FOREVER KNIGHTS: #17 Marked As Mine

WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country

DERAGAN

Sebastian awoke from his Knight Sleep after three days. Stumbling drowsily from his quarters under the stairs.

Sensing a potent presence, he trailed it to the library. Walking in he startled.

I suppose we’re the last ones he expected.

“Captain.”

“Hello, Bast.”

“What are you doing here?”

“It was my stronghold initially, was it not?”

“I built it for you.” Bast lowered his head in deference.

“I’m jesting, Bast. It’s long been yours. Rosewynn is my home. With Nora.” He gestured to the pretty blonde sitting next to him.

My mate.

“I just meant, I hadn’t thought-” Bast tossed a hand toward Nora in confusion.

He wants to know if we’re staying.

“Relax, Bast. You’re not currently in trouble. But you really must stop sneaking about behind my back.”

“What’ve I done now?”

He genuinely looks confused. Deragan noted. Well, time to rattle him.

“We’re here for your daughter.”

“Sebet?” Bast reared back. Understanding dawning on his face.

“So it’s true.” Deragan stood and closed in on him. Staring at him in warning. “Bast, you better start being extremely transparent in your doings. You’re far too busy with acts that I’m not privy to. I’ve given you a long lead because I trust you. But lately…”

“Lately, I’ve seemingly been keeping secrets.” Bast sighed. “Truly not my intent. But I knew you’d make me let her go. I couldn’t.” Bast shook his head and backed up.

Ready to flee this room then do so now.

Deragan snagged him by the front of his shirt. “Where is she?”

“Deragan!” Nora objected. Leaping to her feet to defend Sebastian.

Deragan tossed a hand back toward her and she obediently quieted. Sensing the importance, just now.

Bast deflated. “The Flood Room.” His head fell back in anguish. “Give me just a bit more time.” He pleaded. Eyes closed.

Afraid of my answer.

“Time for what?”

Bast opened defeated blue-green eyes and looked from Deragan’s blue ones to Nora behind him. “For her to ascend or another miracle.”

“Thought you no longer believed in miracles.” Deragan said coldly. Releasing him.

“I’m willing to.” Bast swallowed. Pained. “If it’ll save my child.”

I can’t imagine his agony. But Deragan had become skilled at keeping his emotions carefully masked.

“Take us to her.” Deragan barked.

Bast obediently led to the door beneath the dais. Shamefully leading them down into the dark depths of the narrow stairs heading to the lowest level.

“Careful.” Deragan murmured over his shoulder. Reaching back to take Nora’s hand.

So I can catch her, should she slip.

The stone walls dripped. And the faint smell of must lingered in the air.

Foam was gathered at the walls. And the green hue of the water seemed to generate its own light. Making it seem vibrant for a long way down.

“I don’t see her.” Nora whispered to Deragan.

“Bast…” He said. His tone indicating his impatience.

Sighing sadly, Bast hovered his hand over the water. Drawing his tiny daughter from the depths.

“How old was she?” Nora asked.

“Five.” Bast’s voice broke and he could barely get the single word out of his closing throat.

The tiny torn body surfaced. In such brutalized condition that both Deragan and Nora were horrified.

“Bast!” Deragan reprimanded. “You’ve kept her like this.”

“Not her soul.” Bast whispered. “I only asked her to stay.”

“She’s here.” Deragan looked around. “I can feel her.”

“That’s what everyone says.” Bast swallowed. Emotion tossing over him in waves. “I can’t feel her.”

“Probably because you miss her too much.” Nora said sympathetically. Catching Deragan’s arm.

Deragan gave her a long look.

“I’m ready.” She whispered. “Take him away. He’ll be too distracting.”

“Come, Bast.” Deragan wrapped an arm about his shoulders and began leading him up the stairs.

“What’s she going to do.”

“We need to talk about your fealty, Brother.” Deragan redirected.

Continued in BOOK EIGHTEEN.

FOREVER KNIGHTS: Traitorous Lovers