2. The Gathering Storm

2

The Gathering Storm

Roman

R oman Blackwood couldn't help but chuckle as he listened to Prince Rowan recount Luca's latest misadventures in the Seelie Court. The wolf shifter, it seemed, was still adjusting to life among the fae, with all its peculiarities and pitfalls.

"And then," Rowan said, his eyes sparkling with mirth, "Luca somehow managed to get himself tangled up in a patch of enchanted ivy. Spent hours trying to free himself, he did, until one of the garden sprites finally took pity on him and showed him the secret to unraveling the vines."

Roman shook his head, a grin tugging at his lips. "Sounds like Luca's keeping you on your toes, Your Highness. Never a dull moment with a wolf in the palace, eh?"

Rowan laughed, a rich, warm sound that echoed through the sunlit courtyard. "Indeed not, my friend. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Luca may be a handful at times, but he's worth every moment of chaos."

As if on cue, the subject of their conversation came barreling into the courtyard, his usually sleek fur sticking up at odd angles, leaves and twigs tangled in his tail. He shifted mid-stride, taking on his human form, and Roman had to bite back a snort at the sight of him.

"Rowan!" Luca exclaimed, slightly out of breath. "You won't believe what just happened! I was out in the gardens, minding my own business, when this giant fairy - and I mean giant, like the size of a troll - comes swooping down out of nowhere and tries to carry me off!"

Rowan's eyebrows shot up, concern warring with amusement on his face. "A giant fairy? Luca, are you sure you didn't just stumble into a patch of hallucinogenic mushrooms again?"

Luca shot his husband an indignant look. "That was one time, and you know it! No, this was real, I'm telling you. I had to fight the damn thing off with a stick!"

Roman couldn't hold back his laughter any longer. The image of Luca, fierce wolf shifter, battling a giant fairy with a twig was just too much. Luca turned to him, a mock scowl on his face.

"Oh, you think that's funny, do you, bear boy? Let's see how you like it when a flying menace tries to make off with you!"

Roman held up his hands in surrender, still chuckling. "Easy there, wolf. I meant no offense. It's just not every day you hear about a shifter taking on a fairy in single combat."

Luca's scowl melted into a rueful grin. "Yeah, well, just another day in the life of a wolf in the Seelie Court, I guess. Speaking of which, I should probably go clean myself up before Her Majesty sees me looking like I've been dragged through a hedge backward. Again."

With a quick kiss for Rowan and a wave for Roman, Luca bounded off, leaving the two friends shaking their heads in amusement. Rowan turned to Roman, a fond smile on his face.

"Never a dull moment, indeed. But I wouldn't trade it for the world."

Roman clapped the prince on the shoulder, a gesture of camaraderie. "And that, my friend, is what true love looks like. Chaos, adventure, and all."

Before Rowan could respond, a Seelie Court guard approached, bowing deeply to the prince before turning to Roman. "Sir Blackwood, Her Majesty, Queen Elara, requests your presence in the throne room."

Roman frowned slightly, wondering what the Queen could want with him. He nodded to the guard, then turned back to Rowan, an apology in his eyes. "Duty calls, it seems. If you'll excuse me, Your Highness."

Rowan waved him off, understanding in his gaze. "Of course, Roman. Go. I'll make sure Luca stays out of trouble in your absence."

With a final grin, Roman turned and followed the guard out of the courtyard, his mind already racing with possibilities. It wasn't unusual for the Queen to summon him - as her trusted emissary to the mortal realm, he often reported directly to her - but something about the guard's tone suggested a matter of great importance.

As he walked through the winding halls of the palace, Roman couldn't help but reflect on the twists and turns that had brought him here, to a place of honor and purpose in the Seelie Court. It hadn't always been this way, not by a long shot.

Born half-fae and half-bear shifter, Roman had never truly fit in with either world. His bear pack, unable to accept his mixed heritage, had exiled him as soon as he came of age, leaving him to wander the mortal realm alone, rootless and lost.

It was Queen Elara who had found him, broken and bitter, and offered him a place in her court. She had seen potential in him, a strength of spirit that even he hadn't recognized in himself. Under her guidance, he had found purpose as her emissary, a bridge between the fae and mortal realms.

And yet, for all the fulfillment he found in his role, Roman couldn't shake the sense that something was missing. A connection, a bond deeper than duty or loyalty. He had seen it in the way Rowan looked at Luca, in the easy affection between them. And some small, secret part of him longed for that kind of love, that sense of belonging.

As he entered the throne room, Queen Elara rose to greet him, a warm smile on her face despite the seriousness in her eyes. "Roman, my dear friend. How are you faring?"

Roman bowed deeply, a gesture of respect and affection. "I am well, Your Majesty. Though I sense you have not summoned me here for idle chat."

Elara sighed, her smile fading. "You are correct, as always. I'm afraid I have grave news. Riordan, it seems, is planning an attack on the Unseelie Court."

Roman stiffened, a cold fury settling in his gut. Riordan. The name alone was enough to set his teeth on edge. The dark fae had caused so much pain, so much suffering, and the thought of him targeting the Unseelie Court, the very heart of the fae realm…

"We must stop him," Roman said, his voice low and intense. "If Riordan succeeds, the balance of power in the realms will be shattered. Chaos will reign."

But Elara held up a hand, her expression cautious. "I agree, Roman. But we must tread carefully. Riordan is no ordinary foe. He is cunning, and powerful, and he will not hesitate to destroy anyone who stands in his way."

Roman clenched his fists, frustration warring with his ingrained respect for his Queen. He wanted to act, to charge into battle against Riordan and put an end to his dark machinations once and for all. But he knew Elara was right. They could not afford to be reckless, not when the stakes were so high.

"What do you propose, my Queen?" he asked, forcing his voice to remain steady.

Elara tapped her finger against her chin, her eyes distant. "For now, we gather information. We send scouts, spies, to learn what we can of Riordan's plans. And we strengthen our alliances, both within the Seelie Court and beyond. We will need all the help we can get if we are to defeat him."

Roman nodded, swallowing his impatience. It was a sound plan, he knew, even if every instinct in him screamed to take action. But he trusted his Queen, and he knew that she would not lead them astray.

"As you command, Your Majesty," he said, bowing his head.

Elara smiled then, a sad, knowing smile. "I know you will, Roman. You have always been my most loyal, most dedicated servant. But do not forget to take care of yourself, as well. These are dark times, and even the strongest among us need rest and comfort."

A sudden, sharp pain lanced through his skull, causing him to gasp and clutch at his head.

Elara was at his side in an instant, her hand on his shoulder, her voice filled with worry. "Roman? What is it, what's wrong?"

Roman shook his head, trying to clear the buzzing static that filled his mind. And then, like a bolt of lightning, clarity struck. Willowbrook. Something was happening in Willowbrook, something that set his magic on edge and made his heart race with sudden, inexplicable fear.

"I… I apologize, my Queen," he said, straightening with effort. "But I must return to Willowbrook, immediately. My magic, it… it's telling me that something is wrong, that I am needed there."

Elara frowned, concern etched on her face. But after a moment, she nodded, understanding in her eyes. "Go, then. If your magic calls you to Willowbrook, then that is where you must be. But be careful, Roman. And remember, you are not alone. The Seelie Court stands with you, always."

Roman bowed, gratitude and affection welling in his chest. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will not forget. And I will return, as soon as I am able."

With a final, respectful nod, Roman turned and strode out of the throne room, his steps filled with urgency. His mind raced as he made his way through the palace, already planning his return to the mortal realm.

Willowbrook. The town where he had first met Merin, the stubborn, infuriating, utterly captivating seer who had captured his heart from the moment their eyes first met. Merin, who pushed him away even as he pulled him closer, who played hard to get with a skill that both frustrated and thrilled Roman in equal measure.

He remembered that first meeting, at Adrian's manor. The instant, electric connection that had sparked between them, the way Merin's magic had called to his own like a siren song. He had known, in that moment, that Merin was special, that he was meant for something greater than either of them could yet imagine.

The portal shimmered and pulsed around him, a kaleidoscope of color and light that seemed to sing with the very essence of magic. And then, with a sudden, dizzying lurch, he was through, stumbling out into the familiar surroundings of Adrian's living room.

He blinked, taking a moment to orient himself. And then he saw them - Adrian, Benjamin, Margareth, and Merin, all gathered around the fireplace, their faces grave and serious.

Merin was moving, crossing the room in a few long strides and pulling Roman into a fierce, unexpected hug.

Roman stiffened, surprised by the sudden contact. In all the time they had known each other, all the charged moments and heated glances, Merin had never once initiated physical affection. He was always the one pulling away, always the one keeping a careful distance.

But now, with Merin's arms wrapped around him and the scent of pine and magic filling his senses, Roman felt a sudden, overwhelming surge of emotion. He hugged Merin back, just as fiercely, just as desperately, feeling the tension and worry in those strong shoulders, the trembling in those usually steady hands.

"Merin," he murmured, his voice rough with concern. "What's happened? What's wrong?"

Merin pulled back, his green eyes dark and haunted. "It's Riordan," he said, his voice tight with anger and fear. "He's killed Chrissy's parents. The seer we were supposed to meet."

"How do you know it was him?" Roman asked, his voice carefully neutral. "Did you see him, did Chrissy see him?"

Merin's eyes flashed, a spark of anger and hurt that made Roman's heart ache. "She saw a man with a cane," he said, his voice tight. "In her vision, before she found her parents. And who else could it be, Roman?"

Roman hesitated, torn between his desire to comfort Merin and his need for facts, for certainty. "I don't doubt Chrissy's vision," he said slowly. "But we need to be sure, Merin. We can't just assume it was Riordan without proof."

Merin stiffened, pulling away from Roman's embrace. "You think I don't know what I'm talking about?" he snapped, his voice rising. "You think I'm just jumping to conclusions, seeing things that aren't there?"

"That's not what I meant," Roman said quickly, reaching for Merin's hand. "I just… I want to be certain, before we act. Before we put ourselves, and Chrissy, in even more danger."

But Merin yanked his hand away, his face flushed with anger and hurt. "I can't believe you," he said, his voice shaking. "I can't believe you would doubt me, doubt Chrissy, after everything we've been through. After everything Riordan has done."

Roman's heart clenched, a wave of guilt and regret washing over him. He hadn't meant to hurt Merin, hadn't meant to make him feel like his word, his instincts, weren't trusted.

"Merin," he said softly, pleadingly. "Please. I'm not doubting you. I could never doubt you. I just… I need to be sure, before we face Riordan. I need to know that we're ready, that we have a plan."

Merin's shoulders slumped, the anger draining from him like water from a cracked vessel. "I know," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know, Roman. I'm sorry. I just… I can't stand the thought of him out there, hurting people, while we sit here and do nothing."

Roman stepped forward, gathering Merin into his arms once more. "We're not doing nothing," he murmured, pressing a kiss to Merin's temple. "We're preparing, we're planning. We're going to stop him, Merin. I promise you that. But we have to be smart about it. We have to be careful."

Merin nodded, sagging against Roman's chest. "I know," he said again, his voice muffled by Roman's shirt. "I know, Roman. I trust you. I do."

Adrian, who had been watching their exchange with a thoughtful expression, cleared his throat. "Roman," he said, his voice grave. "What news from the fae realm? Have you heard anything about Riordan's whereabouts, his plans?"

Roman sighed, running a hand through his hair. "The Queen believes he's planning an attack on the Unseelie Court," he said, his voice tight. "But as for his activities here, in the mortal realm… I'm not sure. He's always been good at covering his tracks, at staying one step ahead of us."

Merin's hands clenched into fists at his sides, a flicker of anger and frustration crossing his face. "So we're no closer to stopping him," he said, his voice rough. "No closer to keeping Chrissy safe, or preventing him from hurting anyone else."

Roman reached out, laying a hand on Merin's shoulder. "We'll find a way," he said, his voice firm. "We have to. We can't let him win, Merin. We can't let him keep destroying lives, keep spreading darkness and fear."

But Merin shrugged off his touch, a sudden, restless energy thrumming through his body. "I can't just sit here," he said, his voice rising. "I can't just wait around, hoping for a lead, hoping for a chance to stop him. I need to do something, Roman. I need to…"

He trailed off, shaking his head. And then, without another word, he turned and strode out of the room, his footsteps heavy and urgent on the polished hardwood floor.

Roman stared after him, his heart clenching with worry and concern. He knew how much this was eating at Merin, how the weight of responsibility and guilt pressed down on those strong shoulders. Merin took every loss, every failure, as a personal blow, a sign of his own inadequacy.

And Roman hated it.

He glanced at the others, seeing his own concern reflected in their eyes. "I'll go talk to him," he said, his voice soft. "He shouldn't be alone right now."

Margareth nodded, her face etched with understanding. "Go," she said. "We'll keep working on a plan, see if we can come up with any new leads on Riordan's whereabouts."

Roman flashed her a grateful smile, and then he was moving, following the sound of Merin's footsteps down the hall and out into the gardens beyond.

He found Merin standing by the edge of the koi pond, his back rigid and his head bowed. The late afternoon sun slanted across his face, casting shadows beneath his eyes and highlighting the tense line of his jaw.

Roman approached slowly, giving Merin time to sense his presence, to decide whether he wanted company or solitude. But Merin didn't move, didn't turn away. He just stood there, staring down into the still, dark waters of the pond.

"Merin," Roman said softly, coming to stand beside him. "Talk to me. Tell me what's going on in that head of yours."

Merin's shoulders hitched, a shuddering breath escaping his lips. "I feel so helpless," he said, his voice raw and aching. "So useless. All this power, all this magic, and I can't even keep one little girl safe. Can't even stop one man from destroying everything I care about."

Roman's heart broke at the pain in Merin's voice, the self-loathing and despair that colored every word. He reached out, taking Merin's hand in his own, twining their fingers together in a gesture of comfort and support.

"You are not useless," he said, his voice fierce. "You are not helpless. You are Merin Dobson, the most powerful seer in a generation. The man who risked everything to save people, to protect the realms from darkness and destruction."

Merin shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "And look where that got us," he said. "Riordan's still out there, still hurting people. And I'm no closer to stopping him than I was before."

"We'll find a way," Roman said again, squeezing Merin's hand. "Together. You're not in this alone, Merin. You have me, you have Margareth and Adrian and Benjamin. We're all in this together, all fighting for the same thing."