted.”

Brie looked toward the door where Trace had gone. “He doesn’t trust the dreamer you’re suggesting, does he?”

“No,” Mikan admitted quietly. “And with good reason.”

He paused, then continued. “Do you remember when we stayed at Straider’s home on Alldorne when your dragon first emerged?”

Brie nodded slowly.

“And do you remember when Trent came to observe your training?”

“Yes. I remember attacking him, though I never understood why.”

“Right before you struck, Trace told you Trent was a friend that he wouldn’t hurt you,” Mikan reminded her. “And you said, ‘But he would hurt you.’ Trent is a dreamer. When you went into hiding, Trace protected you. Trent used his power twice forcing Trace’s mind to try to bring you back. The second time nearly killed him. Trace didn’t speak to his father for two hundred years after that.”

Brie’s expression softened. “Trent… his father did this to him?”

Mikan nodded. “Yes. And the dreamer I want to call.”

Silence hung between them for a long moment. “Would it help Connor and Max?” she finally asked.

“I believe so,” Mikan said. “At least it would tell us what’s happening in Connor’s dreams. I don’t care if the boy can shift freely; he's not hurting anyone. But Max can’t go under the sentinel effect every time the child stirs in his sleep. It’s too dangerous.”

Brie stood slowly. “I’ll talk to him. His mental block went up the moment you mentioned a dreamer. He’s reliving something painful.”

Mikan nodded, standing as well. “Tread lightly, cousin. I’ll think of an alternative, but we don’t have much time.”

As he left the throne room, Brie looked at Kyle, who had been silently guarding the door. They exchanged a glance each knowing the same truth. Whatever Trace was remembering… it wasn’t just anger. It was fear.