“Two cycles,” Brinda said. “The end of that first one and into the next.”
“So four months or so?” Seir exhaled when she confirmed. “I’m sorry.”
She nodded gently, accepting his empathy. “It could have been far worse.”
“It should never have happened at all,” James snapped. “To you or anyone else.”
“You came for me.” She patted him comfortingly. “You got me out. And those men. That’s what matters.”
Do you see the difference now, Watchman? They were running from that terrible councilman but also seeking you out, Phin. I misunderstood, I thought they were after you, mistress. I chased, they ran. I never realized someone was after them aside from me. Terrible mistakes, all the way around. The real enemy is that hideous angel, not them.
“Agreed,” I sighed.
“Thank you for your kindness, but we really shouldn’t linger here,” Harmon sighed, shifting like he was about to stand. He glanced around as though just realizing where they actually were, and his face blanched. “We probably shouldn’t have come here in the first place, but thank you, Ramsey, for your insistence that we follow you.”
“Inter-planar transit rules are sometimes flexible, in times of emergency,” Seir said, thoughtful. “This certainly qualifies for an exception. Besides, you were accompanied by a hellhound, and that by itself gives a certain leniency.”
Ramsey lifted her head and panted lightly with a very pleased canine smile.
Your deference is appreciated, princeling.
Seir grinned, so she’d sent her message strongly enough for him to hear, as well.
“Surely you could stay long enough to rest?” Phin suggested, glancing at me to be sure I was in agreement. “Some decent sleep and a hot bath could do you a world of good. Another meal, as well, maybe? If you need to leave, it seems the least we can do is help you replenish your strength first.”
“You’ve been so hospitable, we’re very grateful. But we really shouldn’t. Trouble has a way of following us.” Brinda’s sad tone made my heart ache.
“I insist,” I said. “We have the resources to protect ourselves. A few hours should make no difference.” I wasn’t sure that was entirely true with an eclipse underway, but time would tell, and we could certainly manage protecting a few extra people should it come to that.
They all sagged visibly, tears forming in Brinda’s eyes. “Thank you.”
“Come on. I’m sure there are some clothes we can find for you as well.”
Phin led them down the hall toward her room, Ramsey taking the opportunity to sleep, right there on the sofa. Seir and I followed behind the Nephilim, keeping a sharp eye on everything. Tension pulled at my shoulders, the invasion of my personal space unfamiliar and uncomfortable, but for a good cause. Before Phin came, not even Seir had ventured into the rooms beyond the living area.
Once Phin had them all tucked into her bathroom with soap and towels, she went straight across to my bedroom and began digging through the wardrobe.
I locked eyes with my brother, and he nodded, stationing himself right outside Phin’s bedroom door. It wasn’t that we didn’t trust them, but it would not do to be careless.
“Is there something I can help you find?” I asked.
“You said I could have anything I wanted, yes?”
“I did.”
“Well, I would like for Harmon and James to borrow some clothes. I have plenty to share with Brinda, but I don’t think those two would fit in my leggings, no matter how many meals they’ve missed.”
I smiled back and helped her find what she needed, equally amused and pleased that she’d taken my offer to heart. “As you wish.” I kissed her temple, my front against her back and my arms bracketing her in as we sifted through my shirts and trousers. “Are you alright?” I asked softly. “This is quite a lot to take in all at once.”
She paused, eyes going distant. A nod came, gentle at first, then more confident. “Yes. I think I am. I really don’t blame them for what happened, I never…rarelydid. It was just terrible timing all the way around. And from the sound of things, I got the better end, all things considered. My father came for me, after all. I wasn’t taken to a…” She grimaced and my own stomach lurched. “Breeding chamber.” She shivered, and I rubbed a hand along her back.
“What’s happening will not stand, Feather. I promise you that.” My teeth clenched, and I tried not to picture the destruction that such a deplorable effort must have caused over the course of years. “You will be safe, and so will they. As will any others they still have captive.”
“It could start a war,” she whispered, fear in her eyes.
“Then to war we shall go. I have sixty-six legions at my command, ready to be summoned should the need arise. My brothers have hundreds more between them. You have my blade, and theirs, and likely that of the stone kin as well. I don’t particularly enjoy them, but I am not afraid of a fight. Especially not over someone as important asyou.”
My brave, strong mate turned and wrapped her arms around me, silently sobbing into my chest as she finally allowed the wave of emotion to crash over her. What she’d endured, what she’d escaped, and what others had been faced with hit her all at once.
