"You missed a spot," Eiran called and elegantly dodged the large rock Felix hurled at him.
"Can you two stop messing about and show me whatever you were so excited about? I have other things to do today than break up your bullshit," Tenebrys said, putting his hands on his hips.
"Oh, please, you can handle being apart from Delphi for a while longer. Poor girl is probably still recovering from last night." Felix ran his hands over his wet fur. "This way. It's in the gardens. You said Delphi ran through them the night of the full moon?"
"Yes. She scratched herself up on some brambles, and I was able to follow her blood trail. Why?"
"You'll see." Felix led them through the old stable yard and the rotting garden gates. The place was a mess, and Tenebrys hoped that whatever changes were slowly starting to happen in the château would begin outside of it.
"Look at this," Felix said, crouching down in front of a statue.
"Blue flowers. Fascinating," Eiran replied, rolling his eyes.
"Delphinium," Tenebrys corrected. There was a trail of them winding along the old stone path and ending in the thick bramble patch. "You don't think..."
"I followed her trail back here after finding the glade with both your scents all over it. The next morning, I came back for a better look, and the flowers were already sprouting," Felix replied and shook his head. "It's the eeriest thing I've ever seen."
"Surely Delphi would know if her blood did this?" Tenebrys asked, picking one of the blooms. "She has scars from humans hurting her. There is no way she could have hidden it from them."
"It could be the Mistwood's power reacting to her magic," Eiran suggested, holding out a hand for the flower.
"They are poisonous, so don't eat them," Felix warned. "Actually, I changed my mind. Eat the whole patch. Let's see what happens."
Eiran ignored him. "When mates come together, their power always amplifies. It could be why her magic is starting to act like a beacon to the fae as well. This ability she has... It's around transmutation?"
"Witch fire," Tenebrys confirmed. Eiran was the oldest of all of them, and if anyone living still knew about it, he would.
"Kesari, witch fire hasn't been seen in hundreds of years," he said, his silvery eyes darkening. "Those abilities only came with the first generation of crossbreeds. She would need to be a half fae at least to manifest it."
Tenebrys nodded. "I know that, but Narcisse is her father, and yet the power is there. The fae coming after her said it themselves."
"Could it be a throwback talent from something earlier in the bloodline?" Felix scratched at his ear. "Cassia had some transmutation abilities. It was why she was so important to Narcisse. She could naturally do what he had trained his whole life to do."
"Delphi is far more powerful than Cassia was. It's no wonder that Narcisse kept his manipulative little claws in her." Tenebrys growled and ran his hand over his face. "He stopped her from learning too much about magic on purpose. If she can do this now just by bleeding, maybe she really can undo some of the curse."
Eiran stared at the flowers. "I don't want to give myself that kind of hope. How could she be capable of any of this if she has no learning?"
Tenebrys laughed softly. "What she lacks in learning, she makes up for with stubbornness and determination. She got into my mother's library, Eiran. It let her in. The château's magic is returning for her. It might take time for Delphi to learn how to use this power, but I think if anyone can help with this curse, she can."
Eiran dropped the flower. "And that is not just your starry eyes talking? Mates are blind to each other's faults."
"Ten is telling the truth. Delphi's magic is humming off her. She is nothing like her parents," Felix replied. He elbowed Tenebrys. "I don't suppose we should summon the others to come and meet her."
A low growl of warning rumbled through Tenebrys's chest. Felix and Eiran both stared at him.
"He hasn't claimed her yet," Eiran said, seeing straight through him.
Felix groaned. "Ten, you can't be serious. I told you to get it done…"
"You can't force a bond unwillingly, or it won't work. You should know that by now, pup." Eiran placed a hand on Tenebrys's shoulder. "We will keep guard on the gateways, but the fae won't stop coming for her, especially if it is the Lord of Plagues sending them. We need to send word to the packs in Runefjell. We can't rely on help from men anymore. Those alliances are dead. The pack's memories are longer, and if the fae return, they won't stop with killing only us."
"The packs won't come if they think the old sickness is still around. Delphi had some ideas to test for it," Tenebrys replied. He closed his eyes for a long moment. "Fuck. I can't handle another war."
"We might not have a choice," Eiran said, squeezing his shoulder. "Go to your Delphi. Get her to do her tests for theplague remnants so we can send word to the packs. Felix and I will look in on the others and let them know what's happening."
"Thank you," Tenebrys said, opening his eyes once more. "Watch your backs. Plagues will only send so many raiders before he starts sending nasty surprises with them."
Tenebrys knelt and picked a small bouquet of the blue flowers to take to Delphi. He smiled viciously at the little blooms. They smelled so sweet for something so deadly, just like his mate.
