Tempest // Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 19

Thirty eight.

That's how many knots in the wood there was along the beams of Sebastian's four poster bed.

Seventy nine.

That's how many times Rosie bit at her nails to stem a rush of anxiety that was threatening to wash over.

Three.

That's how many hours Sebastian was gone for before he came back, sweaty, panting and with his usually already fluffy and untamed hair even more of a mess.

"Good. My locks worked." He said, lugging in the two trunks they'd left in the shack at Feldcroft.

Rosie scoffed. "I'll have you know, I didn't even try to escape, I just laid here so perhaps they didn't work. You know, you should probably wipe some of the dust off your bedside table, though. Particularly if you're keeping women captive here. Presentation is key."

Sebastian mustered a small smile, but offered her nothing more.

"So, who's Rookwood?" Rosie asked, sitting up on his bed and tucking her knees under her chin to give Sebastian room to sit.

He sighed and continued to shuffle the trunks until he was happy with the placement and finally joined Rosie on the bed.

"Victor Rookwood is a Dark Wizard. The head of a crime ring. Not a nice person. But no one knows why he would want anything to do with you. Do you think it's because of how powerful you are?"

"Sebastian, do you even know what it is?"

"What? Your magic?" He asked, raising his brow. "I just assume that there's things I don't know about, that haven't been discovered that you've learned."

"No."

Sebastian's face changed to confusion and he paused, waiting for Rosie to elaborate.

"It's called Ancient Magic."

Sebastian's eyes widened as Rosie dropped the revelation. "Ancient Magic? I've read about some forms of it before... what does it do?"

Rosie hesitated for a moment "It's... complicated. It's not like regular magic. It's a power that predates even the most ancient wizardry, so no, it's not some new magic that I've been taught. But it can also be dangerous. Unpredictable."

Sebastian leaned in, captivated by her words. "Dangerous? How so?"

"It's not easily controlled. It's a force that demands respect, and if misused, it can have catastrophic consequences. That's why I've been trying to keep it a secret, even in my own time. The less people know about it, the better."

Sebastian's face curled into a wide smile.

"What?" Rosie said, furrowing her brows.

"How did I manage to secure the worlds most powerful witch? Not to mention, the prettiest." He grinned wildly.

"Oh, stop it." Rosie scolded, smacking his arm, though she had to admit, it made her blush and smile a little.

"So, do you think that might be why Rookwood wants you? For your powers?" Sebastian asked, diverting back to the original problem.

Rosie sighed, "I mean, maybe... but why?"

"Well, I'm not too keen to know. Professor Weasley seemed sceptical when I told her. She also said the curfew won't be back until after Christmas, Professor Black's orders. So I'd like you to stay here until then." Sebastian advised her.

"What?" Rosie scoffed. "In your room?"

"Yep." Sebastian replied, casually.

"No! I've been dying of boredom here! As if I'm going to stay here another week and a half!"