“Lord Damien!” Aurelia’s tiny voice startled me, and I stopped, turning as she ran for me.
I smiled, kneeling to her level. “Helping your mom train today?”
She nodded, her round cheeks flushed with the cold. “I wanted to give you this.”
I frowned as she placed a cord of brightly colored braided thread in my palm. “What’s this for?”
“They have lots, but I thought they might like the colors,” she said as her eyes danced over the colorful threads.
I opened my mouth to question her, but Lydia called from across the yard. “Aurelia! It’s time to go!”
“I’ve gotta go. Tell Lucia I said hi!” Aurelia said and took off before I could stop her.
My eyes fell to the braid in my hand. Who had she spoken of, and why did she call Cassie Lucia? Maybe it was one of the games she always played. I slid the braid into my pocket and continued toward my car.
The sun was already sinking behind the mountains. Cas should be home by now, and I realized she hadn’t called for a ride. Had she walked home? I pulled my phone from my pocket to find that she’d texted me at some point, but I hadn’t heard the notification.
‘Kat gave me a ride home. I hope things are going good at The Outpost. I love you, mea sol.’
Guilt slammed into me at the thought that I’d left her hanging. Gods, she’d sent it over an hour ago. I would’ve been deep in conversation with the accountant and the agent discussing the new complex, going over the finances and what repairs were needed. I quickly texted her back before slipping my phone into my pocket and getting into the car.
‘Sorry I missed your text. I love you too, mea luna. I’m heading home now.’
Trees blurred by as I drove through the dense forest surrounding The Outpost. I couldn’t help but linger on thoughts of Thalia at the sight of them. I remembered the guilt on Vincent’s face when he’d returned without her. He’d been taking Barrett’s loss hard. It was no surprise; Vincent and Barrett did nearly everything together, had been inseparable for as long as I could remember. Vincent had even tried sneaking into training from time to time during Barrett’s recruitment when he was still too young, before his settling. The cousins always seemed to get into trouble together, always had each other’s backs even when they got on each other’s nerves. Vincent was lost without him, and if it weren’t for Anna, I feared what he might’ve done in his grief.
There had been no word from the scouts I’d sent out this morning to search for Thalia, which meant there was still no sign of her. A team had gone out every day, but the valley was massive, the forests endless, and she could be anywhere. Despite the melted snow, they hadn’t been able to pick up on any tracks, any scent, and her apartment still remained untouched. I feared the worst.
By the time I pulled into the driveway, the sun had set. I checked my phone as I stepped out of the car. Cassie hadn’t responded, and it seemed Ethel had finished her work for the day, her car gone. Most of the lights were off, but I could see the warm glow of the living room fireplace through the bay window.
The house was quiet as I opened the door and stepped inside. Was she in her study drawing? Reading?
“Cas?” I called as I hung my coat on the rack.
There was no response. I rubbed my hands together, warming them up as I headed down the hall. My heart dipped at the silence that answered. Was she ok? I grew dizzy, my mouth going dry as my mind wandered to the worst possibilities. She’d been home alone. How long ago had Ethel left?
“Cas?” I repeated as I entered the doorway to the living room. I could just barely make out the chestnut hair peeking over the top of the cushion. I rounded the couch, and relief washed over me.
She was curled up in a blanket, her head tilted to the side against the back of the couch, resting on her fist. A book laid her lap, open to the page she’d been reading before she fell asleep.
Asleep when I left this morning, and asleep when I got home tonight. My heart ached that I hadn’t gotten to look into those beautiful hazel eyes today, but I wouldn’t wake her.
I caught sight of her bookmark resting on the cushion next to her, so I grabbed it and placed it in her book before setting it aside for her to find tomorrow. Her face was so peaceful, her blush lips parting ever so slightly. I wanted to see her smile, see the flash of those teeth when that infectious grin would spread across her face. I lifted a stray curl, just basking in the sight of her for a moment, my heart swelling.
More time. I needed more time. There had to be a way to save her. I didn’t care what it took. I wouldn’t lose her again. I shifted, gently easing my hands under her, lifting her into my arms. She didn’t wake, but the sweet sound she made as she curled into me was enough to make me weak.
My weakness. My strength. “Mea luna,” I whispered against her hair before pressing a kiss to the top of her head. Her skin was cold, despite the fire and the blanket. I hated how cold she felt. A smile tugged at her lips as she curled against me, a groan of relief slipping from her throat as she soaked up my warmth.
I smiled, heading down the hall and up the stairs to tuck her into bed. The wood floors threatened to creak beneath my feet, so I took them slowly, trying to be as quiet as possible. The radiator was already working hard to warm our room as I nudged the door open.
I eased her onto the bed and pulled the blankets over her. She melted into the pillow, shifting onto her side as she always did in her sleep. I wanted to climb into bed beside her, pull her against me, breathe in her scent. There was no time, though. There was something I needed to do.
“I’ll be back,” I whispered as I laid one final kiss to her forehead before turning to leave. I stole one final glance at her sweet face before I flipped the light switch and slipped through the door, heading back downstairs.
There had to be a way to save her, a way to heal her. Selene may not be able to do it, but surely someone else could. Darkness greeted me as I descended the stairs to the basement. As I reached the base of the stairs, I willed the candles to light in the Propylaea, the blue flames came to life around the altar.
Selene would give me answers, or I’d find someone who could.
I lowered to my knees before the altar, closing my eyes. The stone alter rippled with power as I stretched out my senses, energy cut across the veil, forming the gateway, and I reached out to it. Darkness descended around me, swallowing me whole until I was no longer part of the Mortalrealm.
