Bonds of Light and Fire

27. Long-Suppressed Truth

The artwork above is not mine.

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    Vaughan wasted no time in gathering up his materials. He clutched his own file and Brye Alburn's as he left Maeve's office and made his way to her bedroom. They were only a few feet apart, and yet, the walk seemed to take hours. A nervous sweat broke across Vaughan's brow. His heartbeat quickened and he could scarcely draw a full breath.

    He paused at the intricately carved double doors. Stared at the crystal doorknobs. His heart pounded faster and faster. His breaths grew more shallow. There was a growing pain in his chest. He recognized it all too well. The blood oath, urging him to come. Commanding him to. The longer he resisted, the more it would hurt. If he resisted too long, it could even kill him.

    No, it couldn't. Maeve would never allow that. She would have him dragged to her if that was what it took, and he would be punished for making her wait. For trying to end his own miserable existence. And she would make certain his punishment went on far longer than it had to. After the next ball, perhaps she'd summon Fenrys and him. Maybe she'd pawn him off on more than one of her favorites. Maybe she'd force Connall to go with them, delighting in the cruel despair she heaped upon them.

    And Connall's presence would make his punishment so much worse, rather than provide him comfort. They would have to be extra careful. Maeve's favorites would report everything they found suspicious. Anything that might be of interest to the dark queen.

    The two of them would limit themselves to longing looks, exchanged with someone else between them. They hardly dared to touch one another. They hardly dared to look at one another. Afterwards they wouldn't even speak to each other. Sometimes for days.

    The pain had seeped into his heart now. He couldn't wait forever. He had to open the door. He had to go inside. She knew he was there. The command was thundering through his very bones. Come to me. Come to me. Come to me. Why did she want him tonight? Where was Fenrys? What was she doing to him? Why was...

    "Vaughan?"

    He blinked suddenly, and the only pain he felt was emotional, stabbing through his heart with every breath he drew. Vaughan swallowed and bit his tongue, trying to draw moisture back into his parched mouth.

    "Vaughan?" Sellene repeated.

    "Yes?" He glanced at her, hoping he looked calmer than he felt.

    "You've been standing there for a while. Are you all right?"

    "I..." He stared at the doorknobs. "I'm fine. I was just... Nevermind. Is Fenrys back yet?"

    "Not yet. Do you want me to tell you when he is?"

    Vaughan shook his head and reached a hand for the knob. Come to me. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself to grow numb to his memories and the panic they induced. He heard a click and a soft creak. When he opened his eyes, the door was open. Sellene let her hand fall to her side.

    "Would you like me to come with you?" She asked. Curiosity accompanied by a hint of sympathy gleamed within her pine green eyes.

    For a moment, Vaughan wished Rowan were there instead of her. Perhaps he should wait until Fenrys returned and they could search the room together. Vaughan shoved the thought aside and steeled himself. Fenrys had every right to despise that room as much as he did. Vaughan wouldn't ask him to return to it. Never again would Fenrys have to set foot in it.