by Dahlia Leigh
ALPHA BERONE
The alpha beckoned Rozalind to his side and then whispered into her ear, “Check in on him if you can. Keep unseen watch at the borders. Even call on the Unbound if needed to help you in gathering information. Tell them their alpha requires their services, and they will help. We both know my son’s more modern ideals may try to keep him from the task at hand.”
“Yes, alpha,” Rozalind whispered and bowed her head.
"You can count on me. I will find a way.”
They moved in tandem, followed by the rest of the shadow pack as they joined Darien, nearing the castle border.
Chapter Eight
Ashlynn
Ashlynn faced the window in the highest tower where she chose to perform her morning ritual of stretches and meditation. From her vantage, most of the castle grounds were visible to her. The lush grass rolled out from the castle to the boundary and the extravagant gardens were in a constant state of varied, manicured blooms and hedges guarded by statues of past Sentinels.
The castle had always been Ashlynn’s home, never leaving the grounds beyond the dome. Ever since she could remember, the magical dome surrounding the grounds had been in place, erected by Asteroth himself. The dome let in light and air and could be seen through from both the inside and outside when desired. Ashlynn had watched people on countless occasions arrive at various times who came mostly out of curiosity to look through the dome at the castle and the only inhabitant. To her relief, however, they didn’t get too close and usually didn’t stay long. At other times, the dome appeared clouded or even reflected scenes of other lands or weather patterns. Though more and more lately, the dome remained transparent. The energy to magically change the dome used too much of Asteroth’s magic.
As Ashlynn’s view had remained limited over the years, she’d studied and educated herself of the outside world as much as she could. She desired to one day see what lay beyond her borders but knew her place was within the castle. She had been born with purpose and had a duty to not only to her family before her, but also to the Asteroth Castle. Ashlynn stood straight as she thought of her heritage. Pride engulfed her chest knowing she had been chosen, and she had risen to the challenges placed before, and so far had earned her place. Aside from all that, if she ever left the castle before Asteroth was fully stable again, the castle would cease to function, essentially killing Asteroth. She couldn’t—wouldn’t—do that to him. He was the only family she truly remembered. He was her home.
Lost in her train of thought, Ashlynn almost lost her balance as a loud gong sounded. She flew off the column she stood on and stumbled closer to the window. The dome shifted one small section to transform into a gate made of decorative, wrought-iron bars to allow entry. Ashlynn couldn’t help the gasp that left her mouth. Striding through the now open gate was a handsome blond man. He glanced toward her window.
“There is no way he can see me up here,” Ashlynn said, sure of her statement as she continued to watch. Even if he could somehow see her, Ashlynn wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of believing her to be embarrassed. That would be a weakness. And she was not weak. She watched him until he was out of her line of sight then placed her hand over her heart. Something stirred in her chest, a feeling she never had before and never thought she would. Though the feeling was one she had read about in many of the numerous love stories found in the castle library, she found herself feeling strange at the unsanctioned reaction her body provided. Ashlynn shook out her arms and regained her composure. The first warrior had arrived.
Ashlynn quickly moved down several staircases until she reached the landing just above the main entry of the castle. A great doorbell chimed, indicating he had finally reached the front entrance. Ashlynn paused only for a moment as uncertainty warred with curiosity.
Ashlynn steeled her spine and sharpened her focus. “No one else has ever been in the castle. But I made my decision, and I will stand by my choice to allow the warriors in. No matter how awkward the interactions might be.” She took a deep breath. “Remember, Asteroth, I’m only picking one, then the others may leave.”
“Of course,” Asteroth said. “May I let him in now?”
Ashlynn nodded her head but remained, at first, standing on the landing above the entry to watch and gauge the newcomer and his worth as a fighter. The front door swung open, revealing the blond warrior. Though he did not appear to be much of a warrior based on his lack of mass, the black-rimmed glasses, or the long duster jacket he wore.
“Hello? I am Edmund of St. Croix,” the warrior said as he slowly walked inside, holding up a worn envelope. “I received an invitation to come.”
Ashlynn couldn’t help but feel comforted by the melodic and soothing tone of his voice as he spoke.
“Welcome, Edmund.” Asteroth’s voice boomed with a tinny echo as he spoke from a large, armored knight statue complete with a long sword positioned directly opposite the door.
Edmund startled at first then tilted his head to see into the face of the statue. “Did you speak to me?”
“I did. Welcome to Asteroth Castle, home to the quirky and insane. I am your host, Asteroth.” The knight attempted a welcoming bow but was hindered by the clashing of the shell of armor.
Unfazed, Edmund inclined his head awkwardly, but kept his eyes trained on the statue, perhaps unsure what to do. Rumors circulated of the talking castle but for the last fifteen years, no one else had witnessed such an event. Edmund leaned toward the statue, his eyes wide with curiosity, then took a step forward in great interest. Just as he was about to reach out and touch the statue, Ashlynn made her presence known.
“Don’t touch him, please,” Ashlynn said protectively holding out her hands, making her way down the stairs from the landing. Perched on her shoulder, Hijinx watched the visitor with narrowed eyes.
“Apologies, Sentinel. I meant no harm. A talking statue is quite fascinating to me,” Edmund said. However, his eyes were no longer on the soldier, but on Ashlynn.
Uncomfortable with his piercing gaze, Ashlynn moved the introductions along. “I am Ashlynn, Sentinel of this castle. And you have just met Asteroth,” she said, indicating the soldier statue. “Asteroth is the heartbeat of this castle, and I am his protector. Welcome.”
“The pleasure is truly mine. I am Edmund… I guess you already heard that when I came in.” Edmund allowed a slightly awkward pause before standing tall. “To have been requested to be here is a great honor.” He inclined his head in respect.
Hijinx chattered something at her and Ashlynn laughed. “And this little furball is my friend, Hijinx.”
“A pleasure, Hijinx. I have not seen a whirrel in quite some time. You must be one of the few remaining,” Edmund said with a hint of awe in his voice.
“I believe he is,” Ashlynn said, a hint of sadness in her voice. She observed him as he studied Hijinx. Her pendant unexpectedly warmed at her chest. The energy surrounding him was surprisingly visible to Ashlynn’s Sentinel eye. The power she felt was different than when she first experienced the pendant’s power; the magic was softer somehow, as if it was reaching out, testing Edmund. At first, she wasn’t sure if what she sensed was truly from the pendant or if she had always been able to sense a person’s magical signature as he was the first person she’d ever met. But her instinct told her the ability came from the pendant, and she trusted in that.
“Edmund, tell me what could you do for me and the castle if you were my warrior.” Ashlynn pulled no punches and asked him outright.
Edmund reached for something in his duster pocket. Stunned by her bluntness, he fumbled and dropped a glass vial. The glass shattered on the hard floor, and a wisp of pink smoke rose from the spilled liquid, transforming into a single rose hovering in the air. Edmund’s cheeks heated but he shrugged. “I am an alchemist and work primarily with potions, spells, and the symbols. As you can see before you, this is one of my simpler potions,” he said, gesturing toward the rose.
Ashlynn watched with interest and sl
ight confusion, surprised at Edmund’s social awkwardness. His appearance suggested he could be a model for an alchemy journal. With thick and messy blond hair at the top and longer lengths styled over one side, his hair was quite manicured with the sides and back kept short. His glasses accentuated his brown eyes and brought definition to his clean-shaven, smooth skin. He was breathtaking, but Ashlynn couldn’t see how he could fight at her side with alchemy alone.
Edmund brought in a large traveling trunk. His eyes lit up as he began sharing. “In this trunk are my most prized experiments, prepared potions, and books on Alchemy. I have studied the craft alongside my father and many of his well-known compatriots since I was young. I believe I could add greater defenses to your borders and assist with useful spells added to your weapons.”
Ashlynn observed he was not only trying to sound impressive, but he spoke of his concoctions with passion and was excited to share his wealth with someone. Something inside her tugged at her heart, relating to a loneliness she sensed inside him.
“You will have space for all your personal things as well as your trunk items. We have a room for you as well as an area you may set up a lab and have the freedom to use at your will.”
Edmund’s eyes lit up at the mention of his own space to set to work. Ashlynn’s chest bloomed, seeing him come alive in that way—she had made that happen, she’d put that smile on his face there. He was adorable in his shyness. That, coupled with his obvious knowledge, gave him an internal sexiness she hadn’t expected to find.
“Thank you,” Edmund said. His words held the utmost sincerity as he spoke.
“Let’s get out of the entryway. I will show you to your rooms,” Ashlynn said. She turned back toward the staircase and ascended to the next floor. Edmund’s trunk thumped up each step behind them as he followed her. Ashlynn secretly smiled and held in the laughter that so desperately wanted to escape at each thumping sound and at the strange turn her life of solitude just took.
At his room, Ashlynn showed him in and took note of the fresh scent of the linens and marveled at her castle’s magical ability to care for everyone, not only her.
Edmund set his things down and admired the simple, yet elegant, furnishings of the room. “This is most hospitable of you—and you, Asteroth—thank you.”
“Would you like to see the lab now?” Ashlynn asked.
“Yes, very much, please!”
They began to walk back down toward the entrance, but just as they passed where Edmund had first come in, he said, “Oh! I can’t believe I forgot. They are not going to be happy.”
Edmund wrung his hands together and reached for the door. Then, thinking better of it, he stepped back then looked at Ashlynn and continued to explain.
“After I had entered the boundary of the dome, another group of people arrived. They were a rough and formidable bunch, if I ever saw one. For some reason, they didn’t want to enter with me, but asked that I inform you they waited for your convenience. Although, if you ask me, I’m pretty sure they just wanted to make their own entrance,” Edmund said.
Ashlynn frowned but nodded. Confused and a little wary she consulted the castle. “Asteroth, who do you sense is outside the dome?”
“The alpha of the shadow shifters awaits with his son, the second warrior to arrive. It seems the alpha may have also brought along some of his pack as well.”
“Well then, I shall go meet the shadow shifter pack,” Ashlynn said. She walked out the front door of the castle toward the gate in the dome. Edmund followed at a distance behind her, either of his own volition or because Asteroth suggested he do so. She betted on the latter.
Chapter Nine
Ashlynn
With confidence—and a little suspicious curiosity—Ashlynn made her way across the vast lawn toward the front gate. She eyed the pack of shadow shifters who waited none-too-patiently for her to welcome them. Edmund had been right, she realized, taking note of the number of shifters present. The group wasn’t an army’s worth, but more than a handful. Perhaps twenty or so. The alpha made a show of strength for little ole her. She would have been flattered, except she knew better. Two members stood out from the rest of the pack; they had to be the alpha and his son.
At the entrance, stood an intimidating man with a haughty and closed expression on his face. The man’s presence exuded alpha. He watched her every move, examining her as if for weaknesses. Ashlynn stood tall and strong—he wouldn’t find any. She sensed his assessment, judgment, and resentment in every step she took. Next to him stood an even taller, broader, and younger version of the first man, shrouded with a hint of darkness around him. He had to be the alpha’s son, the second warrior to arrive at the castle’s invitation. His size and intimidating presence was a bonus to Ashlynn in her assessment of him as a fighter, but something else in his pale blue eyes spoke to her, caressing the depths of her soul in a way she had never experienced before. The feeling unnerved her.
“Open the gate, Asteroth.” Ashlynn quietly said to a small statue nearby. Closing herself off to the son’s effects, she turned to the alpha to get the introductions out of the way. She acknowledged him with strength and confidence.
“Welcome to Asteroth Castle, Alpha of the shadow shifters. I am Ashlynn, the Sentinel of this land.”
“Thank you, great Sentinel. I am Berone, alpha to not only these of my pack but the packs residing this side of the Void. This is my son and successor, Darien, the one whom you have requested to come.” The alpha indicated his son at his side. Each of the other members of the pack tipped their head in a respectful show to the Sentinel except for the woman standing possessively close to the alpha’s son. Ashlynn couldn’t help but notice the woman’s sultry curves and her pouty, violet lips to match her blackish-purple hair, or the way she kept running her fingers up and down Darien’s arm clearly sending her own message.
Ashlynn acknowledged Darien specifically. “Welcome, Darien. Thank you for coming at such short notice. I understand it must come at great cost for you to leave your pack.” Ashlynn didn’t care to mention that if it hadn’t been for Asteroth, none of them would be having the crazy show of disingenuous respect for one another. Darien inclined his head and stepped out of the woman’s grasp but only enough to return Ashlynn’s acknowledgment. Ashlynn watched him open his mouth to say something but then thought against it. Perhaps he was as excited to be there as she was.
“Great Sentinel, we look forward to the possibility of being future allies with you and are grateful for this opportunity to become more acquainted,” the alpha said. Though a shift in his eyes and something off in his demeanor told her his responses were a show of power, and she had no intention of trusting him. The son, on the other hand, would need to prove his worth to her.
Ashlynn offered him a tight smile then gestured in a sweeping motion for Darien to enter the gates. “Please come in, Darien.”
Darien nodded and, without a goodbye to his father or his pack, stepped through the open gateway and then waited. Ashlynn stood at the gate, waiting for the alpha to take his pack and make their exit. Once they did, she noted Darien and Edmund sizing each other up. She didn’t have time for any male testosterone comparisons. Walking right through the center of the two men, she continued straight for the castle. “Follow me, boys.”
Ashlynn felt their presence at her back. The intensity of her initial encounters with each of the men so far had shocked her senses and rocked her sensibilities. But no more. She had to shut down her body’s traitorous responses before she got too close, because something in her told her she could get too attached.
Just then, Darien strode along her side. “The show from my father was not my intention, nor the way I like to deal with people. I hope you can allow me the chance to be presented as myself.”
Ashlynn stopped walking and peered into his eyes and read the truth of his words. She smiled and offered him an olive branch. “Of course. We all deserve the opportunity to represent ourselves.”
Darien’s gaz
e was intense as he studied her as well. “Does that offer extend to yourself as well?”
Ashlynn stiffened her shoulders. “I represent myself as I am.” She turned away from him and continued walking until she reached the small garden gnome just outside the castle. “Asteroth, please ensure the gate is closed.”
“Of course,” Asteroth said with a small voice that gave the shadow shifter pause as he examined the small gnome with a curious glance.
“Come, I will show you to your room,” Ashlynn said and disappeared through the front door of the castle.
They ascended the stairs to the third floor then stopped in front of a closed door. “My room is just down the hall, if you need anything,” said Edmund, but his last words trailed off as if he realized how awkward his offer sounded. Darien frowned at him. Edmund made a loud gulp, taking a half-step back. “I’ll just see you at dinner then. Unless you need me for anything, Ashlynn?”
“Thank you, Edmund, but no. Get settled in. Dinner will be promptly in an hour down in the dining room.”
Edmund nodded then quickly left. Ashlynn watched Darien as he entered his own room, threw his bag onto the floor, and then gazed at his surroundings. His room was a carbon copy of Edmund’s but with darker colors of blues and grays.
“I’ll leave you to it then. Be down for dinner,” Ashlynn said then turned to walk out the door.
Darien’s hand gently gripped her wrist and stopped her progress. “I hope I did not overstep earlier with my words. Sometimes I lack tact.”
Ashlynn felt his heated gaze before she looked into his eyes. The warmth of his skin in contact with her own stirred those damn butterflies she hadn’t given permission to move in her stomach.