Unspeakable

Chapter 32: Of the Heart

Sebastian walked up to the door of the Love Room far more confidently this time, trying to avoid the judging eye of Archinald after the last time he'd been here.

He put his hand out to the doorknob of the door, but felt something over his shoulder again. What was that?

He glanced back, but saw nothing again, but his hackles were raised as if he was being watched. He remembered Ominis had reacted to something from that direction as well, but he hadn't mentioned what he'd seen through his wand-vision.

He stared at the spot for a long moment before deciding to move on, closing his eyes to concentrate on Anne, Diane and Ominis and smiling in satisfaction when the door clicked open easily this time.

It was routine at this point, closing the door behind him and strolling down the long black marble hallway toward the silver fountain of pearlescent amortentia at the end. He knew that this time when he went back would be different... he wouldn't have to resist himself anymore. He was almost looking forward to what the burn would be like. The thick liquid filled his belly with a deep warmth he'd become accustomed to, and he had to admit... it was starting to feel nice.

He took the cup from beside the fountain and took a sip of the amortentia, smiling when he saw Love begin to form from the fountain. Love had taken the form of Ominis again, and though he was a bit more accepting of the naked form advancing on him, it still made him a bit uneasy because he just wasn't used to it.

Hello my sweet ward. Love all but purred through Ominis' voice in a way that made Sebastian shiver. I'm very proud of you... you've come so far since you first stepped in my domain.

"Thank you, I appreciate that." Sebastian smiled, closing his eyes as large hands cupped his face, leaving amortentia against his skin along his cheeks. Oh yeah... he was probably going to get a big dose again. "So much has happened."

And much more will happen. Love countered. You will need to work on accepting your feelings, as you did for Diane. Only when you have fully embraced yourself will you be able to succeed against the trials set out for you.

Love's hand trailed down his jaw and neck to run along his chest, soaking his front in the amortentia. I fear you do not have as much time as I had hoped.

His eyes opened in alarm at the words. "What do you mean?"

Darkness creeps at the edges, Sebastian. Love tilted his head anxiously. A darkness I cannot counter on my own.

"What kind of darkness?" Sebastian asked urgently. "Is it the war? What is it?"

No, it is not the war. Love raised his hand to run along Sebastian's cheek again, the liquid of his form swirling with the pearlescent amortentia. I fear you will fail this trial if you are not prepared.

"What happens if I fail?" He asked, dread settling into his stomach like a pit.

You will lose them.

His eyes widened as cold fear washed through them. His stomach churned with anxiety at the thought of losing all that he held dear. "What do I need to do? I'll do anything."

You must do what you have always done. Love tilted his head with a soft smile. What I hope you always will do.

"Love?" He asked with a weak laugh.

See, you are a smart one. Love chuckled softly.

"I'm just not used to..." Sebastian motioned toward Ominis' form. "Being attracted to... that. It came so suddenly."