WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country (Six years after stars fell)
SEBASTIAN
Six years of checking on the little Watcher girls had passed. Six years of watching the eldest, a redhead, grow to the tiniest brunette infant only born a few months ago.
Six years we’ve been guarding them.
But tonight, Sebastian woke to a nightmare. Marcus Teverius’ torn screams ripped through his mind. Agonized shouting for help.
The kind of broken call, I’ve rarely heard before.
Bast ripped free from the furs covering him, willing clothes to materialize around his body as he took the stairs. Joining Elsabet at the foyer door, he shouted to the bridge tower. The drawbridge lowered.
Thank you, Dimitrius. Bast’s heart was thrumming in his ears. A kind of sick dead filling his spirit that made him feel cold.
Elsabet was mesmerized by the flash of white in the darkness. The
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