“My angel,” Rune whispered as his lips lowered to mine.

“That’s a silly name”—I playfully pushed him away before our lips met—“stop using it.”

“No, it’s not,” he huffed and leaned back.

We were lying in soft, sweet-smelling grass by the edge of a waterfall, which roared over the edge of our floating island. It was one of our favorite places in my dream world. I didn’t even know how long I’d been living in my dreams. All I knew was that I’d spent a lot of time wandering through the fantastic lands of my mind before Rune appeared and declared he was there to save me.

I hadn’t even known I’d needed saving. Blissfully unaware, I had wandered, having grand adventures with the myriad of people and creatures populating the numerous worlds I created. I didn’t even know they were my creations until Rune told me I was dreaming. That moment was what convinced me of his validity.

I’d had dreams before in which I realized I was dreaming. Sometimes, I’d be able to alter the dream, but it rarely lasted long after I realized I was sleeping. Inevitably, I would wake myself up.

This time had been different. I had that moment of realization, and then panic had hit. I had a sense that something was very wrong and wanted dearly to wake up. Except I couldn’t.

Rune had helped me through it. He’d been patient and comforting. He’d explained what was happening in the waking world, making sure to tell me that my loved ones were alive and well, though a little older. He wouldn’t tell me just how much older. Rune simply said that I had been asleep for a very long time.

When I asked how we would break the spell, he had smiled and said, “All we need to do is enjoy each other’s company.”

I’d had no idea what he'd meant by that, until the day when he’d confessed his love to me and I had vowed my love in return. Something had shimmered in the air around us, and it had rung out through my dream world like the vibration of a massive bell, except we could see the shivering of it. Movement in the air that spread to include all we could see. I had looked back to him in shock and found him smiling.

“We’ve done it, Seraphine,” Rune whispered.

“Done what?”

“Love was the only thing that could break the spell.” Rune smiled wider. “True love. Which means that we honestly love each other.”

“Of course, we do.” I frowned. “Rune, if the spell is broken, why are we still here?”

“There are just a few more steps, my angel.” He kissed me. “First, will you marry me, Seraphine? Will you be mine?”

“I will.” I smiled, forgetting about the dream world as I looked into Rune’s striking eyes.

“Excellent.” He looked away from me, and I followed his gaze.

We were suddenly standing in an elaborate church. Grand arches swept over our heads, stained-glass windows poured multi-colored light over marble floors, and a satin-robed priest stood before us, smiling softly.

“Are you ready to commit yourselves to each other?” the priest asked.

I blinked from the priest to Rune. “How did you do that? I thought only I could alter this place.”

“It was what you wanted.” Rune shrugged. “I simply urged it along.”

“Are we really doing this? Right now? Without my family?” I knew they were silly questions, but I was in shock.

“We will be married here, then I will return to the waking world and marry you there with your parents in attendance,” Rune explained. “The two ceremonies will create a bond between your mind and body, hopefully breaking the spell. We will soon be together in the flesh, Seraphine.”

“In the flesh,” I whispered.

“But perhaps we could have just the barest preview here first.” Rune grinned.

That had been this morning. Or at least, I thought it was morning. Time had no meaning in my dreams. What did have meaning was our marriage. I had eagerly repeated my vows to Rune, and then we had rushed out of the church together to find a massive crowd of people cheering and throwing rose petals over us. We laughed our way through them to the waiting carriage. The winged horses pulling the carriage immediately trotted away, increasing their speed until their hooves left the earth and we were lifted into the sky.

They’d brought us to our floating island. Rune had made love to me for hours. We lay entwined: gloriously naked and even more gloriously happy.

“I must leave you, sweet angel.” Rune gave me one last kiss.

“Now?”

“Now.” He nodded. “But we will be together soon. You will not be alone for long, I swear it.”

I sighed. “All right.”

“I love you,” Rune whispered as he began to fade.

“Rune?” I clutched at his phantom form. “Rune!” He faded completely, and I was left snatching at empty air. “Rune!”

I sat up in my bed, screaming his name, and soon a pounding came at my door. Chest heaving, I peered around my chambers and realized I was back. I was awake in the real world. Rune had indeed saved me. He’d done everything he’d promised to do.

And I finally remembered his promises.

“Seraphine!” Rune’s voice came from the other side of my bedroom door. “Are you all right?”

“I’m well.” I slipped out of bed and hurried to the door. I threw it open and stared at his beautiful face, hardly believing he was mine. “Rune,” I whispered.

“My angel,” he said with relieved pleasure, “you’ve remembered.”

Then I was in his arms again. He had been right about that too; I hadn’t been alone for long.