It was true that we looked enough alike in both our forms that everyone always thought we were twins, despite my being fifty years older than him. Since we lived such long lives, a fifty-year age difference wasn’t really noticeable.
I almost snorted, but then I ignored everyone else and quietly said to Glacier, “It’s okay, baby brother. I’m alright. Everything’s alright now.”
He let out a choked sob before releasing me and patting my shoulders. Then, to both my and Dain’s surprise, my brother bent down and pulled my viramore into a hug, saying, “Thank you for saving him.”
Dain hugged him back with one arm, keeping a tight hold on my hand with the other, and whispered back, “Always.”
That made my heart do a little flip in my chest.
When he was finally released from my brother’s death hold, Dain patted my chest, saying, “Come on, let’s go inside and talk.”
Everyone seemed to agree with that, so I followed the crowd inside even though I really just wanted to go home. We were led into some kind of conference room, and through the entire walk, I kept my viramore tucked into my side. He didn’t seem to mind one bit.
Anton was apparently in the crowd of people—I hadn’t even seen him there—and as everyone settled into chairs or leaned against the wall, he stepped to the front of the room, emitting an air of authority and anger.
I leaned against a wall and pulled Dain in front of me so he could lean his back against my chest. He did so without complaint, and when I wrapped my arms around him from behind, he held onto them tightly. Glacier leaned against the wall beside me, pressing his shoulder into mine. I was glad he was here.
He must’ve gone searching for me when I didn’t respond to his panic on the phone. My poor little brother had probably been freaking out this whole time.
Good lordy, I didn’t even know how much time had passed, but it had to have been over an hour, right? Maybe two?
And everyone had been worrying for me and freaking out that whole time.
I nudged Glacier’s shoulder, trying to convey how much I loved and appreciated him. He sent me a soft smile, and I had a feeling he’d gotten the message.
I was still in my yeti form because I felt safer this way, like I could more easily protect Dain if need be, and I knew some of the others in the room kept eyeing me. I didn’t care. I needed… I needed to feel some sort of… safety, feel some sort of control, after having my body and magic taken over like that.
I shivered at the remembered fear and did my best to push that away. It was over with. I was safe. Dain had my icicle in a place no one could ever steal it away from him. There wasno point in panicking about it now when everything was fine… good, even, since my bond with Dain had grown so strong.
My brother leaned in and whispered, “Just so you know, the whole family’s on the way here. They saw everything on the news, so there was no stopping them.”
“Great.” I grimaced. Not because I didn’t want to see my family—I kind of did want to after being so terrified—but because I was worried about Dain being bombarded with my family members.
Inside my head, I heard Dain’s voice.“Don’t worry so much. It’ll be fine. If you can survive meeting the Ellwoods, I can survive your family.”
I snorted out loud.“You say that now.”
He laughed and leaned more heavily into me as we settled and looked at Anton, waiting for him to speak since he clearly had something important to say.
After another minute, everyone in the room quieted, and Anton said, “My son found the culprit responsible for stealing Avalanche Rudolphus’s icicle, taking over his magic, and causing so much mayhem. Luckily, no one was killed, but there are several people en route to the hospital.” He glanced at me and gave me a nod. “None of this is your fault, Lanche.”
I gave a grim nod back. Objectively, I knew this, but I couldn’t help but feel guilty when it was my magic that caused all of this. My magic had hurt people.
My heart felt heavy at the thought.
I knew it wasn’t my fault, but guilt wasn’t logical most of the time, and it was definitely rearing its ugly head.
Anton continued, “The culprit’s name is Vanessa Dawson. She’s a hundred-year-old vampire who was employed at my store.”
Dain jerked, and I felt his shock through our bond as he gasped out, “Vanessa? Are you serious?”
Anton nodded at him. “The day you received the icicle, she walked in to get my help after Lanche arrived. She must’ve seen it then. It’s the only time she was back there.”
Dain was quiet for a couple of beats. “Yeah… I remember. I just can’t believe she’d do something like this. She was so nice to me the other day when I was upset about not finding it yet. I just… I thought she was my friend.” The last part was said so quietly, almost to himself, and I hugged him tighter, kissing the side of his head in support.
Through our bond, I could feel how betrayed he felt, and it broke my heart.
Anton nodded. “She had us all fooled. Apparently, she used to have a fae lover who was a victim of a hate crime a few years ago. He died, and his assailants got off scot free because the laws back then allowed discrimination toward the fae. She’s never forgiven the city for it, and when she saw the icicle and saw Lanche, she realized she could get revenge.”
