The Sorcerer's Gate

eighteen

The foxgloves were in full bloom against the entryway greeting the three inhabitants as they returned from the hospital to Heronswood Castle. These blooming flowers were not the only sighting that greeted the three. Waiting out near the front door was Jaxtyn, seated on the front steps.

Alyx halted Aster in her path and held up a protective arm in front of her body, almost instinctively. Elouise and Jean halted their movements as well, eyeing down the man who had nothing but fury in his eyes.

"I don't remember phoning you to come here," Aster spoke with a clear annunciation, holding her ground.

"Aster, I couldn't wait for that," Jaxtyn said standing up from his seat on the steps, in a hurry to get towards her.

Alyx gave him a look like: Stay put or you'll regret your next step. He kept his arm firmly in front of Aster barricading her from Jaxtyn's reach. His eyes were directed at Jaxtyn like he was prepared to spell him off the planet.

"It's only been a few hours. Get over yourself," Aster said feeling herself growing angry at his surprise appearance. Given the events of the afternoon, she wanted to have a quiet night. With this man standing in front of her, there was no way in Hell she would achieve that. She could feel a headache already in the works of coming forward.

"We'll leave you guys to it," Elouise said dismissing everyone. Pulling Jean with her towards the side of the house, they started making their way to their cottage. Alyx nodded at them, a clear message that Jaxtyn was not an immediate threat that he'd need backup for. Elouise appeared tired, or maybe she was working over the news of the afternoon in her head. Aster could tell she didn't take kindly to Jaxtyn though, but she could've been worked through from the hospital and unwilling to deal with petty troubles such as Jaxtyn.

"Nice to meet you, mate," Jean said to Jaxtyn as Elouise tugged him along.

Jaxtyn watched as the two disappeared from view behind the side of the castle. Then, he directed his attention back to Aster. Nothing but desperation in his eyes.

"I had to make sure you were safe after the attack in town," Jaxtyn said still straining his attention towards Aster, ignoring Alyx's dominant stature. Aster could sense guilt and worry in his eyes.

"How did you hear about the attack?" Aster interrogated. She wondered if she could trust him. Could he be the threat underneath her nose?

Jaxtyn looked between the two of them with great disdain like he hated seeing them beside one another. "The Council sent word to check and make sure you were safe-"

"And what did you tell them?" Aster interrupted.

"That you ran off with some Sorcerer of their Council," Jaxtyn teased, eyeing down Alyx. "I'd expect a drop-by meeting from them soon."

Alyx growled under his breath, letting down his arm from in front of Aster. She grabbed at his arm to hold him back. He stilled in her hold.

"We have to discuss things-" Aster began saying walking around Jaxtyn. She tugged Alyx with her towards the front door.

"Great," Jaxtyn responded in an attempt to follow along behind them.

"I didn't mean me and you," Aster corrected. "Stay put. Once Alyx and I agree, we'll consider letting the dog into the house." She turned her head as Alyx unlocked the door with a spell, following behind her. She whipped her hair around just in time to see Jaxtyn's fuming expression.

Once inside, Aster led Alyx into the Kitchen and started pacing the floor. "I swear. I'm two seconds away from casting in his direction," she explained.