The Weaver's Source

Chapter 72

I watched as Ana left the hall, waving a little. I knew Ana was terrified and had to know something about why Edd had been killed by the myling, but she wouldn't speak about it throughout my time with her. I tried to press lightly but she only ended up pressing her lips shut as the colour fled from her face. 

I sighed, keeping to the shadows as I quietly felt out for Grigore. I closed my eyes and listened for him, urging my magic to feel him out. He wasn't too far, his song was strong and I pulled it to me, wrapping myself in his scent and taste. It made me realise how much I had been missing his presence. I was so used to being close to him these last two months that it was odd when he wasn't there. And then there was my affections for him that made me miss his face, his tempers and smiles...

"Lyra."

I flinched out of my warm thoughts of him and released Grigore's song sharply as Filip's voice brushed my ears. I stared at him, finding myself recoiling from his handsome features and roaming gaze.

"Filip." I said in guarded welcome, abruptly feeling out for Grigore again, singing for him and hoping he'd hear me. I'd never called him consciously before.

"I wondered where you were." He said, standing a little too close for my liking.

I kept my eyes on the floor, quietly floundering for a reason to leave. I had wanted to wait for Grigore and be close in case he needed me but he'd warned me not to stay with Filip alone and that was a warning I heartily agreed with.

"Have you been snooping about well?" He asked, making me stiffen and remain quiet. "Seems the Weaver has you running about doing his job for him."

A shiver of anger slipped up my spine and I cast Filip a withering scowl. "I need to leave. Grigore didn't want me in the manor longer than necessary." I said stiffly.

"I can walk you back to wherever it is you're staying. I've been wanting to talk to you without that Weaver hovering about." He smiled, his eyes flickering over my face a little too greedily.

"I can manage alone, thank you." I said, desperately ignoring his desire to talk to me, and turned to leave only to find my wrist snatched.

My whole body stiffened as Filip's hand slipped over mine, clasping my fingers in his and tugging me towards him.

"Come now. I know you struggle with the steps, so I can help you down." His eyes glittered as he pressed my fingers against his mouth. "A man shouldn't just abandon a woman to wander about in the dark and the cold."

I had become rigid, my eyes paling as my whole being screamed to recoil from him but unable to move. I just wanted him to leave me be and to stop looking at me like that; cold and self-serving.

Then I heard the heavy steps of boots, firm and meaningful, and Filip dropped my hand reluctantly as Grigore loomed. He didn't touch me, just stood next to me with a hand lightly gripping Ursus, his song washing over me protectively and his shoulders squared in deep annoyance. I sought him out, stepping closer to him as his presence soothed my frightened heart.

"I'll take her back." Grigore said darkly, his tone thick with warning.

"I thought you had work to do, Weaver."

"I've done all I can. Protection wards are in every bedroom, no monster can pass them, but for now my hands are tied until one of my alarms triggers." He replied sternly, glancing down at me as my fingers looped in his belt, anchoring myself to him silently. "Unless you can convince your Lord Master to leave the manor."