“Bastian?”
Layard motioned to Bas who sat in a chair, head slumped on his chest. “Stubborn as a mule that one. He’s been watching over you for two days now. But sleep finally claimed him.”
The memory of being trapped came back, the kiss…
Sera tried to get up. “I need to go.” Panic gripped her, she couldn’t believe what she’d said or done. How could she have been so reckless? She never let anyone know her real emotions, she’d spent years hiding them. Now what would Bas think?
“No, you need to rest. You’re still weak.”
“You know I’ll heal. I need to —”
“Your mission – whatever it is – can wait. You’re in no state to travel,” Layard said, putting a hand on her arm.
She brushed off his touch, forcing herself up and feeling her stomach recoil in the process. She covered her mouth, swallowing down bile. “I have to go,” she snapped. “I appreciate what you did for me but…”
“Bas didn’t see anything if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Sera’s eyes narrowed. “Can you be sure of that?”
Layard lips curved into a wry smile. “He didn’t start screaming or coming at you with an agriel.”
Sera slumped back against the bed. She’d rest for now, but she’d stay alert when Bas finally woke up.
Sera and Bas spent the next couple of days practising with Layard on their mental powers before finally travelling back to Elmira when she recovered enough. Bas said nothing about their kiss which she was grateful for. Sera prayed he hadn’t heard her admitting her feelings for him either. What had she been thinking? She blamed the poison. She’d been delirious. Bas mustn’t have heard her.
Once they were back in the city, she knew she had to focus on the most important thing: her mission. She asked Bastian for a couple of days off, saying she still felt weak and spent the time working on getting into the vault.
She went to visit Clara that night but found the girl already sleeping.
“Have the tonics been working?” Sera asked Nadia.
The fey woman smiled sadly. “She seems stronger but no, it’s only reliving her pain.”
Sera sighed. “If I could just figure out what’s causing the sickness. Do you have her records?”
Nadia shook her head, hands clenching into fists. “The prince has them and I doubt it will do much good. He won’t allow healers to examine her anymore.”
Sera turned to leave. “I should go. I’ll come to see her again tomorrow.”
When she reached the door, Nadia grabbed her arm. “Why did you really come here?” the other fey asked. “None of our people would want to become a hunter. They’ve killed too many of us. You know what they do to us.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She pulled her arm away. “I have to go. Say hi to Clara for me.”
“Don’t try to deny what you are. I may serve the mages, but I will always be –”
“Are you trying to get us both killed?” Sera hissed. “Stop, we can’t talk in the open like this.”
“This room is warded, Bastian made sure of it so nothing can get to Clara,” Nadia said. “Tell me why you’re here. If you plan on hurting that child…”
Sera’s eyes flashed. “I’d never hurt her. She has nothing to do with this. Nor can I tell you why I’m here. Now, please excuse me.”
Nadia turned around, loosening her robe. “This is what they do to us.” Jagged scars covered her back where her wings had once been.
Sera winced, felt her own wings fluttering against her spine from horror.
“Watch yourself,” Nadia warned. “If you had any sense you’d leave before they do the same to you.”
“Someone has to work for a better future,” she muttered.
Sera hurried along the corridor. Despite her glamour, she dodged the sensors in case they spotted her. She crept along the wall, pressed the buttons to the open outer door. The wall slid open.
She let out a breath. That had been the easy part. Inside lay a small space with another control panel. Sera placed a small white crystal on it. Numbers began to flash on the screen and a code materialised.
Nothing happened.
Now what? She checked the panel. The code was correct, why wouldn’t it open?
Leaning in close she saw another slot, about the size of a man’s finger. It required blood. Damn it, Anton’s blood would be required. Good thing I came prepared. She pulled out of vial of blood she taken from Clara, put a few drops on her finger then placed it inside the scanner.
“Incorrect,” a voice announced.
Sera pulled her hand away, hurried out of the room, the door closing behind her. She ran back to the hall, wondering why Clara’s blood hadn’t worked. As his daughter her blood would have been a close match. Enough to get her inside.
Would Anton have locked Clara out? No, he wouldn’t perceive a sick child as a threat and Bas kept her under close watch.
Would the disease have affected it? No, she didn’t think so.
That could mean only one thing: Anton wasn’t Clara’s biological father.
12
Over the next two weeks, the team were ordered off the wraith case by McGregor and forced onto patrols around the city. Bas grew more and more edgy as the days went on.
Sera spent the time trying to find a way into the next part of the vault. She’d never been able to get close enough to Anton to get his blood. She managed to get a sample from Bas under the pretence of using it for Clara’s treatment, but it hadn’t worked either. She guessed Anton didn’t trust Bas enough to let him in there either.
More tests revealed he and Clara were only half siblings. In the end she deduced she needed the blood from Anton himself plus a key to open the inner door which belonged to Garrett. She knew her best chance of getting both was that night when the whole city would be celebrating the spring equinox.
Anton had invited everyone to a big party and Liana said the equinox was always a big thing for the mages. It was special to the fey too since it was a time when natural magic flowed more freely from the earth.
Sera sat examining the layout of the mansion that she’d drawn from the scroll Liana had procured for her, noting every possible route and where the guards would be stationed. Bas had given them security plans. They wouldn’t be on duty, but he told them to be vigilant since the fey tended to get antsy during the equinox.
Someone tapped on the door. She looked up to see Liana there. “Hey, have you got your dress ready for tonight?” Liana asked.
“Yeah.” She motioned to a flimsy long green gown hanging on the wardrobe.
Liana’s lip curled. “You can’t wear that. It’s hideous.”
“I’m going there to work, not to socialise.”
Her foster sister rolled her eyes. “Sometimes I wonder how someone who looks like you could have no sense of fashion.”
Sera snorted. “I have more important things to worry about. Plus I’m not you; I don’t really care what my clothes look like as long as they’re functional.”
“Look, I know you have to get all stealthy but if you want Garrett to notice you tonight you can’t go dressed like that.” Li pulled out a short, flimsy black dress with lacy straps.
“I can’t wear that,” Sera insisted. “Where would I hide all my gear? I’m flirting with Gareth, not sleeping with him.”
“You have your things stashed in Clara’s room, don’t you?”
“Yeah, but…”
“Good. Then it’s settled. You’ll distract Garrett and I’ll get frisky with Anton, get a little blood then that vault will be ours.” Liana beamed. “Stop scowling. If you want Garrett’s attention, you’ll need to look the part.”
Sera sighed. “I’m only including you in this because I’m desperate. With riots breaking out, we need that stone more than ever.”
“What do you think is on it?” Liana clasped her hands together. “The scrolls never said.”
Sera shrugged. �
�It could be anything, but the knowledge of our ancestors will help us to get our people out of slavery.” She tucked the scroll away. “Everything is in place. We can be out of the city within a couple of minutes.”
Liana groaned. “I’m gonna miss this place – or at least I’ll miss Bas. Mage or not, he’s a good man. It’ll be nice to be rid of Niall though.”
Sera winced. This would be her last day in Elmira. She would never see Bastian or little Clara again. But she knew it’d be for the best, she’d never belong in this world, she never had. That was why she hadn’t ever tried to find Bas after they’d been separated. They belonged in different worlds that would never mix or be part of each other.
“What about Bastian?” Liana asked.
“What about him?” She studied her nails, wondering if she should try some varnish.
“Come on, I know he’s the boy from the Aldon attack. The one you left behind, then you two almost died together again,” Li said. “That must have stirred up some emotions between you.”
“No feelings. Like Alward says, mages and fey can’t fall in love.”
“Whoa, who said anything about love?” Li gasped. “You still love him, don’t you?”
She shook her head. “No, I don’t. I can’t be in love with him.” Despite what she said she knew it couldn’t be true. We didn’t know each other, not really. They never had. “How could I love him? He can never be with the real me. He’ll never accept me either.”
“I always wondered why you and Ciaran never got serious. You’ve been in love with Bas all these years.”
Sera snorted. “Ciaran was just a fling. I can’t get involved with anyone – I don’t have the time.”
“Sera, you and Bas got married ten years ago. Hell, you could still legally be married to him.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, I never used my real name and it was a mage ceremony. It couldn’t be legal. That was just a stupid teenage thing – it didn’t mean anything.”
“Sera?” Bas shouted, making Sera jump. “Can you get down here?”
“I’m sorry, ada.” Liana touched her cheek. “I’d hate to love someone I can never be with.”
Sera forced smile. “Don’t. I’m not in love with him. Be happy, this time tomorrow we’ll be back with Alward and our own people.”
Sera met Bas at the base of the stairs. “Are we on patrol again already?”
“No, time for more training. You’ll be up for the trial in a few days, you can’t afford to waste it.”
Sera flinched. She’d been so focused on the vault she’d forgotten all about the trial. No that mattered, she reminded herself. She wouldn’t even be there. “I’m prepared,” she assured him. The last thing she needed was to be worn out at the party. She needed to focus.
“Come on, we’re going to get some practice in.” Bas pulled on his vest. “Grab your gear.”
“I told you, I’m ready,” she insisted.
Bastian arched an eyebrow. “Do I need to order you to come?”
She sighed. “No.”
To her surprise, Bas led her up to the lookout tower. Her heart skipped a beat. Did he know her secret?
“Why are we here?” she asked, reaching for a vial in the pocket of her trousers. The stunning powder could stun any potential threat. She’d made it to use that night since she’d need all her magic to help with the escape.
“I’ve been practising higher magic,” Bas told her. “Layard taught me a few tricks.”
She let go of the vial. “Oh.” Not what she’d expected.
“I brought you here because I want you to help me summon a wraith.” He pulled out some chalk and candles out of a bag he’d been carrying.
Sera bit her lip, feeling nervous. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Look what happened last time.” The last thing she needed was for him to get possessed again. They didn’t have Layard with them and she didn’t know if she could get rid of the wraith on her own.
“Sera, I know we can do this.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “With all the growing unrest this might be our last chance.”
“It’s too dangerous. What if you get possessed again?” She put a hand on his arm.
He shrugged. “You can hold me in place. I’ll force it to talk.”
“Bas…” she protested.
“Let’s try now. I’m gonna summon an underling spirit to start off with.”
Sera bit her lip. This was dangerous work, but she would do it. She wanted the wraith problem resolved. It would bring some closure before she left.
Bas drew a circle on the floor, muttered words of something.
Are you sure about this? She asked.
He nodded. If higher magic is the only way forward so be it. A chill ran down her spine as a thick mist filled the room. Sera called for magic, ready to use in case things got out of hand.
A skeletal figure formed, not just any sort of spirit – a wraith.
Bas, send it away.
Bas ignored her, his mental shield slamming up, blocking her out.
Tell me who killed the mages, he’s been using you, Bas demanded.
The wraith hissed. I’ll not tell you anything, mage.
“Bastian,” she snapped, willing him to listen to her.
Still he ignored her.
His brow creased as he tried to force his will on the creature. His hold wouldn’t last long.
Without thinking, Sera grabbed Bas’s hand, adding her powers his. Their minds opened to each other, power combining. Bastian’s eyes widened as she raised her hand, using the currents to keep the wraith locked in.
“Tell us,” Bas commanded.
The wraith snarled, its form writhing as it tried to get free from the spell circle.
“You won’t find me,” another voice cried. “I am your end.”
A blast of power sent Bastian and Sera crashing across the floor. She landed on top of him, wincing from the impact. “I told you we shouldn’t have done that!”
“That was incredible!” Bas breathed. “We had it then…”
“Something else used its power through the wraith.” Sera tried to pull away.
“We almost had them.” Bas wrapped an arm around her. “If we come up with better trap, I know we can find the killer. We make a damn good team.”
She sighed. “I guess.”
“Why have you been so distant since we got back from Layard’s? Did I do something wrong?”
She looked away. No, I-I need to go. I’m…”
Bas cupped her chin, dragging her mouth up for a kiss. Sera’s eyes widened as she found herself melting into him for a moment. Then she remembered Liana’s warning. She pulled away. “What are you doing?” she demanded.
“I thought – you let me kiss you before.”
“That was a mistake.” She scrambled up, grabbing her pack off the floor.
Bas grabbed her arm. “Hey, you kissed me back. You can’t just run away from this. I know you felt it too.”
Sera’s eyes flashed. “I felt nothing. I don’t have any feelings for you and never did.” She stormed off, feeling tears sting her eyes.
What had she done? She couldn’t believe her stupidity. She would be leaving in less than twelve hours. Why? Why did he have to do that? Forget it. You’ll be gone soon, back to Alward and wherever he’s set up the new base.
You’ll never see him again, she reminded herself and let the tears fall.
13
Given his foul mood Bastian almost sent a message to Anton saying he wouldn’t be at the feast that night. But his father always insisted on his presence at the gathering or he’d pay for it later. It would almost be worth the price.
But damn it, he felt humiliated after what happened with Sera. He’d been so sure she felt the same way; for a moment it seemed she had. Until she’d run off. Things between them had been off since her near-death experience, but he’d thought it had brought them closer together. Now he didn’t think so.
What did I do wrong? I knew she wanted i
t. I could see in her eyes. Was I wrong? Bas ran a hand through his hair, now slicked back to match his black suit.
The hell with it. If Sera didn’t feel the same, so be it. Maybe he needed some fun. He’d have a few drinks to take his mind off Sera, and women flocked around him at these parties. Maybe he’d find someone who didn’t mind his company.
“Are you guys ready yet?” he yelled.
“We’ll meet you there,” Liana called back.
“You’ll be late.” He crossed his arms, he’d hoped to have spoken to Sera before the party, but it didn’t look like she would appear before then, nor did he want to wait around looking like an idiot.
“Hey, women need more time to get ready!” Liana called.
Niall appeared beside him dressed his guild uniform. “God, I feel ridiculous.”
“I know the feeling.” Bas clamped a hand on his shoulder. “Fancy a night of boozing and gorgeous women?”
Niall grinned. “Love to, mate. Let’s move. I need some action of the physical kind.”
Niall moved off and Bas scowled at the empty staircase. Fine, if Sera wanted to avoid him, he’d avoid her too.
The grand ballroom with its glittering chandeliers and its golden pageantry made Bastian’s head ache. But he took his place flanked by Anton and Garret for pictures, forcing his brightest smile, the one that belonged to prince’s son.
Prince’s son, ha! He was a hunter, not a prince. The royal side bored him to death. He thanked the gods he’d been born second. Worse still, he’d be forced to spend time with both his father and brother. Bas headed straight to a drinks’ server, grabbing a glass of champagne. He gulped it down, scowling, wishing for something stronger.
“Try not to embarrass me tonight.” Anton appeared at his side and hissed in his ear.
Bas ordered a server to get him a beer. “How was I supposed to know she was married?” he demanded, referring to a woman he’d met at the last equinox. “Besides I’ve been good these past few months, remember?”
Yet, it was hard to think of any other woman with his ex-wife around. It didn’t matter that they’d been married for less than a day before they’d been ripped apart.
Relics and Runes Anthology Page 149