Ian was certain that the intent of the curse had been to fully transform both his body and mind, but somehow, because Aden had jumped in front of him, the chaos magic did not take hold as intended. Instead, the invasion of the chaos into Aden’s mind was a slower process, one that would have completed eventually if not for Isa’s researching harmony magic with Brother Elias.
Aden placed his hand on Ian’s shoulder. “I would have done it for any of us.”
Ian nodded.
He could see the pain haunting Aden’s eyes, but still his bighearted little brother was reaching out to comfort him.
“Thank you,” Ian said. He had no more words that needed to be said. But he could move forward again—and give Aden something to distract them both from the painful memories.
As they rounded the front corner of the house, Robin, Jette, and Rigelt were already carrying crates, barrels, and chests from a large wagon into the manor.
Ilida stood near the wagon, ledger in hand, tallying up the new supplies. The face she turned to Ian was positively beaming. “I was going to complain that you summoned another brother to Lockwood, but if they all bring a cart like this, then the whole family is welcome.”
Ian laughed, happy to break the heavier moment he had just shared with Aden. “Well there is only Onric and Erich left, so you do not have to be too concerned.” Ian looked back at Aden. “We do need to put them up for a few days, or several.”
Aden shook his head. “No need to put you out. We will continue on our way to the castle tonight.” Aden reached inside the wagon and lifted out a chest to carry into the house.
“It is too dangerous,” Ian repeated.
“Onric and Erich need the support,” Aden said, walking off with the chest before Ian had a chance to respond.
Ian looked into the wagon. He could not argue with that. He knew all too well the shame of not being at the castle to help his brothers. The wagon was empty save for a final chest.
“I’ll find them a spot for tonight,” Ilida said, holding up her ledger. “For all of this, they can have my bed.”
Ian slid the chest across the wagon floor. It was heavier than expected.
“This is more than double what the cart usually brings,” Ilida said.
Ian looked up at the sincerity in her voice.
“Thank you,” she continued. “This was well solved.”
Ian smiled at the rare compliment from the overworked woman. “Thank you,” he said in return. Lugging the chest off the back end of the wagon, he grunted at the weight of it, then hefted it in his arms and staggered to the front door of the manor.
Inside the great hall, Meena stood next to the long wooden table, which now held the contents from the wagon. She was chatting excitedly with Isa Bielsa. Aden stood next to his wife, a hand comfortably wrapped around her waist.
The table was completely filled. Robin stood on the far side, attempting to make room for the crate in her arms. Ian dropped his chest onto the wooden bench beside the table.
Standing back up with relief, Ian turned to Meena and Isa. “Sister,” he called, stepping toward them.
Both Meena and Isa turned to him.
“Which one?” Meena asked, raising her eyebrows.
“The smart one,” Ian shot back at Meena.
“He definitely means me,” Meena said to Isa.
“I did not.” Ian raised his voice so Meena was sure to hear it. He had stopped next to Robin to help her safely deposit her crate on the overflowing table. Now, he continued across the room to greet Isa.
“Welcome to the family, sister,” he said.
“Thank you,” Isa replied. Her smile was as lovely as Ian remembered it. “I am glad to see you again.”
Robin had joined the group, standing next to Ian.
“Robin,” Ian said, turning to her. “Allow me to introduce a member of my family that you have not yet met?”
