V

Rosalie

It had not been a difficult task getting Estelle and Henry Byron to except their summons to court. Luckily enough, the castle was in full swing of getting ready for the mid-summer celebrations. And I am sure, if nothing else, the Byron’s took the invite as them being the VIP guests of the event.

As Alex had pointed out, Estelle had never actually been dismissed from my service as a ladies-maid, and as much as I disliked the idea of her being anywhere near me, let alone wait on me, it left an ideal opportunity to try and glean some more information out of her regarding the Tenebris matter.

But any hope of this soon seemed to vanish when she failed to attend on me at all through the day. The few moments during the day that I caught a glimpse of the statuesque blonde, she disappeared going out of her way to avoid me.

“Somethings never change.” A dear voice spoke from behind me.

Turning from my position by the window, I look towards my friend Lucille seated by the unlit fireplace, with her feet up on a pouffe, and a book spread across her lap. We had spent the morning in the walled gardens cutting flowers ready for the mid-summers ball that evening. And by now we were both in dire need of a rest. However, I found myself restless. Itching to be on my feet and moving about.  

“Humm?” I questioned.

“Estelle never was any good at waiting on anyone else other than herself. She thought herself too high and mighty for all of that. I expect she has only gotten a bigger head in the last eight years.”

“Unfortunately, her head seems to be as it ever was.” I sigh, looking back out across the greenery before me.

“Is that what is bothering you?” Lucille asked casually. “That Alex might still prefer Estelle over you?” She let out a soft laugh as she spoke.

“No of course not. I just feel… uneasy when she is about.”

“She won’t be here for long Rosalie. Only until you figure out the meaning of these dreams. And then Alex will send her away once more…”

Lucille did not have a chance to finish what she was saying, because at that moment, as if she knew that she was being spoken about, the Germanic witch breezed in the room offering the smallest bow she could.

“Your majesty.” She purred.

“Estelle. You grace us with your presence… finally.” Try as I might, I couldn’t keep the peevish annoyance from my voice as I acknowledged her arrival.

“Apologies, majesty. I have been busy getting settled into our accommodation.” Estelle had the grace to at least look contrite as she spoke. The grim set of her jaw, and downcast look to the floor suggested she had no wish to be here at all. Which was duly confirmed as she added, “We had not expected to be staying at Castle Black for rest of the summer season madame.”

“No, I am aware that you extended visit has come as some surprise. However, I am sure you can understand why we have requested it, Estelle.”

For a moment Estelle looked panicked. The sight made me feel more than uncomfortable, knowing that she was never usually shaken or worried about anything. The witch was far too sure of her own power and good looks to ever feel worried about anything in her life.

“I beg you, madame, I do know anything about your request. I do not see how I can help you further.”

With this, Lucille placed her book down on a side table with a small bang, making Estelle jump on the spot.

“I can see that is not true Estelle.” I paused, hoping for some reaction, but all I got was a slight flinch as if my words had somehow hit her squarely to the face. “At the very least, can you tell me why the demon scares you so very much?”

“You do not understand what you ask of me madame.”

“No,” I reply dryly, “I do not. And that is because I know nothing of the beast, yet I wish to know more so I perhaps can understand.”

“Merely mentioning his name…” Estelle’s breathing came fast, as if she were on the verge of a panic attack, “It is all but a curse.”

I watch the witch struggle over her words. The way she stood wringing her hands in discomfort and staring towards the floor. Tenebris had truly scared her. And I was more adamant than ever to find out why.

There was only one way that I thought would be possible to loosen her tongue. And that was by playing on her conscience. Surely she would not condemn an innocent life?

“It is not for our own selfishness that we ask you for the information Estelle. Perhaps you will allow me to explain before you outright refuse?” I gesture to a chair opposite myself and Lucille for her to sit at. Which she shuffles over to begrudgingly, sitting on the edge ready to spring up and race to door should she have to.

“I am sure that you are aware by now that I am once again with child?”

As if she could look any more retched, but in this moment, somehow she managed to achieve just that.

“You already know my story, Estelle. Let us dispense with nicety. You know that I travelled here from the future. And I am sure in the brief glimpse of my life that you allowed yourself to see, you would also know that I am a white wolf. The goddess own assassin, sent to protect the werewolf species from darkness.”

Estelle nods her understanding, not once allowing herself to speak.

“It would seem that the Goddess is now cashing in on her promise to werewolf kind. And that at some point soon I will be required to defend our race. And somehow, all of this is tied to the child that I carry in my womb. I do not know how. All I know is that a great darkness is coming. A darkness that goes by the name Tenebris. And as it stands, you are my only lead on fitting together the pieces of this puzzle…. Please Estelle. I do not ask you as your Queen. Or even as you rival. I ask you as the mate of a werewolf. As a woman who I know, burns to be a mother, please help me. I fear my child is in danger, and I do not know how to protect them unless I know what I am up against.”

The room falls silent as Estelle ponders my plea.

Lucille, who has remained silent beside me, discreetly moving a hand to brush against mine. Lending me her strength and to warn to let Estelle have a moment to gather herself.

There have been many times that I have been forever thankful of my dear friend. A friend who has stuck by us all through everything. Who has gladly pledged her life to Alexander and myself and, of course, our brood of children. She has watched over each and every one of them as they were born into the world, and then lent her hand to help raise them. They are as much hers as they are ours.

It would seem my plea was not in vain.

“Tenebris, as I said to you husband, is a demon of hell. He was sent by the devil himself to scout for souls in the great battle.”

“What battle would that be?” I ask, concerned that there was more than just one demon to contend with in the months to come.

“The only battle that has ever mattered. The one battle that every being has ever fought over. Good vs Evil.” Estelle looked up as if this was obvious. “It is the same battle that has raged since time begun. Since Eve ate the forbidden fruit. Who will conquer all? Good or Evil?

“The Devil sent a group of upper-level demons to scout the seven spiritual realms and harvest souls to use in his army. Souls that were innocent. Tenebris was sent to earth. A plague to the world as it were.”

“So why would Tenebris pose such a risk to myself, or the werewolves?” I ask in confusion.

“To understand that you must first understand his history…”