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

Chapter 38-Deal with the Devil

I stirred from slumber before Sebastian, his arms still wrapped around me. Carefully, I untangled his embrace and, with a soft chuckle, watched as his large frame sprawled across the silken sheets, nearly monopolizing the entire bed. Leaning down, I planted a tender kiss on his forehead before making my way to the window seat. I wondered how long it had been since he had laid in a comfortable bed.

Seated by the window, I gazed out at the expansive estate grounds. Poppy was in the distance, tending to her abraxans, with Ominis reclining on the grass nearby, surrounded by a chorus of Puffeskins from Poppy's collection.

I lingered there for a while, relishing the melody of birdsong and Sebastian's gentle snores. It was a peaceful moment that I wanted to sit in for as long as possible. As the morning unfolded, I felt the pressing need for a rejuvenating bath. Afterward, I rang for Tizzy, who presented me with an elegant blue dress and quietly assisted in lacing up my corset, so not to wake Sebastian who still slept deeply. I soon found myself dressed for the day. With a flick of my wand, I dried my hair and styled my curls, letting them cascade down my back in a flowing manner, feeling refreshed- I wrote a note for Sebastian letting him know I would be in the garden when he wakes.

I left the room and made a brief stop in the kitchen to grab some bread and an apple. Breakfast in hand, I wandered out into the estate grounds, strolling aimlessly among the lush flowerbeds. Now and then, I paused to appreciate the fragrant blossoms that surrounded me. Eventually, I found a welcoming bench and settled down to finish my meal.

Suddenly, a voice called out from behind. Turning toward the sound, I was met with the sight of Garreth. His tousled red hair and handsome features were as striking as ever, but the shadows under his eyes hinted at the toll of sleepless nights and unrelenting stress that he had endured. Worry etched across his face, he stood before me.

Ophelia," he repeated, stepping closer to me. I rose from the bench.

"Garreth!" I exclaimed, a mixture of guilt and shyness washing over me as I faced my old friend.

"I thought you were dead." He enveloped me in a tight hug, and I returned it with a sense of remorse.

"I-I'm sorry for worrying you," I whispered.

As he let me go, he held me at arm's length, his gaze searching my face with intensity. "What happened to you?"

When I hesitated to reply, he prodded, "He got to you, didn't he?"

"I-what?" I struggled to answer.

His grip on my arms tightened.

"Sallow. He got to you, didn't he?"

I gasped, "It's not like that, he-"

"Did he hurt you?" Garreth interrupted.

"What? Of course not!" I stammered, shocked by the question.

"How is it that he escapes prison, then you go missing, and now you just show up here with him?" His inquiries grew more insistent.

"Garreth, calm down."

"No—I saw what he did to you the first time. He-"

"Let go of her," came Sebastian's gruff voice from behind.

Garreth took a deep breath and reluctantly released his hold on me before slowly turning around.

"So it's true," Garreth spat, "The devil himself here to grace us with his presence."

Sebastian jaw tightened as Garreth, protectively held me behind him. "Ophelia come here," Sebastian called out to me. I awkwardly side stepped Garreth's arm and walked towards Sebastian who was still glaring Garreth down.