Bound

Chapter 43 - Deception

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Dmitri

Sky seemed emotionally and physically drained after I explained what happened at the dinner, and I wasn't sure this meeting to discuss everything would help. Unfortunately, we needed to find out what was happening before the High Council decided to get involved. They would no doubt start questioning the events of two days ago, word spreading like wildfire.

Everyone now knew the name Skylar Morgan, and that was not a good thing. If they started sniffing around and found out she may be linked to Hunters, they would be less trusting than me in believing her clueless as to the connection. And their means for extracting information from someone were less than savory. Not something I would be able to bear seeing Sky go through.

"Look, Skylar is tired, so let's get to the point. What have you found out, Raina?" At this point, I'm really not interested in small talk.

"I consulted with some witches from a coven in the East who are experts in curse formulation and casting. They have never heard of something like this. The fact that the curse has been in place for so long without being broken is clearly a sign of its power. A powerful witch cast this. As unrivaled as my powers are, two decades ago, there was a warlock more powerful than myself, able to draw on ancient and dark magic and actually absorb the powers of other witches and warlocks. He goes by only one name. Gael. He vanished into thin air twenty years ago. The last reported sighting of him being at the scene of an accident in Maine."

"Maine," I say, looking at Sky, sitting next to me, as realization sets in. "Your parents."

I look over at Ben, remembering his words from the dining hall the other night. He looks guilty. His eyes plead for forgiveness. For what? I'm not sure. Yet.

"I'm sorry, Sky, we didn't tell you for your own protection." He is looking sheepishly at me and then at Sky.

"Tell me what, Ben?" There is a hint of panic in her voice.

"Your parents...they were the ones that called the warlock and asked him to cast a spell—a spell to hide you from the supernatural world. We don't know why. But by the time your aunt and uncle arrived, it was already too late, and it was done. Your mom and dad said it was for your protection and that, with time, you would understand. They both passed away shortly afterward. The warlock left, and we tried tracking him down over the years to explain everything, but we couldn't find him. I'm really sorry, Sky. I should have told you, but explaining it would open up this world to you, and we couldn't risk putting you in danger."

Sky is sitting dead still next to me, her face expressionless, her eyes still on Benjamin.

"I don't really know what to say to this," she says after some time. "I need a minute."

With that, she gets up and heads outside. I leave her to her thoughts, knowing that this is all a lot to process.

"Raina, you need to find out everything you can about this warlock and send it to me asap. I will also have my people investigate, but your resources in this area will more than likely prove more fruitful than mine."

"I will send over what I know this afternoon, and whatever I find out, you will be the first to know." Raina looks at me, her eyes darting to Sky before meeting mine again. "You need to be careful, Dmitri. We don't know enough about this, and Sky could be a danger to you, herself, and others." She hesitates before saying, "Perhaps we should hand her over to the High Council."

Anger courses through me at the suggestion, my eyes turning black, the claws on my hand elongating. I have to mentally and physically calm myself down. Ally has pulled back in fear, Raina has a look of curiosity plastered on her face, and Benjamin is looking down, the intensity of my Alpha aura forcing submission.

"No. Never. You know the means they use to extract information, Raina. I will not put her through that. She has been through enough." The words come out forced and strained, my Lycan still close under the surface.

"Well, be careful. It's on you if something happens. Are you willing to shoulder that responsibility?" Raina asks, not really waiting for an answer as she gets up from her chair.

Benjamin and Ally follow her lead, moving towards the door to leave.

"I need to talk to Raina for a minute. Why don't you guys wait outside," I say to Ally and Benjamin, clearly relaying a silent message that I want to talk to Raina in private. After watching them exit and ensuring they are not within hearing distance, I look at Raina, who is curiously eyeing me.

"It's possible for a human to see scent?" I ask the question, already knowing the answer but unsure how to broach the subject.

"It's rare, but yes, it's possible." She patiently waits, sensing there is more I want to say.

"So, if a human can see scents, would that mean they could bind with our species?" I need to find out if what is happening to Sky and me is even possible, and I know Raina has studied most of the supernatural world's oldest manuscripts. It is one of the reasons she is so powerful. Knowledge has allowed her to hone her magical skills and find weaknesses she can use to her benefit. She is a ruthless opponent, making me appreciate that we are on the same side.

"I've never heard of that happening, but theoretically, it could happen, I suppose." Her face suddenly changes as a look of shock and realization flashes over her features.

"You're binding with Sky." She states, looking over her shoulder at the goddess standing on the beach. The goddess that appeared to be rooting herself in my heart.

"That's why you are acting so strangely. Maybe that's why you could withstand the flames surrounding her body. It could also be because it didn't perceive you as a threat." She looks at the ground, deep in thought, before looking back at me. "This could explain a lot. I will ask around and see what I can find out. There's no way to know for sure, though, with the curse still in place. It could be distorting the signals. We need the curse to be lifted to be certain. We need to track Gael down. I just hope he is still alive. If not, she could stay like this forever, and you will never be sure if what you are feeling is really binding."

I nod, and Raina takes that as her cue to leave.

I turn around, my eyes drawn to the woman standing lost in thought on the beach. Binding aside, I was starting to fall in love with Sky. Even if she wasn't my fated, the feelings I began to develop were becoming stronger and stronger the more time I spent with her. Her external beauty was mirrored internally, her innocence and vulnerability adding levels to her that I wanted to preserve for as long as possible. The way she never reacted the way I expected and her boldness in certain situations when I knew she was internally anxious were just more reasons I was enamored with her.

She brought out feelings that I thought age and experience had long ago snuffed out. I enjoyed her company which was rare for me, something binding couldn't necessarily guarantee. Werewolves could bind while still finding each other annoying. I had seen it countless times. Sky never irked me. I always wanted to be around her, learn more about her and tell her all my darkest secrets. That's what she elicited from me. Freedom to be myself. She was everything I wanted in someone. I just hoped she felt the same way about me.

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