SEBASTIAN
It had been nearly a fortnight since that bleak evening in the nursery.
Since then, he’d tried everything to show his sorrow in the decision. Hoping that if they could come to some form of peace, then he’d have a chance to explain it to her.
This silence is unbearable.
Sebastian could admit he was awash with self-loathing as he walked into the Dining Hall tonight. The high ceilings dangled with dark, unlit chandeliers. The fireplace was going because he insisted on keeping every room lit for her. But it offered meager light. As if her very mood, seemed to stem it from blooming throughout the room. Leaving a cold feel to the air, that even Sebastian could perceive.
He saw her sitting at the table, lifting spoonfuls of porridge to her mouth and quietly sipping them. An open book was laid out on the table before her.
He’d heard her eating breakfast, and had come in from the library, in the hope of being
It was a fine art, drawing with a quill. But after so many centuries, Sebastian had mastered it. Eventually, he tilted his head to inspect his finished work. Only when he was satisfied that it was a true depiction, did he turn to the next page. And then the words flowed. Dipping the quill over and over. He scribbled tormented thoughts in the light of a tiny candle. Though he didn’t truly need it, it offered some comfort in the darkness. His guilt eased in increments with each confessing page. He purged pain and longing, as best as he could. Filling the pages with his need for closeness with Elsabet. And his desire to hold her. He articulated his dream of a day when he could reach for her and know she’d turn into his touch, rather than him risking the likelihood of rejection if he reached for her. All the complexities of this life with her was, ironically, wearing him down. Whereas she still stood fast. Like a boulder in the tides
Calisto sat with Elsabet on the edge of that bed, feeling the moment fading away. She knew she wouldn’t have much time with Elsabet. That brief surge of energy that the valkyrie had given her was going to abate until she wouldn’t be able to appear at all. “Why are you so angry with him?” Calisto asked sorrowfully. Thinking of the words. Bast had written earlier. “I hate him.” Elsabet corrected tonelessly. But Calisto knew better. “Do you really think he’s so bad?” “I hate that I can’t stop thinking about him.” She choked on a sob. “He makes me feel things I worked hard to kill long ago.” “You feel for him, when you don’t want to feel anything.” Calisto said sympathetically. Recalling a time when a man had made her feel that way. “Yes…” Elsabet admitted. “He makes me…crazy.” “Crazy.” Calisto laughed. “That’s certainly one description for it, isn’t it?” “Mmm.” Elsabet agreed sadly. “That’s what love does to us.” C
Calisto offered a fond smile and tilted her head. “And then you fell in love.” Calisto shrugged playfully as she gazed at Elsabet. “You couldn’t have helped it. And why not, for that matter?” “But it’s with the most impossible man!” She slammed her fist to her thigh in frustration. “I know.” Calisto said, softening her voice. She was faintly surprised that Elsabet didn’t bother arguing the point. Sensing that saying anything further would just fuel the aggravation Elsabet tried to assimilate against Bast. Calisto would be no part of that. After a long silence Elsabet asked the oddest question. “Did he win?” “Win?” “Bast. The swim races?” “He sometimes won.” Calisto frowned. She remembered propelling herself through the water like an engine. Often cheating and using her magic to make the water carry her along. Still Bast, ever a strong swimmer, often reached the island first. “I don’t know how…” She confided. “He
Sebastian stepped lithely from the dark. Wearing a dark shirt, frilled at the cuffs. Long blonde hair waving in a cloud down to his shoulders. Making him luminesce in the blackness, as vivid gold as the moonlight was silver. Chastain immediately reached longingly to touch him. His face and hair. She leaned up on her toes. A slender wraith in the dark. Wearing her white muslin nightdress. She stretched to reach for him. Her fingertips itching to feel his skin. To touch that hair. She ached to be closer to him. When she could just touch his cheek, her expression changed. Realization dawned. He tilted backward, evading her touch. Eventually, he was forced to catch her wrist to stay her. That moment gave her the chance to think. To see beyond her primal desire. Her hand fell and recognition brightened her face. Thank heaven He thought. Realizing that she’d recognized him. And somehow, she’d managed to resist the urge to touch him,
Chastain reared back, astonished by Sebastian’s vehemence in his cryptic statement. He realized how angry he likely sounded. “I apologize for my harsh words. You are not the source of my ire. That lies in my home.” “I understand.” She nodded. “I only need know where Acharius is, to discuss this with him?” “Oh, no, Miss. I need be well from here before you find him. For he’ll want to wring my stringy neck.” She looked at him in horror. “You have to tell me!” “No.” He said firmly. “I don’t.” Before she could stop him, he launched through the window. She ran to it behind him. Catching sight of him below. He lunged through the garden, his clothes shredding to pieces as he moved. Bits which dissolved before hitting the ground. His body erupted from itself like an overflowing pond. He jerked and twisted. Finally tipping forward onto his hands as his back flattened. Glistening black fur peeled through the skin of his
Netherlands Tavern SEBASTIAN Serdephe seemed quite happy to explain to Teverius why she perceived him as a villain, oblivious to his affront. “You only arrive at night. You’ve gazed on me unclothed while lying with my wolves. You’ve put your hands on my undergarments. You’ve crept around following me.” She said matter-of-factly. “You’re far closer to a villain.” He blanched. “It does sound rather awful when you word it such.” “I don’t mind.” She went back to eating her meat. And Teverius immediately missed her greasy little hands on his. Sebastian sat in the corner blissfully intrigued by all he’d witnessed. When he could contain his curiosity no longer, he strolled over to their table. “You called for me?” Teverius jerked, staring at his food as if afraid to look up. Which only brought Sebastian more joy. Recognizing his voice, Teverius looked u
“I don’t want revelry.” Teverius’s eyes narrowed. He glared up at Bast. “Mardichi!” Bast called again. “Come join your Little Brother!” Teverius groaned. Robust laughter bellowed from the other end of the room. The giant redhead stood and tossed off his cloak. Making several men object at the massive size of him. One man muttered, “It’s RedBayne. The Assassin.” “I shall be back Norris. I have duties now.” Mardichi announced. Tossing the garment down on the bench. “Tonight, we injure Little Brother with large quantities of me favorite sustenance.” “Of course, you do.” Norris grumbled off-handedly. Tev groaned. Teverius willed himself. Praying the night would end with him retaining some glimmer of dignity. Sebastian set about drowning all thoughts of Elsabet, while tormenting the youngest of his brethren. A fine night. A fine night, indeed. The Driter’s Den was a rowdy place tonight. Having three
Mardichi keenly watched Bast probing Teverius for the intimate details of trouble between Teverius and his pretty purple-haired mate. He watched Bast for so long that he could no longer take it. “What? Why are you staring?” “Ye’re avoiding returning ta see if yer valkyrie is enraged at ye.” Mardichi said perceptively. Bast shot him a black look. Knowing full well that the barbarian was right. I hate when he’s smarter than he looks. Bast groaned inwardly. However, he received a momentary reprieve when the innkeeper rushed to the table with a missive in hand. Bast grunted and lifted a staying palm. “I don’t want it.” “He insists me give it ta ye, me lord. I’ve told ’im yer answer willna change.” The innkeeper looked a little desperate. “Please take it or he migh’ kill me.” “He won’t kill you for me refusing to look at his latest offer.” “You dunnot know this man, me lord. He migh’.” Bast groaned. “Set it
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