Chapter 18

Settling into a life in Westshear is easier and more gratifying than I ever expected it could be. Things with Hyadum are easy, scarily so. We wake early, in each other's arms, before going about our separate days.

The first morning after we arrived, I expected awkwardness from him, but as always, he made me feel treasured. Heat spirals in me at the memory. Part of me worried I'd be left to my own devices, to wander his house like some caged pet, but that hasn't been the case.

No, it seems Westshear proper, despite all the more modern luxuries, at least, compared to Sheerly, has been without a proper healer for some time. Word of my skills spread like wildfire, and no sooner had Hyadum and I climbed from bed that morning than the first patient showed up.

I look up from my work, making the salves and pastes that will see me through the day, appreciative of the small room off the main kitchen Hyadum helped me set up. Sulen's as resourceful as ever, and the former pantry brims with herbs drying on racks and hanging from the ceiling. Two small cots line the walls, and a table stretches across the middle, where I now stand, a mortar and pestle in hand. My makeshift office has a separate entrance, which is perfect for maintaining some semblance of privacy in our home.

My hand stills on the stoneware, and I swallow.

Our home. When did it switch from Hyadum's to ours? I bite my lip, but it doesn't stop the small smile on my face.

It shocks me how happy I am here. How I feel like I'm helping these people more than I was able to help anyone at home, how I fit here like I never have before. There's no red tape or insurance nonsense, and while modern antibiotics sure as hell would make my life easier, Sulen's herbal knowledge is encyclopedic, and so far they've proven effective.

A fresh, fruity fragrance fills my nostrils, the seeds I'm crushing finally melting into a thick paste. My little office is empty at the moment, and I hum to myself, enjoying the momentary quiet and the opportunity to think.

My thoughts swivel to my sisters, and I sprinkle in the bright yellow petals, turning the mixture a pale orange as I grind them in.

I miss them terribly. I worry for them constantly.

But a small, selfish part of myself feels like a weight's been lifted from my shoulders. They're on their own, I've done what I can to find out if they're safe, and everything Hyadum's told me about mates alleviates much of the stress I feel for them. If their mates are anything like him, my sisters are well taken care of.

And for once, I don't have to bear the brunt of the responsibility.

Slight shame twinges through me. I pause to stretch my fingers. Early morning sun streams through the open window, and a bird sings on a nearby tree. Sighing, I close my eyes.

The door creaks open, and I scoop the paste into a sterilized jar, tightening the lid on with practiced efficiency.

"Is this a bad time?" a familiar voice asks. "We knocked on the main door, but no one answered."

"Just take a seat on the cot, and I'll be right with you once I wash my hands." I turn towards the sink, grateful all over again for the luxury of clean running water. Never in my life will I take running water for granted again.

"Oh, we're not here for help, but thank you, Lady."

Wiping my hands on a fresh towel, I frown slightly, finally registering who's come knocking.

The tailors. All three grin up at me expectantly.

"We brought the rest of your things," one trills.

"I already have so much." How many dresses did Hyadum order for me?

"Oh sure, you have the fancy things," the short one says dismissively. "And some plainer things, like that dress. But he ordered you some trousers and shirts, too. Oh, and look at this." She points at a striped piece of fabric another holds up.

Bemused, I stare at it, leaning against the counter.

"It's an apron. For your work. I made it especially for you, with lots of pockets and loops I thought you might carry bandages in, you know, to make it easier."

"To keep things handy," the third chimes in.

"That's really kind of you," I tell them, and I mean every word. Everyone here has been so damn welcoming. My eyes prickle with tears. It's not lost on me, that I'm significant to them, that these people have pinned their hopes of safety, their future, on me.

And they're doing everything they can think of to keep me happy. To make me want to stay.

Some people might see it as manipulation, but I see it for what it is.

It's hope.

Hyadum's story about his father… about the history of our people, shed new light on my situation. I wouldn't say I'm in a hurry to mate with him because of it, but it certainly changed my view of things.

A makeshift shelf beside the door brims with gifts I haven't yet sorted. Golden honey in jars, honeycomb in wax paper tied with twine, a pretty comb and hair ribbons from another patient, a pair of boots I can't wait to try on. Blue-green eggs specked in brown, a wedge of sharp cheese. A bolt of fabric occupies the bottom shelf.

I tried to tell them I didn't need anything, that I would help them for nothing. Hyadum has more than enough for both of us.

But the gifts showed up anyway, in a heap outside the door. A few days ago I gave in, simply thanking them instead of turning them away. I've sent Sulen home with some, and sometimes she points out houses of families that could use a little help, and we take turns dropping off packages after work.

"We also made you a couple of cloaks, for when the weather turns."

"And some nice, thick socks."

"Oh, and a few wraps."

All three beam at me.

"Thank you?—"

"Oh, and Hyadum asked us to make some more bodysuits for you," the third tailor says, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. "And we took the liberty to make a few sets of pretty things for you both to enjoy."

"Marguerite," the oldest tailor says, elbowing her in the ribs.

The other two dissolve into giggles.

My cheeks are flaming. I shouldn't be embarrassed, I mean, it's obvious to everyone Hyadum and I are together. I'm asked daily when I'll accept the bond, and the women give me knowing looks that seem to say, ‘Well done.'

The men are more stoic about it, but I can tell they're ready for the protection of whatever power lays latent under my skin.

Are my sisters in love?

Have they accepted their new mates? Their powers? Our role in this world?

I haven't.

I'm not entirely sure I can pin down why I haven't had sex with Hyadum yet. I just… I want him. It's not the sex. God knows it's not the sex. Just thinking about sex with him sends my body into a near frenzy.

It's just… the idea that it will unlock some kind of force in me, that it will change my fundamental being is a lot. And then, of course, there's no going back once we mate, either. It's forever.

I exhale, the phantom memory of his hands on my skin sending a fresh shiver of desire through me. I know it's time to do it. To just accept the bond, to let go and let him know how much he means to me.

That forever isn't so scary anymore.

The three are staring at me, clearly waiting for a response.

"That was very thoughtful of you," I say regally, but I can't help the choked laugh that comes out on the next breath.

The oldest cracks a smile.

The youngest tailor is digging through one of the overflowing bags, until she produces a deep blue set of lingerie. There are so many straps I can't quite figure out where they all go, but I trust the tailors. If they're proud enough to show off their favorite set, then this is definitely what I should wear when I seduce Hyadum… tonight.

Tonight.

"Good," the oldest says succinctly. "Well then, sisters, let's leave the lady to her work and open up shop. We have enough work to do today without lingering and interrupting hers."

"You three are welcome any time," I say. I've hardly had time to make friends, and other than Sulen, I don't have any. My patients are kind, but they tend to keep a polite distance, treating me deferentially.

For all the tailors' "lady this and lady that," they're good company and I mean the open invitation.

"Wait," I say to their retreating backs, tugging up the bolt of thick grey fabric by the door. "Can you take this? I don't have a clue what to do with this."

"Ooh," says the youngest, her eyes lighting up. "This is Cutler wool. The best."

"It would make an excellent cloak."

"I don't think I need another." Not if the size of the bags are any indication.

"For Hyadum, then," the oldest says, and the other two nod their heads. "Some darker grey embroidery on the hem and hood… yes. Very good."

The three scamper off down the path, chattering excitedly, and a pang goes through me.

The tailor sisters are so in tune with each other, so clearly affectionate and happy.

I press my head against the doorframe, watching them go.

I miss Lana and Ali. Not the responsibility of them, one I should have never had, not really. But I miss their companionship. I slump, wishing I could call them, or text and check in.

"Lady Mina," a voice calls, and I straighten immediately. There's a sharp urgency to his tone, and I shut the door to my office behind me, starting down the path towards the voice.

Thom hurries toward me, anxiety clear in his eyes.

"What is it? Is Hyadum hurt?" My heart clangs against my rib cage. Adrenaline spikes, and a cool efficiency descends upon me in response.

"No," he says, and something strange flicks across his face.

I frown. Fear, maybe?

But it's gone in the next instant, replaced by determination. "It's Arietis."

A small gasp escapes my lips.

"He's hurt, not too far from here. His horse threw him." The words tumble from Thom's lips, a torrent of information. "It looks like he's broken his arm, and he has a thick knot on his forehead."

"Let me get my supplies," I tell him, but he grabs my arm with a hand, his eyes frenzied.

"There's no need," he says. "He has a bag full of them, you see? On his horse. We all travel with them."

"Oh. Okay then," I say, perplexed, but too anxious to hear news of my sisters to insist I get the things I need.

Thom hurries me along the path, taking me to a heavy reinforced door set in the tall stone wall. Something squirms in my stomach. His grip's too tight on my arm, his fingernails digging into the lightweight fabric of my sleeve.

"Did he say anything about my sisters?" I ask. Where is the polite, distant Thom? "Did he seem to know where he was?"

"All he asked for was help, which I am bringing," Thom says shortly, opening the door quickly… because it wasn't fully locked.

The pit of anxiety deepens. This door should be secured. Hyadum makes sure it is, every night, and I often walk with him to check it before we go to sleep.

"Thom, you're hurting me," I say, trying to tug out of his grip.

"Then come along quickly. I'm not going to stand about and do nothing while my people are being hurt."

He pulls me deeper into the forest, and I swallow my anxiety, because I know only too well how some people respond to trauma, and if he and Arietis were good friends, then he very well could be in shock.

"Thom," I say as calmly as possible. "Wrenching my arm off isn't going to do either of us or Arietis any good."

"Shut up," he grits out, and my eyes widen as though I've been slapped.

When he jerks me forward, into a clearing, I trip over a root and tumble to the ground.

"Here we are, just as promised," Thom snarls.

Arietis is nowhere in sight.

Instead, a group of massive men sneer down at me, their hair braided back, bristling with weapons.

When one smiles at me, his eyes glinting dangerously, I realize how fucked I truly am.

His canines are too long.

These are the blood drinkers, and Thom's thrown me at their feet.

"Now, you have your precious Starbound female—" Thom begins imperiously.

"She reeks of the male." The largest vampire steps forward, his sword tip digging under my chin, tilting my face up. I go completely still. Fuck. I don't want to die.

Or worse.

"They are unmated," Thom says, a slight tremor in his voice. "And I expect you to hold up your end of the bargain. Cease your fight with Westshear. Take your prize and go."

Something zips by me, but I don't dare flinch, not with the sword at my throat. I hardly dare breathe. It thuds into something solid, and out of the periphery of my vision, I see Thom fall to the forest floor, a feathered shaft protruding from his chest.

Fuck. My stomach turns.

"Bag her and tag her," the big vampire says, his fangs glinting in the sun.

Why couldn't the sun have bothered them, like it did on Earth? A bunch of nonsense. Anger boils in me.

"He won't let you take me," I tell them, knowing it instinctively to be true. Hyadum would murder them all.

"He's not here, is he, sweetness?" another vampire says from behind me, and then all I see is dark.

They've put a bag over my head, and it smells of oats and horsehide. I don't struggle as they tie something around my wrists. I don't know how to fight. I don't have any magic. All I remember about kidnapping is not to let them take me to a second location.

So I open my mouth, inhale deeply, and start screaming as loudly as I can.

It lasts a mere ten seconds or less, then something hard slams against my skull, and everything goes dark.