They met in the darkness of the storm.Sebastian could easily imagine how they’d look to someone watching.The valkyrie in the shape of a beautiful white woman standing her ground. Still as a statue and contrasting with the bat wings which seemed black in the faded light. Her tunic nearly glowing in the bleak darkness. Vivid blue eyes now red with the blood filling them.Her enemy was equally as motionless on the back of the white beast, dusky black cape billowing over the mount’s rear and the dogs a single silken mass twining around its legs.Strange toothy black beasts whose fur looked dense and rough. More like tree bark then hair. The most fearsome dogs she’d ever laid eyes on.Demon Dogs.Neither of them broke contact nor made a move.I suppose we’re two foes facing down in the storm. At least in her mind.For now, both of us are willing to see whose will shatters first.It won’t be mine... Sebastian was fighting the twitching of his lips again. Watching her so brave and bold was
She gaped at the horse.No one has seen anything like him. Sebastian thought proudly. Understanding her fascination.Her brows drew together as she felt his breath in her hair. His arms tightened around her reflexively as she trembled.“Cold?” He questioned.She shook her head vehemently.“Liar.” He brushed the back of his hand down the back of her upper arm. Feeling the bumps rising there.Hissing, she tossed a withering look over her shoulder.At first, he was taken aback to see her crimson eyes so close, he gathered his composure and wiped his expression.It’s blood filling them in her rage.She was considering killing my horse. He reminded himself.“Can you not but once, tell me the truth, Little Harpie?” His tone was flat as he realized she’d likely been considering attacking Sivikon. “You should know I may kill you if you harm him. He’s my oldest friend.”She cracked her neck in an action that caused other creatures to give her space. “I’m surprised you have any at all.”“Touché
Elsabet’s eyes were huge. Aghast at his comment. Her jaw tightened but she said nothing.Oh, please. He thought. Accuse me of bluffing… He hoped.Because I’m not. And he’d be willing to prove that she was in the early stages of arousal already. Despite her hatred of men, her body was reacting to her nearness.“How about this then, My Girl. I’ll have you bound in that chamber and make damn certain it’s my hand that feeds you, you’re every meal. And my hands that tend your needs. Until your duly tamed.” His words a soft vow, he took a step toward her.And that’s no bluff.She backed up to keep the distance he was trying to close.But he descended on her just the same. Backing her against the castle wall.Where to now, Lovely? He watched her face. Waiting for her to react. His arms at his side and his head cocking with interest as though she were some fascinating new species.In truth, she is. I’ve never heard of her kind afore.He watched her gaze flick across the ground, to the horse a
In Elsabet’s mad flight down the corridor, trying to get away from Sebastian in the courtyard, she spotted a suit of armor. It was under a skylight displayed on her right.Chavias’ old armor. Sebastian caught her eyeballing it from the other end of the hall. He recalled displaying it to honor Chavias’ many victories in battle against the demon force.Elsabet sidestepped over to it, making her decision.What in Ardae is she going to do with that?There was zero chance of the massive armor fitting her. But it made sense as he saw her unbuckling the dagger and sword sheaths.She slipped them over her shoulders and cinched the dagger around her waist. Eased by the familiar feel of a blade at her back.Sebastian rounded the corner as she put them in place, chuckling. HeComforted by tiny blades. It was amusing.If she only knew I could bite right through them in my Primary shape.He reached for her, but she took a long step, sliding from his reach. His laughter intensified. “You think now
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