WaterRose, Meadow Mountain (Elsabet captive for seven years)
Sebastian had been watching Elsabet over the last few years. Using his small magic globes, he could see her wandering the halls, investigating the chambers.
Inspecting all the levels of the stronghold.
For a way out. He knew.
She’d long ago found the arching doorways of a main atrium, emerging from below the dais where the stairs split into mirrored reflections of each other, curving up to pass all the floors. The second level was the personal chambers of the knights. The third level had more unique rooms such as a garden room, a full nursery with an adjoining chamber for a nanny or nursemaid, and several solars. And more rooms that broke onto the balconies squaring around the Northwest corner of the castle.
It was clear much thought was put into beautiful design work and winding rooms. Many interconnected. Passageways could be found behind
Her eyes flicked to the meager distance between them, eyes widening as she realized he was right. She leaned toward him. Only a couple inches now separating them. She was drawn like a magnet. Her face upturned and lips nearly pressed to his. “You’re a devious, rogue.” Her face hardened. When I’m with you. “Aye.” He nodded with a lopsided grin as he caressed her chin. “That I am.” She pushed past him. But he caught her arm and swung her back around, pushing her against the wall and pinning her with his weight. One hand brushing along her jaw to cup the back of her neck. Ready to hold her in place if she fought. Unable to resist the temptation any longer, he stole her mouth. Tasting every sweet corner of it. Taking in her scent, swallowing her breaths. When she did muster enough sanity to try and object, he swallowed that to. When she tried to push away by lurching her hips forward, he met her there. Pressing his already
Deragan’s Country House, Mane Countryside Sebastian had gone to tell Deragan they’d lost the Watchers. Against every fiber of my being. His step had slowed every inch he got closer to the town house he knew his Alpha was residing in. Doing his best to go unnoticed. Sebastian knocked and entered the echoing house as his Alpha bid, on leaden feet. His booming voice ricocheting through dark, empty halls. It was a far smaller structure then WaterRose. But feels much colder. More hollow. Sebastian was having a hard time meeting Deragan’s gaze now. He’d seen the flash of rage and disappointment and could tangibly feel the sense of soul-deep frustration as he sat unmoved on a chair in his Parlor. Blinking slowly at Sebastian as his square jaw hardened. Sebastian explained Tev had been taking the map from Acharius’ hideout to WaterRose for safekeeping, but the Cimmer
He strolled to the edge of the fireplace and tucked himself into the shadows. Resting an elbow on the high mantle and watching her from his dark little corner, hoping observing her would somehow soothe his raw nerves. Seeing her usually does. And fighting with her appeases the pain. But that could wait until he’d calmed some. And let his dread of having to confess to the Alpha their recent failure, abate. It’s done now. There was nothing he could do to change it. But I’d never dreaded so much telling him, we failed. Sebastian understood why Teverius couldn’t face him or The Alpha. Knew Tev’s guilt and self-loathing. And knew it was those aggressive feelings which had driven him to isolate himself in Dread Country rather than confess to the Alpha what he’d lost. But he’d have never given it up willingly. Bast had defended to Deragan. Even now he could vividly recall the eviden
Eyes reddening in the dim light, she gave him a long study. But he caught the hint of fear there. She looked away and quickly aimed for an aisle a few down. Pursuing her step, he waited for the next subject she’d pursue. Undoubtedly something nosy. “Why are you in fancy clothing?” She snapped a book shut and slid it back up on its shelf. Ah, and there it is. “I’ve been trying to find a friend.” Raese Merlinus. He drew a long breath. Without luck. But it was doubtful she’d even care to hear that. “A woman?” She asked, her voice sounded strangely forced. Jealousy? He wondered hopefully, before reminded himself how unlikely that’d be. “Nay. Not today.” He watched her reaction carefully and was intrigued to see her eyes flick to him and her hand tremble slightly as she pulled another binding out. Why would she care if I were to see another woman?
Stomping a small foot at his infuriating statements, Elsabet charged up to her room. Smashing vases and raging in her chamber. She hates that she has so little control here. Sebastian noted. It was an understandable frustration. But one she’ll have to acclimate to. “She seems content.” Acharius sighed. His tone eeking of sarcasm as he entered the library. The large former viking, whom the Alpha had charged with guarding their most sacred items, looked quite pleased to be away from his caves for the day. Wouldn’t I? Sebastian couldn’t imagine spending all his days sheltered in a dank cave, killing all Cimmerii that are hunting for it. What a neverending detail. Sebastian certainly didn’t envy that charge. “She usually is…” Sebastian said dryly. His amusement making his turquoise eyes dance as he looked at his friend. “Do you truly garner pleasure from tormenting her?” Acharius strode over to t
“I’ve heard.” Bast’s voice dropped, and he shifted uncomfortably. Wishing to discuss anything but this topic. Acharius’ sharp eye caught the movement. “I can see your dissension, Brother. Let’s speak of lighter things.” “Then please do not ask me of Raese. That is certainly no lighter. Everyone asks if I’ve found him. As if I wouldn’t scream it to the rafters of WaterRose, if I did.” Acharius’ brows lifted at the slight agitation in his friend’s voice. “Fair. I will not…The Alpha’s mate then?” “No word yet.” Bast glanced around the library. “But I will find her.” “You always do.” Acharius bit into another nut. Rising he plucked a bit of shell from his white tunic, bidding Bast good night. He discarded the remaining shells in the fire, making it spit and crackle before turning to return to his lair. Bast’s voice made him pause in the doorway. “Have you seen Tev? I know he’s hiding in the Netherlands.” “No. Not since…” A
“Harpie.” Bast coaxed from the other side of her door. “Come see the fresh fall of snow on the mountain.” It was probably Bast’s fourth attempt to lure her out for the season. She’s quite reluctant. Likely because of all the crowds in and out of the Castle. She tended to be more scarce as they came and went. Avoiding the clusters of knights that could sometimes gather. “I can see it from here.” She argued through the door. The locked door. As if that’d keep me out, if I really wanted in. “Come join me for chocolate and some sweets to celebrate the holiday.” “I don’t want to.” “Why?” He slid his hand down the panel of the door next to his face as he considered why she was always so difficult. The door ripped open so abruptly he fell a step forward and toppled onto her. She yelped and he chuckled as he landed over her in a push up. “If yo
His head whipped that direction. “You did it apurpose!” He pointed a finger. “You barbarian!” He leapt from his chair and ran to the doorway, laughter on his lips as he reached it. Seeing her light blue dress vanishing up the stairs. Chuckling he returned to his seat. Once there, he relaxed and stared at the winking gold flower decorating the mantle. Just above it was a decanter from upstairs, half full of amber liquid. Near it was clay bowl. He knew, without a doubt, what’d be in it. Sighing he stood and lifted them from the mantle. Pouring his drink and returning the nuts to the small jar. Replacing the small glass lid after grabbing a handful. Devious Harpie. He chuckled to himself. Pleased to see mischief in her. Only as he settled in again did he wonder if she’d hoped he’d chase her up the stairs. Intriguing thought… For one pretty moment he envisioned a relationship with her. Filled with teasing pranks a
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