In the Shadows of a Legacy // A Sebastian Sallow story

Chapter 20-Mongrels

I stumbled out of the cave, my composure shattered, desperately trying to regain my bearings. The reality of my impulsive decision sank in, and panic surged through my veins. I hadn't planned ahead, and now I found myself without a clear path forward. Returning to our hidden cave was out of the question—the barriers would take too long to break down, and by the time I managed it, Sebastian would likely be unfrozen, coming after me. I couldn't risk another confrontation with him. Guilt was consuming me, but I had to leave without him. There was someone after me and it wouldn't be long until they found us. I shuddered at the thought of what they would do if they found Sebstian. I couldn't bear to have him sent back to Azkaban.

"Fucking hell," I muttered, frustration and fear mingling in my words. I had to forge ahead alone, without the aid of my loyal Thestral. I had to put as much distance as possible between us before Sebastian regained his mobility. Thunder rumbled in the distance, ominous storm clouds gathering above. Raindrops began to fall, dotting the ground around me. "Fuck, fuck, fuck," I screamed, a mix of anger, self-blame, and urgency. Now I would have to navigate the treacherous mountain descent in the rain, all while nursing an injured leg. The odds were stacked against me, but turning back was no longer an option. I had ventured too far into this tangled web.

With each step, I descended the mountain slowly and cautiously, the drizzle growing into a steady rain. I clutched the silky robe tightly around my shivering body, cursing my lack of foresight. I should have taken Sebastian's warmer clothes, anything to shield me from the elements. Regret washed over me as I realized the recklessness of my actions, the consequences of my choices crashing down upon me.

I made my decision and I would have to live with that. There's no way Sebastian would reason with me. He was too stubborn, too protective to let me go on by my own. No this was the only way.

I continued my descent, the rain intensified, transforming into a torrential downpour. Thunderclaps reverberated through the air, and lightning streaked across the sky, casting an eerie glow on the treacherous path ahead. With each step, I struggled to maintain my footing on the slick, rain-soaked rocks. The elements seemed determined to test my resolve.

Suddenly, my foot slipped once again, causing me to lose my balance. I crashed onto the unforgiving ground, pain radiating through my body. Frustration boiled within me, and a scream of anguish escaped my lips, swallowed by the raging storm. It was becoming clear that I couldn't push myself much further. My injured leg protested every movement, and I could feel the warmth of blood seeping from a cut on my hand. I needed shelter, and fast.

Summoning my last reserves of strength, I picked myself up, wincing at the throbbing ache. Limping with determination, I stumbled upon a small cave, concealed against the rocky fortress.

Casting a drying spell upon myself, I swiftly set to work, igniting a fire with trembling hands. The crackling flames offered a flickering warmth, and I huddled as close as I could, seeking solace from the biting cold that clung to my drenched body.

Exhaustion seeped into my bones, weighing me down as I sought refuge near the comforting warmth of the fire. The relentless downpour outside seemed to lull me into a drowsy state, my eyelids growing heavy with each passing moment. The flickering flames danced before my eyes, casting shadows on the cave walls, as sleep beckoned me to surrender.

Before I knew it, I had succumbed to fatigue, drifting into a deep slumber. Time slipped away as dreams and visions intertwined, transporting me to a world where worries were momentarily forgotten.

In the midst of my restless sleep, a distant voice cut through the veil of dreams, faint yet persistent. "Ophelia," it called, growing louder and more urgent with each repetition. My consciousness stirred, pulling me back to reality.

Blinking groggily, I opened my eyes to find myself still nestled within the shelter of the cave. The fire had dwindled to a mere flicker, casting a dim glow upon the rocky surroundings.

"Ophelia," the voice called again through the downpour of rain. I quickly distinguished the flames, hoping he didn't see the illumination within the cave. I crawled towards the entrance and peaked out, looking for Sebastian. I couldn't see him in the storm, but could make out faintly his voice that resisted giving up.

Suddenly I heard the distinct howl of dark mongrels not far away. Fear grasped my heart as I heard Sebastian scream out. Without thinking I ran out and towards the sound of ongoing fight. I ran as fast as I could ignoring the pain that coursed through my leg.

"Sebastian," I screamed over and over again. I could hear the growls of the mongrels and the sound of flesh ripping. Finally I made it to where Sebastian stood, fighting off two mongrels. they were circling around him, teeth bared. A sob tore at my heart as Sebastian panted, his eyes meeting mine. A mixture of fury and desperation etched across his face, his chest had large slashes across it from the beasts. Blood stained his shirt. He weilded a large tree branch in his hands to use as protection.

With fury in my heart I casted spell after spell towards the two beasts.

"Confringo!"

"Bombarda."

I could feel the ancient magic within me, stirring. Begging to be released. I took a deep breath focusing all of my energy on the power within in me. Bolts of energy surged from my fingertips, striking the mongrels with a force they couldn't withstand. The impact dissingrated them into nothing.

Sebastian staggered towards me, his breathing heavy and labored. Blood dripped from his wounds, mingling with the rain that drenched us both. I rushed to his side, my hands trembling as I tried to assess his injuries.

"Ophelia," he whispered, his voice strained yet filled with gratitude. "You saved me..."

Tears welled in my eyes as I met his gaze, a fierce determination burning within me. "I am so sorry. So so sorry." I choked, my hands grazing over his wounds. He fell against me and I strained to uphold his weight.

Gently, I lowered Sebastian to the ground, my trembling hands doing their best to provide support. The rain continued to pour, mixing with our tears and the blood that stained our clothes. I could feel the weight of his pain and my own guilt pressing upon me, threatening to overwhelm.

I reached for his wand a casted 'wingardium leviosa', pulling his floating unconcious body into the small cave I had found refuge in. Once again I made a fire, casted a drying spell and went to cleaning and healing Sebastian's cuts.

I wasn't as strong as healer as Sebastian. He had studied healing for years in attempt to save Anne and with him being unconcious and unable to guide me, I was fumbling trying to mend him. My body was shaking from the cold. Guilt and anguish ravaged my body.

Tears blurred my vision, as I waved my wand over his body, muttering incanations, closing the wounds on his body. My skills were not that adept and he would most likely still feel the pain when he woke up.

I should use this chance to escape once again. To leave and never look back, but I couldn't. My body refused to leave him. Trembling, I brushed a strand of hair away from Sebastian's face, my fingers lingering on his cheek. The guilt and anguish that tore at my soul were overpowering- I couldn't abandon him now.

Curling up beside him, I wrapped my arms around myself, seeking warmth and comfort in the meager shelter of the cave. The storm raged on outside, echoing the turmoil within my own heart. I closed my eyes, finding solace in the sound of his steady breaths and the warmth of his presence beside me.