Even Rhyers took a cautious step back at the ferocious sight of Sebastian fighting turning into a dragon. “You best soothe your ire, Friend, before…”I change.Yes, I’m quite aware. His mouth whitened.We both know what’ll happen if I change here, in the castle. He gave Rhyers a quick look that had the tracker backing up further. Giving him space.The castle was constructed and balanced by magic. That kind of explosion of it, could rend it asunder. Not to mention in his full form he would tear out the staircase above him, spread walls in the hall and break walls.Before I’d ever be able to change back.Taking a moment to calm his indignation and shock, Bast wrenched the damp tunic apart. Tearing it loudly and jerking it free from his breeches to toss it to the floor. In a wrinkled clump.“You tried to kill me?” His brows lifted.She hissed through her teeth. Red eyes unblinking as she stared at him, trying to assess what was happening.And how much threat she’s under.“A little excess
“Do you challenge me, My Lady?” His voice was quiet.“Remove yourself from my person, Lord.” She offered his title with equal derision.“I’m not in your person.” The mocking note in his voice incited her further.Yet.“Back up.”“And if I shan’t?”She was livid.Something scraping along the floor drew her attention. She barely caught the movement of something small and dark slipping from shadow to shadow behind the gold lord. Looking for all the world like a miniature version of the gold creature Sebastian became.“My name is Sebastian.” He grated through gritted teeth. Averting her attention from the creature creeping behind him.Shaking her head dismissively she lifted her gaze to meet his squarely.Let her think she imagined it.“What is it you want?” She demanded.Relaxing, he smiled arrogantly. Opening his mouth to answer, he was cut off.“You shan’t have that.” She gave him her back in a flash of white tunic and tan breeches. Several glances over her shoulder revealed her fear h
Sebastian returned to his library but found Rhyers absent. Likely in his room. Each knight had their own chamber upstairs for their constant visits. The castle helps us heal. Bast was thankful for that. He ran a palm over his shoulder and chest, feeling the swell of the scars she’d left. She nearly gutted me. And it was the first time he consciously appreciated his ability to heal nearly as fast as he was injured. He wondered at her strange defensive reaction. There’s something about her. Something happened to her… Someone hurt her. He flopped backward in his red and gold chair. Watching the dancing of the fire. His book limp in his hand resting on the table. What to do with her? He relaxed as much as he was able. Closing his eyes, he felt the tether he had lashed her with. She was pacing her chamber. Still enraged at her foiled attempt at escape. And confuse
SEBASTIAN “Could you do it?” Lucien Sabias asked Sebastian out of Deragan’s hearing range. Absolutely not. It’d be too painful. “If I found a mate. I’d never let her go.” Bast shook his head. “It’s a fact that he spends more time without her then he gets with her.” “By the time he finds her again, charms her, and weds her, Radix is already on his heels.” Lucien concurred. They shared a solemn silence. “But on their wedding night?” Lucien said bitterly. “That’s callous even for Radix Malorum.” Nothing is beyond his evil. That much Sebastian had learned over the years. “Not even one night together.” Bast shook his head sadly. Feeling the pain of the night seeping in like bitter sap. “His Honeymoon and he’s burying his wife.” Chavias Derenoe joined the conversation. “It’s no wonder we go to battle.” “It’s a wonder he hasn’t lost his mind...” Mardichi’s dry
I’ll rip out the demon’s throat. That fantasy calmed him. He needs to know agony. As he’s shown me time and again. He felt the echo of hunger for violence in his warriors as their eyes flashed through fog. Next to Deragan, Bast’s gaze was fixed on the Cimmerii demon. Radix’s lip curled above his gray beard at the knights’ refusal to show fear as they all stared him down. He was surrounded by Cimmerii rodents, toad like things haunting his steps. Making it look like he crossed a shimmering black pool. There are more concealed in the trees. Deragan knew. Radix would never so readily bait himself without being certain he could survive it. Coasting overhead Deragan scanned the dense coverage of trees. But saw nothing beyond the green canopy. He’s far underestimated us. His dragons began raining from the sky. *** Branches shattered behind Deragan and saw a battali
Radix laughed coldly. “Is this what you wanted Alpha? Oh, how I am terrified. You’ve certainly taught me a lesson I won’t soon forget.” He mocked. “The choice is yours though.” Laughing again he sobered abruptly. “I’d make you a trade. This Forever Knight for you.” Deragan ceased breathing. I will do it. There’s no choice. I’ve trained Lucien to lead them. Chavias morphed into a man. Small under the crushing weight of the Cimmerii tidal wave. Sarabi, Targue and Nonis. Despite his vulnerability, he reached up to tear the pendant from his neck. Twisting the chain in his hand. His pendant. For summoning us. Chavias launched to his feet, using surprising strength to throw many of the creatures off. Nonis still pulled at his arms and legs, shredding his skin to the bone as he moved. “No!” He roared. “Not for me, Alpha! Let me go.” Chavias’ roar as he threw the pendant high. His cry echoing
Hands falling, Bast gave his Alpha a torn look. “You wanted something, someone to protect them. To keep them from bloody death. You made your vow and you’ve fought like a lion. How many knights have we lost since you took it upon yourself?” “I don’t know.” Bast said brokenly. Trying to listen. But in so much pain the words make little sense right now. “Far less.” Deragan supplied. “You’re the Protector. The warrior that defends the warriors. Chavias gave his life for yours. For that. Don’t deny him the one thing he could offer us.” Deragan tossed a piece of glinting metal at Bast who reflexively caught it in an open fist. Knowing instantly it was Chavias’ pendant. “Why for me?” Bast cried. “For anyone else. He should’ve done it for anyone else!” “But he did it for you and I.” Deragan said firmly. “He saw things you can never hope to, Brother. Chavias was always wise. And he made a choice that was his
Pain flashed over her face and for a moment he regretted the question. Obviously, you have. Who? It made something tighten in his gut. Who had you missed so much your great pride had allowed you to dare speak the words? He couldn't even imagine a man. “Where did you go so long?” She asked in a weak voice. As if you cared. Don't feign now. “To help my brethren.” He said dully. “Is that always where you go?” “Yes.” He said simply. “There are more like you?” “Yes.” “You’re not giving much in way of answer.” She glared at him. “Perhaps not, but at least I answer.” He eyed her meaningfully. “And I’m honest.” More than I can say for you. She tugged her arm lightly and he released. “Go ahead and flee, Little Valkyrie.” “I don’t flee you, Lord Bodane.” She tossed over her shoulder acidly, as she walked away. Walking or running. Eithe
Once he felt the energy of the stronghold steady, he felt it was safe for him to go upstairs. He needed to stay collected. If the both of them were in chaos, the stronghold could peel itself apart.Bast hurried up the steps and turned into the flat hall. Pulling himself around the banister to rush his pace. He hurried to her chamber, only to come to an abrupt halt at the chamber just before hers.The door was open and inside was Sebastian’s twin brother.Alazareth was sitting in a chair inside the room. His back to the wall so he could hear everything within the next room. Worry was on his face, and he was massaging the back of his jaw. A motion that always indicated severe tension. Alazareth was always composed.This is bad. “What is it?” Bast’s steps slowed.“Something is wrong.” Alazareth’s jaw ticked.Oh, no… Sebastian tensed. His fists working at his sides as he waited. “What?”
Dread Hideout, Dread CountrySighing, Acharius headed back toward his caves. His huge form should’ve lumbered, but he moved far lighter than he should’ve for his size. His blonde hair hung to his shoulders, a few warrior braids near his face. A fur was slung over his back with a bow and a quiver over that.He lifted the bow over his head just as he reached his chamber but paused when Alazareth’s voice summoned him back out. “Acharius!”The viking’s head whipped in the direction of the opening. Noting it was odd for Alazar to come here.Acharius ducked slightly as he emerged from the lower mouth of the cave. His massive size blocked the darkness beyond him. “Alzareth?”His eyes moved to the identical figure next to him. “Bast?” His voice dropped in concern. “What is it?”“What is it?” Acharius asked.“We need the women.” Alazar responded.“Mags and Aggie?” Acharius looke
“Elsabet?” Sebastian called, having just arrived back at WaterRose, he was frantic to check on her.To see if she’s alright. If our babe is.“Yes?” She called from upstairs.He followed the sound of her voice up to her chamber. Finding her still abed. “Are you well today? Is there anything you need?”“I’m exhausted.” She sighed wistfully.Drawing near, he saw that her ripe belly seemed to have grown overnight, straining her petite frame.“I feel weak. But better. The pain is less.” She swept hair from her forehead so she could better look at him. Blue eyes lovely.“Come.” She waved him over.He walked to her.She caught his larger hand in hers. Rubbing the back of it with a soft thumb pad.He turned his hand to link his long fingers through her small ones and let her pull him down next to her.She scooted over and he was swallowed by the warmth of where she’d lain. Feeling that rare heat he only pe
Elsabet eventually fell asleep.Sebatian was wide awake behind Elsabet. Careful not to bump her wounded back. He suspected that, like him, if she were able to change shape she could go far in the way of healing.But she can’t. Her body wouldn’t let shift while there was an infant in her womb.He stroked her hair.She made small sounds of distress that told him she was either having a nightmare or suffering the throes of her fever.“It’s okay, sweetheart.”“Why weren’t you there?” She whimpered again.She doesn’t believe I was. That made him feel like he’d let her down, even though he had been there. He laid with her for a long while.When he did finally move to go and began sliding his arm from beneath her head, she abruptly caught his forearm and wrist. “Stay.”He did. Because he could deny her so very little.It was hours before he did slip away. He made it to the door that time
“Sebastian. Sebastian…” Elsabet moaned. Throwing her head side to side.“I’m here.” He told her. Crouched next to the bed, holding her hand. His expression was rife with worry as he saw her suffering.She was so strong, seeing her this weak was painful. She was fighting against something she couldn’t see.For both her and my daughter. Sebastian’s throat felt raw, and his face was swollen from the emotions he had while sitting at her side.“Where are you?” She murmured, tossing her head. She was covered in sweat. The fever had taken hold and now wreaked its cruel havoc.“I can’t find you!”“I’m here, sweetheart.” He said brokenly.“Why won’t you come?” She whispered urgently.He realized she was dreaming, perhaps reliving that moment in the grove. Wherever she was, his voice wasn’t reaching he
“Is that?” Alazareth asked quietly. Staring at the sky where the glistening creature had vanished. His sword lowered in astonishment.“Don’t say his name.” Sebastian snapped, throwing out a hand.Radix will hear you. Mardichi crouched. Preparing to launch skyward.“No!” Sebastian shouted. “Let him go.”“With her?” Rhyers asked indignantly. “Sebastian?” Deragan grunted between the targue, he fought. He threw one and straightened to look over the others. “Are you certain?”Sebastian looked back at him. “We have no choice but to trust him. For now.”With the most precious thing I have.Sebastian had to let her go. He focused his fear and anger on the hoard before him, praying that Elsabet was being taken somewhere safe and not straight to the demon master.“Alpha!” Alazareth shouted.“Fight them back and take the sky. Go different directions to scatter them, we’ll circle back la
Just when Sebastian’s fear might’ve reduced him to begging Radix, futile as it would’ve been. He heard a sound that brought hopeful light back to his world.A sound which forced back the darkness.A familiar roar. The battle cry of his brother.Alazareth emerged from the trees, sword in one hand, a dagger in the other, and dark blood staining his tunic as he sliced through the animals before him. Working his way from the back to the front in a flurry of attacking blades. He was a blur of motion.Targue shrieked in suffering.Alazar purposely ran across cimmerii nonis. Stomping on them like the rats they were, as he went.Another targue lunged at Elsabet, trying to get to her skirts but there was a shout from the distance. “I’m coming!”Sebastian recognized the flash of Rhyers’ dark hair coming through the woods. He ran barefoot. Launching against trees and throwing his body sideways to evade obstacles without stopping. As he reached o
Elsabet’s hair lifted along the back of her head, darkening to brown. Her eyes burned red and long black claws jutted from her nails.She’s feeling what I do. Everything in this clearing suddenly felt wrong.Her reaction only alarmed Sebastian more. It meant she intended to fight instead of run.No, Elsabet. Sebastian ran from the bank and stepped into the knee-deep water, backing next to Elsabet as he scanned the ground and the trees above them. He knew that the nonis were nothing compared to the Sarabi that could descend from the sky without any warning.He curled his tail around her hips, to know where she was.No. Sebastian’s heart thrummed like a drumbeat. You can’t hurt her. I won’t let you. Shifting human would do him no favors. His reactions were stronger and faster as the panther. I don’t have time nor room to turn into a dragon. How did they find me? He
Radix lifted the goblet in Chavias’s direction. Sloshing some of Chavias’s blood on his skinny, gnarled fingers and black nails. “Let’s see what secrets you’ve let up today.”Radix gulped the fluid down. So greedily that it ran down the corners of his mouth.Radix was heedless. Focused on the visions running behind his eyes.Chavias’s memories peeled through his mind. Images of Chavias laughing with his gold-haired friend. Or playfully sparring with the others. Then the world darkened into an endless stream of days in his miserable cell in the caves.The blood was tainted with Chavias’s misery giving it a bitter flavor.Which had been the moment that Chavias had gained control over the pain. Feeding into his blood the most mundane memories he possessed.Radix spit the last swallow of Chavias’s blood out. Not caring for the taste of those memories of his cavernous prison.“Strong stronghold?” Okine chirped hopefully. Wondering if Radix