After peeling ourselves out of our casket four weeks ago, we were met with—surprisingly, no one. Well, other than Alaric’s butler, Ismael, and some guy by the name of Taks, who has been watching over Lars in the Fallen’s absence. Apparently, he had to go check on a certain butterfly princess of ours.
Xeraphine had asked him not to mention to Sydni that we were back, and I agreed. While we plan to let her and Kayn know we are alive, we collectively decided that we wanted to spend some time in solitude. Get a feel for one another as somenormalcouple would.
I’m not sure if she and I are meant for ‘normal’, but these past few weeks together in our cabin—just the two of us—have felt as close to it as we’re likely to get.
This is the first time I’ve left her since we moved in, but I kept my shadows summoned to keep her warm in my absence. Seeing her wrapped inmewill never get old.
Driving to Sidence feels strange, but I’m thankful Alaric lives on the outskirts of the city. Things are slowly opening up again, bit by bit. It’s crazy to think how much Xeraphine’s growth has contributed to this, how she’s no longer hunted for what happened. And it all boils down to a simple act of forgiveness—who would’ve thoughtthat could bring about so much change?
Desiray Ansford came forward about her apparent kidnapping by Xera, and stated that it was a ‘saving’.
She heavily spun the story, stating that my little demon had gone to the club on her request for rescue from her abusive relationship to Lars. It turned deadly when someone tried to stop her. Let’s just say if she didn’t have the influence she did, I can’t imagine the authorities would’ve taken to the story.
However, it did help in the why Xera and I showed up in Sidence. While the world will think that we died that day, she wasn’t plastered as the reason for the attack.
Lars and Tali were.
Reports began to circulate that Lars had ‘summoned’ Tali to bring Xeraphine to him, and it was only solidified by Desiray’s reports. Those that survived the subway spoke of how, while Xera’s callous words frightened them, neither of us allowed more than one death in sacrifice for ourselves.
While we will not have statues erected for what we did, I’m just grateful the majority aren’t labeling her as the villain.
So, I’m grateful for Desiray listening to my little demon. Had she not taken the actions to rid herself of the parasite inside of her, I can’t imagine where we would be right now, because I know Xera would have ended her life.
Pulling up to Alaric’s mansion in the suburbs, I head straight for the back door, making my way into the basement. I still don’t get why he has a dungeon, but I can’t say I’m not grateful for it. Maybe he’s got some weird fantasy about it, which is honestly intriguing. If I didn’t have to keep Xeraphine worlds away from him, I’d ask to chain her up and let her hang out to dry for a few hours.
She’s still who she is, but that mouth of hers continues to get her into trouble.
Moving through the stone corridor, past several metal-gated cells, I reach my destination. Not that I’m surprised to see Taks standing there, chest puffed out with arms crossed. His eyes are locked on the single window that overlooks what was once a medical room but now serves as a prison—one designed to keep a certain someone alive.
Taks turns his attention to me, his green eyes assessing. “Morning.”
“Good morning, how’s he doing?” I ask as I move to stand beside him and peering in. Lars sits in a metal chair, his wrists bound to its legs,forcing his arms straight.
“Delusional. He keeps asking for her.”
My nose twitches, and I groan. “I’ll remind him he will be seeing his mother’s face before hers, and that is without question.”
“He talks a lot. I’m tempted to take his tongue.”
I chuckle and reach for the handle of the door. “I hear bringing a psychopath a tongue is the perfect gift.”
He laughs.
I like Taks, he finds my jokes funny. At least someone appreciates my efforts.
As I step into the room and close the door behind me, I’m met with unforgiving florescent lighting, then, awhineby the Shifter settled before me. As I approach, I take in his appearance. He only has boxers on, and I can only imagine that the mild temperature in here drives him crazy. It isn’t cold, but it sure as shit isn’t warm. This is the kind of room that would have one putting on and off a blanket.
Lars is missing an eyebrow, and the large gash on his lip is starting to heal, though it looks like it’s been there for a while. Other than that, he looks skinnier than I remember from the last time I saw him four weeks ago. Taks and the butler know he’s not meant to die, so they feed him just enough to keep him barely alive. They’ve got feeding tubes on standby, in case he stops doing that on his own.
“K-Kairhyse, please.” I love that he thinks I’m going to have any sympathy for him. Xeraphine would be easier to deal with, but I know that’s exactly what he wants. He still wants what is mine, and I can’t have thatever.
Stepping around him, I move toward the fridge tucked into the corner. All the cabinets have been emptied, but I made sure one thing was kept frozen until I returned. It’s been thawing out for the past few days, and now it’s finally ready. That’s why I’m here today and not any other day.
Taking out the heart situated on a plate, I close the refrigerator and make my way back in front of Lars.
Standing in front of him, I tilt my head and smile. “Morning.”
His eyes lock onto the organ just a few feet away. He knew this was coming, but by the look of surprise on his face, it’s clear he hoped someone would’ve forgotten the threat.
