Of Cunning Minds: Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 12 - Bubbles and Breakthroughs

This guest room was slightly bigger than the one Thea previously stayed in. Sebastian had placed her carefully on the bed before he and Ominis were shooed away by Anastasia. Ominis tried asking Thea questions about the events of the evening, but his fiancé shushed him, insisting that any important conversations could wait until the morning when everyone was healed and rested.

"I apologize I wasn't here during your last visit," Anastasia explained while propping Thea's leg on a pillow. "I was doing business in Italy at the time. I only just returned from my trip."

"You work for the Ministry as well?" Thea asked, trying not to grimace from the pain.

"Yes, for the Department of International Magical Cooperation." She studied the injuries carefully, using her wand to detect fractures and cuts in the skin. "I'm going to cast a few healing spells, but I will need to remove your pants first."

"Oh, yes. That's fine," Thea stammered as Anastasia tore away fabric, exposing her bare, bloodied skin. A soft tickling sensation spread throughout her leg as various healing spells were applied to her injuries. Anastasia moved her wand gracefully and with ease, reminding Thea of the way Ominis casted spells. "Did you go to Hogwarts?" she asked the beautiful witch.

"Yes, although, I was a few years ahead of you." She began siphoning off the dried blood. "I finished my education the year before you arrived. I was a Hufflepuff," she added proudly.

Thea was quiet for the remaining time it took Anastasia to heal her leg. She couldn't help feeling slightly embarrassed by the attention. It didn't help that the witch helping her had such gorgeous features and stunning curves. Thea's small, mostly exposed frame seemed almost childlike in comparison. She chewed her lip, praying to Merlin that this would be over soon. She desperately wanted to sink into her pillow and forget the night ever happened.

Harlow's malicious laughter rang in her head. He was close to killing her, but Clyde insisted they needed her alive for something. What was it? Thea wondered if Ominis had any success getting information from the pub's regulars. Did Sebastian talk to anyone?

Thea found herself frowning at the thought of Sebastian. He had been so rude at the pub. His words were almost as harsh and painful as the injuries on her leg. At first, she had desperately wanted him to know that she and Ominis weren't responsible for his arrest, but now she wasn't so sure. All the hatred and bitterness he built up during his time in Azkaban was currently directed towards them. She couldn't stand the idea of it turning to Anne. He had loved her more than anyone. He cared for her so much that he risked nearly everything for her wellbeing. His final thoughts and memories of his sister should be ones of love, not resentment. Thea would bare those hateful emotions. For Anne. For Sebastian.

She hadn't realized she had dozed off until Anastasia pulled a soft blanket over her body. "Sleep well, Thea," she whispered. She smelled of roses and bergamot. Thea fell asleep wondering what she smelled like.

~~~

Thea's embarrassment from the night only intensified the following morning. It began when Anastasia swept into her room. Dressed in green satin robes, she carried a tray of coffee and an assortment of potions. She fussed over Thea's leg, casting spells and applying potions until the bruises had just about disappeared. However, she still insisted that she helped Thea into the bathroom to wash and freshen up.

Not wanting to insult Anastasia's kindness, Thea accepted her open hand and allowed her to lead the way to the luxurious ensuite bathroom. Her leg ached with each step and she was grateful for the extra support around her shoulders.

Anastasia sat her down on the edge of a massive clawfoot bathtub and began twisting various knobs. Steaming, bubbling water poured into the tub and the sweet scent of lavender filled the room. It was when Anastasia reached for a jar of bath oil that Thea noticed the enormous sapphire ring on her finger.