Moral Compass

Chapter Thirty-Five

For the first time ever, the effects of a portal jumper didn't touch Seth. The urgency rushing through him was too much for him to think about anything else. There was no way—just no way—that kid was allowed to be involved in this war.

Worse, if Rosa had known about this and kept it all a secret, he'd kill her for it. Old friendships be damned, he'd end her with his own hands.

Hands full of shit he'd gathered from Rosa's hidden room, he followed Fallon who carried just as much- if not more- than him.

Right now, there was no one he'd rather be with. Because if anyone was going to find him the answers he required, then it was Fallon.

They made it through the Lupine Territories faster than Seth had ever travelled before. The head maid was at the entrance when they arrived. Sue spotted the tracker first, a friendly smile lighting up her face.

"Seth, long time no see." She smiled at him the way a Mother would a son. "This might just be the longest you've ever gone without stopping by for a visit. I take it the bender was good."

"We need to see Lorcan and Evette," Seth said. There was nothing jovial in his voice. Nothing casual.

Fallon had never heard him so serious.

"I'm sorry?" Sue asked.

"It's urgent," He pressed, seeming to vibrate where he stood. "We need to see them."

"We?" Her gaze flittered left, falling upon Fallon. Recognition sparked immediately. "You—oh my Gods." She fell into a low bow, much like she would've had she been speaking to her King. "I haven't seen you in—"

"I'm Fallon," She said.

"I know who you are," The head maid said, nodding hurriedly. "I remember seeing you around here when I was younger. People used to talk about you."

"Can we have a catch up later, please?" Fallon said, forcing out a polite smile. "No offence, but Seth's right. This is urgent. Are Lorcan and Evette around?"

"Yes, they're—come right in. Both of you, come inside."

They both followed her inside, the castle doors shutting firmly behind them. Castle staff hurried to grab the objects they carried, taking them to Lorcan's study.

"I'll summon King Lorcan and Queen Evette for you right away," Sue said, bustling away.

"Seth!"

They didn't have time to move before a tiny, blonde child launched herself at Seth, little arms wrapping around his leg and clinging to him. He lifted her immediately, holding her close to his chest. When he closed his eyes and buried his head in the child's hair like he was worried she'd fade away, Fallon squeezed her eyes shut.

Why did that sight squeeze at her heart so much?

"Gods, I've missed you so much Hope."

Fallon stared unabashedly.

She hadn't had him pinned as someone who'd be good with kids. But seeing him with Evette's child was telling. This kid was his world.

When the kid yanked on his hair, he didn't so much as bat an eyelid. "It's Faith!"

"It's Hope if I say it's Hope," He answered, holding the kid tighter. "Your Mother picked an unlucky name for you and now we're sorting it out."

Because Faith couldn't be the same Faith mentioned in the prophecy. That had to be the concept.

Wishful thinking.

This would break the tracker's heart.

"You're funny," Faith said with a toothy smile.