She smiled at him. “You sure?”
Damien plopped down on the chair, stretching out. “I’m sure!” He grinned. “See, perfect for me for a tiny nap.”
She returned his smile. “If you’re sure, I’m not arguing.” Celine stretched out on the bed. With her plan settled, she could relax. Sleep came easily and she drifted off within minutes. Damien settled into the chair, drifting off soon after Celine.
Damien awoke an hour later. He peered at the bed. Celine lay on her back, appearing to be in a deep sleep. He smiled, glad she was getting some rest. Outside the window, the autumn sky was a crisp blue. Damien crept to the window, easing it open. The waves crashed on the rocks below. Damien settled back into the chair, listening to the sounds of the ocean and smelling the saltwater in the air.
His musings turned to his move to the area. The location couldn’t be more beautiful and serene. It was a complete contrast to the upheaval he’d experienced in every other aspect of his life. He stared at Celine, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm as she slept. She was dealing with so much. On top of the situation with her sister and Michael, she also had to tackle the relocation, explaining it to her, or rather Josie’s parents. The only thing that differed between their situations was she was returning to a life she was accustomed to, whereas it was a new frontier for Damien.
He focused his attention again on Celine, pulling his mind back to their present situation. Celine’s breathing increased, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Within moments, she shot up to sitting, gasping for breath.
“Celine!” he shouted, rushing to her side.
Celine gulped air, grasping his hand. She swallowed hard. “I’m okay, just a bad dream.”
“Like before?”
“Yes, same dream. Even though I understand the dream’s meaning, it still produces the same effect.” She breathed hard, concentrating on calming her breathing. Damien rubbed her back. Her breathing calmed. She nodded at Damien. “I’m good.”
“You were sleeping so well!”
“I was. And I did manage to get some sleep before the nightmare, so I can report I’ve rested!”
“Gray will be happy!”
“Yes, he will be! What time is it?”
“Umm, it’s almost four-thirty.”
“Not long before the sunset at least. Then we can determine if there is anything wrong from Celeste’s perspective. Find out if Michael’s outburst has any validity to it.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“No, you stay here with Michael. I’ll take Gray with me.”
“Okay. Should we check in on him now, speaking of?”
“Yes, let’s check on him before dinner.”
The pair went to Michael’s room, meeting Alexander and Gray. They had just missed Millie, who had reviewed Michael’s condition and administered another round of sedative for the evening hours. She recommended keeping him sedated until the following morning and determining then if he could maintain a calmer composure.
Celine assured Gray she had slept and felt rested and ready to check on Celeste as soon as the sun set. They waited with Michael, eating a light dinner as the sun dipped below the horizon.
As the sun lowered on the horizon and the skies darkened, Celine and Gray set off for the abandoned property. The moon rose above them, at times obscured by clouds. An owl hooted in the distance and a dog howled from deep in the woods as they made their way down the path.
Celine shrugged her sweater tighter around her as the autumn chill frosted the air surrounding them. Worry for her sister drove her forward at a rapid pace. They arrived at the abandoned house as darkness saturated the sky. As they pushed through the door, Celeste emerged from her hiding spot.
Celine sighed with relief. “Oh, Celeste, you’re okay.”
“Of course, sister dear, whatever would be wrong?”
“I don’t know. Michael has been extremely agitated, insisting you needed him and were in some danger.”
Celeste widened her eyes, crinkling her brow with confusion. “I can’t imagine why. I am fine, present condition excluded, of course.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Celine, are you quite all right?”
“Yes.”
“She hasn’t been sleeping well,” Gray admitted to Celeste.
“I have been worried about both you and Michael. He seems to be worsening in some respects. And his outburst this morning after sunrise regarding your wellbeing disconcerted me.”
“I’m fine. I’m in no danger. I am in need of some… sustenance,” she said, choosing her words carefully. “Other than that, I’m fine.” She approached Celine, grabbing her hands. “I’m the older sister, I’m supposed to be fretting over you, not the other way around.”
Celine smiled at her. “Still, I’m relieved to see for myself you’re okay. I hope Michael will be relieved as well.”
“Perhaps now you can relax,” Gray said.
“Relax? Have you been that distraught?” Celeste asked.
Celine shook her head to disagree. Gray began, “She’s been having painful visions of you.”
“Painful visions? What does that mean?”
“I’ve been experiencing some…” Celine paused, searching for the words, “memories that unexpectedly shoot through my mind. They’re accompanied by nausea, head pain, things like that.”
“What? Celine!” Celeste stared at her sister.
“I’m fine. I don’t understand what is causing these, but they aren’t that bad. I’m fine!”
“How many have you experienced?”
“Three, only three.”
“All memories involving me? And you’ve been sick? Celine, why didn’t you tell me? You must take care of yourself.”
“Yes and yes. It’s nothing to worry about. I’m taking care of myself. Once we’ve got you back to yourself, I’m sure they’ll subside. This will pass.”
“We’ll sort it out. Until then, you must relax! Celine, you must stop taking these things all on yourself.”
“I’ve said the same, she doesn’t listen. Stubborn, like she’s always been,” Gray chimed in, throwing his arms in the air.
“You always have been that, yes,” Celeste agreed. “But you must listen this time, Celine.”
Celine held back from rolling her eyes. “I’m fine,” she said, glancing between both of them. “I will not fall apart. Nor leave,” she said in a preemptive strike, glancing at Gray.
“No one’s accusing you of anything, darling,” Celeste said, stroking her hair. “We’re just concerned for you. You mustn’t worry about me. I’m sorry Michael isn’t improving. I’m uncertain why that might be. I am not calling him at all.”
“No, I realize that. I’m not accusing you of inciting him. But something is off. I’m not sure why he seems to be so concerned you are in danger.”
“Is he still?”
“I’m not sure, we have kept him sedated since this morning when he tried to race off to protect you. Millie recommends keeping him sedated until morning when the danger is lessened for him.”
“I see. Please keep me updated.”
“I will. And please, Celeste, be safe. Teddy is watching you, isn’t he? Does he need any help?”
“He is. And I will be, sister dear. There is no need to worry. Now, I want you to go home, rest and relax.”
Celine nodded. “Don’t worry, Celeste,” Gray said, “I’ll make sure she rests. Are you satisfied, darling?” he asked, turning to Celine. “Can we go now?”
Celine nodded her head again. “Yes. I am. We can go.” She turned to Celeste, embracing her. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, sister dear.”
Celine and Gray left the house. As Celine stepped from the porch to the pathway, she doubled over in pain. Her mind exploded with a flood of memories as pain swept across her forehead. She dropped to her knees as she yelped in pain. Within moments, the fog in her mind cleared. She reached out for Gray.
&nbs
p; “Celine, another? Are you all right?”
“Another. But I’m okay.” She stood on shaky legs, gulping for air.
“Celine, something is wrong. I think you’d better talk to Millie when we get back.”
“I agree. You may be right.”
“Are you okay to walk?”
“Yes. Yes, I am. Let’s go.”
Chapter 15
“Bravo, my dear Celeste,” Marcus said, stepping from the sanctuary of the hidden room. “Well played. I don’t expect Celine suspected anything. She looked well, didn’t she? Her beauty is timeless.”
Celeste’s face was set in stone. She responded with silence.
“Oh, don’t be so sour, Celeste! You’ve done well! I am complimenting you.”
Celeste shook her head, her mouth still set in a grim display. Marcus passed behind her, whispering, “Take the hint, my dear, smile.”
“Must you constantly harass me?”
“Harass you? Celeste! Surely you jest!”
“I do not. Your presence sickens me. As does lying to my sister, misleading her, blindsiding her with whatever disgusting plan you have concocted.”
“Do not trouble yourself with the particulars, my dear. The only detail you need concern yourself with is that no harm will befall you. ”
“But what harm will come to Celine?”
“None! I have never harmed Celine in the past, I do not plan to ever harm her.”
“Haven’t you?” Celeste cocked her head to the side. “She would beg to differ.”
“Celine and I don’t always see eye-to-eye, it’s true. Again, that is none of your concern.”
“No? The well-being of my sister falls under my purview in my estimation.”
“What about your own well-being, Celeste?”
“What about it?”
“I should take care, if I were you. We wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”
“Would it ruin your precious little plan?”
“Hmm.” Marcus hesitated, placing a finger on his chin in a dramatic display. “No, but thank you for your concern. What it would ruin, however, is any chance you have at recovering to your true self.”
“Recovering my true self?”
“Yes, my dear. I can end your existence or restore you to your true self. No more fearing the sunrise or those pesky holy objects.”
Celeste grimaced, blinking her frustration away. He was correct. She was a hostage to her condition. And by extension, a hostage to him. One slip, one fall from his good graces could cost her life itself. There may be no reviving her this time. Whether or not she liked it, Celeste could not afford to anger the Duke.
“If you’re considering betraying me, I’d rethink that course of action. You’ve done that once before and consider how it turned out. Celine cannot help you, Celeste. You must realize that. Oh, I realize she is ‘working hard’ to find a solution, but she won’t. She lacks the formal training and knowledge to correct this situation. Had she not run off and married that fool, Buckley, she may have learned from me, but alas, she did not and here we are. She cannot help you, but I can.”
“And I’m expected to trust you?”
“Have I ever let you down before, Celeste?” Celeste stared at him, tilting her head. “You’d be wise not to answer,” he warned her. “Do as you are told, Celeste.”
“Don’t worry, Marcus, I will not ruin your plan.”
“Wonderful, enjoy your evening, Celeste! Until we meet again, au revoir!”
Gray and Celine entered the foyer. Gray climbed the stairs on a search for Millie. Celine withdrew to the sitting room, pouring a brandy for herself as she waited. She sipped at it, making her way to the fireplace. The bench in front provided a warm seat for her after the chilly evening air. The flames danced as she gazed into the fireplace. Her mind wandered through the past several days, over the incidents she experienced.
Was worry overcoming her? It had never happened in the past. Even before her audience with the adjudicator, she experienced nothing like this. What was happening to her? Why couldn’t she shake this sense of foreboding?
Gray returned with Millie in tow, interrupting her musings. “Hello, Celine,” Millie greeted her. “Gray tells me you’re experiencing some distressing symptoms.”
Celine nodded. “Yes, I am.” Celine recounted her recent experiences with the painful memories. Millie listened, interjecting questions every so often. When Celine finished, Gray asked if Millie had any idea or suggestion for exploring or treating the issue.
“I’m not sure of the cause, but I have some ideas to explore the situation further,” Millie said. “Do you mind if I check your vitals now?”
“Not at all,” Celine agreed, swallowing the last of her brandy.
Millie excused herself to retrieve her medical bag, returning within a few moments from upstairs. She checked Celine’s vital signs, pupil dilation, response to stimuli, reflexes and a myriad of other physical aspects. “Everything appears normal for you, Celine. I’m not ruling out exploring physical causes further, but that would require an MRI or CT scan. I’m not sure either is necessary now. I would, however, like to explore mental causes further. Would you mind trying hypnosis now?”
Celine was quiet for a moment. “Celine? Are you opposed to that?” Gray asked.
“No, not at all,” she said. “I was just remembering the last time Millie hypnotized me.”
“When you were Josie?” Gray asked.
“Yes.”
“Afraid Josie will pop out?” Millie joked.
Celine offered a small laugh. “No,” she admitted, “but it is strange. I’m experiencing the same symptoms I did as Josie and we’re pursuing the same treatment course. The parallels are somewhat alarming.”
Gray chuckled, pouring a brandy for himself. “Let’s determine if we can get to the source of these symptoms,” Millie said, removing a shiny pendant from her pocket. “You know the drill, Celine. Sit back, relax, concentrate on the pendant and my voice.”
Celine adjusted herself into an armchair near the couch, leaning back and staring at the pendant as Millie let it sway back and forth. She listened to Millie’s voice, prompting her to relax her limbs and her mind. Her mind relaxed, and she slipped away as Millie’s countdown neared one. When Millie finished counting backward, Celine was completely relaxed and under hypnosis.
Millie pocketed the pendant. “Celine, are you relaxed?”
“Yes,” Celine murmured.
“Celine, you have been experiencing some curious incidents of late. Memories that cause pain and sickness. Can you recall each of these incidents?”
“I can,” Celine responded.
“Celine, is there anything troubling you that would cause incidents like these?”
“Danger.”
“Danger?” Millie pressed. “Can you elaborate?”
“Danger,” she said, her breathing becoming elevated, her brow pinching together.
“Celine, relax, you are safe, there is no danger here.” Celine’s breathing stabilized. “Now, Celine, I asked if there was anything troubling you that would cause the painful memories you’ve been experiencing. Is there something rooted in your subconscious that concerns you?”
“Many things concern me, but before each incident I sense danger.”
“Danger from what?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Does it concern you that the painting is missing?” Gray chimed in.
“Gray, please!” Millie warned him in a whisper.
“Yes, but that is not the danger.”
“Ask her about Celeste,” Gray whispered to Millie.
Millie gave him a wide-eyed glance but complied. “Does Celeste’s condition concern you? Is this the danger you are sensing?”
“Celeste’s condition is concerning, and it is my fault. But this is not the danger.”
“What is the danger then, Celine? You know what it’s not, why can’t you identify what it is?”
“It’s clou
ded. I cannot identify it. The sensation is so strong it affects me physically.”
“So, the danger is the direct cause of the physical symptoms you are experiencing? And the memories… are they related to the danger?”
“I’m not sure. But the sense of danger is so overwhelming it makes me ill.”
“Is there anything else you can relay to us about the memories or the sense of danger?”
Celine was silent for a moment. Her brows pinched together as she processed her thoughts. Her breathing quickened, and she gripped the arms of the chair, digging her fingers into the fabric. She moaned, screwing her face up, pinching her eyes tighter.
“Celine, what is it? What’s wrong?” Millie asked.
“Non, non,” Celine began in French, “il vient. Je dois partir.”
“Celine, speak English, you are safe, relax and describe what’s happening,” Millie instructed.
Sweat beaded on her forehead, her body became rigid, her breathing frantic. “Cave, blood.” She groaned in pain. “I cannot move, I’m dying, he stabbed me.”
“It’s the night she became what she is, she’s reliving it,” Gray noted.
Millie nodded, recognizing the event from Celine’s previous descriptions.
Tears streamed down Celine’s face as she continued, hysteria entering her voice. “Marcus,” she cried, moaning in pain.
Millie glanced to Gray. “Pull her out of it,” he said.
Millie nodded. “Celine, Celine,” she shouted over Celine’s moaning, “it’s just a dream. You’re safe, relax. I’m going to bring you out of the hypnosis. Celine, listen to me, when I reach one, you will wake up.” Millie counted backward to one and Celine awoke. Millie collapsed onto the couch, breathing a sigh of relief.
“Well, those faces do not look good,” Celine noted, staring at Millie and Gray.
“You had a bit of an episode,” Millie explained.
“You relived that night in the caves,” Gray elaborated.
“That’s not surprising, that night has haunted me since it happened. Nothing about the painful memories?”
Stolen Portrait Stolen Soul: A Shadow Slayers Story (Shadow Slayers Stories Book 2) Page 13