My parents had been preparing me for Emberhold Academy and initiation, and yes... it was dangerous. But with my training, I expected to survive, and if I was honest, I hadn’t beenthatworried about it.
The Faction I was building was another layer in the charmed life I had been living. Each man, remarkable in their own right, but together they are more than any one woman deserves… and they weremine.
No real trials or tribulations. Nothing to test my true metal... until now.
Tears rolled down my face as I wrapped my arms around myself—the only person in this cold world who could orwouldgive me comfort.
“I love you more than life, my Nexi. You are my every breath. When you laugh, it’s like every lungful of air becomes joyful, and when you hurt, it feels as if my own chest is splitting open. I could lose everything else in my life—home, name, pride—and still keep crawling forward, as long as I have you.”Nathan’s deep voice whispered in my ear, helping me to find the strength to move forward, if only in my imagination.
I took in his words — a mixture of different moments from our past, spoken at various times — and dropped my arms, wrapping myself in them instead.
I stood wearily and got dressed, shedding each bit of emotion inside with every article of clothing I put on.
I left all weapons behind, knowing it was better not to have them on my person when visiting Selene.
When I was ready, I paused briefly before opening my door and took a deep breath, briefly placing a hand over my Nexus mark. Its presence on my skin comforted me. I took anotherdeep breath, wiped any expression off my face, then pushed my door open and walked briskly down the hallway.
I’d made this journey so many times in the last few months that I could do it with my eyes closed. Selene’s apartment was quite a long way from my quarters, but it felt like I was standing in front of the large black doors in seconds.
I knocked quietly and savored my last few pain-free moments.
The door opened, and a maid bid me to come in with a brief look of sympathy. “Mistress will be with you momentarily. You’re welcome to have a drink while you wait.”
My feet sank into the plush red carpet as I made my way over to the bar and poured a shot of Bloodmead. It was similar in proof to Everclear, but colored a deep red, like blood.
I thought it appropriate.
I downed a couple of shots and then stood leaning against the bar. I’d seen so many disgusting things here that I preferred to stand; there was no telling what bodily fluids covered the furniture.
I heard footsteps coming from the kitchen and braced myself, but it was only Fabien.
He walked behind the bar and fixed himself a drink. “How have you been holding up, kid?”
“About as well as someone in my position can.” I didn’t trust Fabien, per se, but I knew that as long as his safety wasn’t in question, he’d play straight with me.
“What are you in for?” He took a sip of his drink, then sat on one of the black stools lining the bar.
“You know, the usual—one of Kristine's Faction hits—I hit back. She tattles—then a couple of rounds of torture—and everything resets.” I tried to sound blasé, but I couldn’t hide the slight tremble in my voice.
“Tough breaks.” He said nonchalantly, but his eyes held genuine sympathy. He took another long sip of his drink. “Selene’s been busy lately, running around in a tizzy.”
“That’s odd. Do you know what’s going on?” I knew I was taking a risk even asking; there were ears everywhere. But information was power and could be bartered if need be.
Fabien looked around cautiously before speaking. “I’m not sure yet. That’s actually why I’m hanging around.” He grimaced, “The unexpected can be bad for your health around here.”
I nodded in agreement, but before I could reply, Selene walked out of her office. “Hello, spawn of Adelaide. I’m glad you could fit me into your busy schedule.”
“I’m never too busy to visityou, Selene.” I tried to sound sincere, but I’m reasonably sure I missed the mark.
She gave a tinkling laugh. “Don’t be absurd. We both know that’s nonsense. I, on the other hand, enjoy your visits quite thoroughly.”
Selene walked over to Fabien and gave him a long and thorough kiss. “I’m so happy you’ve taken to hanging out here more.” She pouted, “I don’t know why so many of you want to stay in those disgusting barracks.”
Fabien kissed the top of her head. “I like to keep an eye on the warriors and make sure everything is running smoothly. Serving you and our Faction is extremely important to me.”
“That’s so sweet.” She giggled like a child. “Unfortunately, before we can spend some quality time together, I have to take care of a little business.” Selene glanced at me briefly. “Lucky for you, I’m sure I’ll be good and worked up when I’m done.” She gave him one more short kiss. “I’ll send for you when I’m ready.”
I saw Fabien wince slightly, but only because I was observing him closely. “I’ll await your invitation with eagerness.” He gave a slight bow and left the apartment.
