Out of the Shadows // Sebastian Sallow

Chapter Ninety-Nine

*Warning: This chapter contains scenes of sexual assault and violence.*

Sebastian's Perspective

Isabella had told me to rest before rushing off. But I just couldn't. I had spent the rest of the night gathering supplies. I had packed up Rachel's satchel that she had always used when hunting through the highlands. This way, she was with me.

I had various potions and bandages. Water and crackers. And I even threw in two bottles for the twins. I was determined that I was going to find my family and rescue them. Just like Isabella had said.

I approached Anne and Ominis' door and knocked firmly twice. The door opened and my sister stood there, looking terrible with bags under her eyes. She pulled me into a deep hug.

"I wish you would reconsider. Call Justus back. Tell him what you know now and take the Aurors with you."

"No, they're useless. Rachel was always right. The Ministry is corrupt. And worthless. They won't help us. The only reason the guards I hired from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement were any help at all was because I paid them. Very well. The Ministry only likes to 'look' like they care. I'm done with them."

I held my sister in my arms. My sister. Who was carrying my niece or nephew. "And let's be clear. You're not coming."

"But Sebastian! I can help! I can at least get to the twins. Please don't leave me here to worry about my entire family alone!"

"Do I have to set a guard here to keep you home?" I said a little sarcastically.

"I hate to agree. But you're pregnant with my child and I want nothing more than to know you are safe at home, love." Ominis interjected as he laced up his boots.

"Fine! You win. But this is ridiculous." She shook her head. "I've never felt closer to Rachel than I do right now. Being kept home like an insolent child..." She was mumbling to herself as she went to the kitchen to make tea.

"Are you ready?" Ominis asked me.

I was pulling on the gloves that Rachel had gifted me two birthdays ago. They were an incredible accessory. And they made me feel closer to her.

"Yes. I mean, no, of course not. But yes, I have to be."

He smiled gently. "We'll find them. We'll save them. I know it." He said firmly.

I sighed. I was so grateful for Ominis. He stood by me through everything in my life. Ever since I was eleven. "You're my best mate, Ominis. Thank you. For always being there. I mean... through everything. You're always there."

He chuckled. "What can I say? I'm a masochist. Comes with being a Gaunt, I suppose."

I laughed loudly at his answer.

"You're my brother. We've been brothers since we were eleven. That will never change." He said to me as he clapped me on the shoulder.

I stood there looking at his firm glassy stare. And then I threw my arms around him and hugged him tightly.

"Well, as a Gaunt, I find I am NOT a masochist. I do NOT enjoy this and you two better be really fucking careful! I mean it! I want my entire family home with me as soon as possible. If you make me wait here and worry any longer than necessary, I swear to Merlin, I will make you pay!" Anne burst out from the kitchen, brandishing a spatula at us as she was making herself breakfast.

We pulled apart, stunned at her outburst, looking at each other and then at Anne.

"Anne. You swore. You never swear." I said, awestruck at my sister.