The Weaver's Source

Chapter 86

I woke with a sudden jolt to a panicked cry. Before my mind was even awake, I was being pushed aside by Grigore as he shot onto his feet and ran to the door, Ursus in hand. I took a moment to follow, my mind floundering between panic and sleep, and hurried after him, stumbling to his side in the kitchen.

The front door was open with the morning sun pouring in and I could see Remus' hulking shape trailed after by Lynda disappearing down the street. Wilson was shoving a boot on and cursing at his leg as his thick fingers shook, failing to tie the strap of his outdoor leg.

"What's happening?" Grigore demanded, his muscles stiffening for a fight.

"It's Mary. She's not here." Wilson growled.

My heart sunk instantly. "What?" I stammered.

"She must've gone off to find Olive. It's the type of thing she would do."

"But the vampire will get her."

"She won't have a thought about that if Olive is in danger, nor does she know what she's throwing herself to." Wilson snarled and swore again before chucking the wooden filled boot at the wall violently and broke down into tears. "I want my girls back."

I glanced up at Grigore worriedly as he swore before I stepped forward and placed my small hand on Wilson's massive shoulder, trying to comfort him. He did nothing, only sobbed harder.

Grigore dove back into the lounge, only re-amerging when he was dressed and tugging his hood up. "How long did she go?"

"I'm not sure. Lorry says she remembers Mary moving about when it was still dark." He choked out.

"Then she may still be found. Dawn happened an hour or so ago." Grigore stepped forward and gripped Wilson's arm. "I will try find her."

Wilson nodded miserably and Grigore turned his attention to me, pressing his mouth against mine in a warm but brief kiss.

"Keep the house safe, Lyra." He ordered as his gaze flickered over my features protectively. I nodded in promise.

Grigore left without either of us stopping him. I didn't know what to do as I felt Wilson' shoulders shudder with every sob. All I did was hold him, hoping to give him a little comfort in his grief, but I wasn't needed when I heard the wooden steps creak. Jen hopped down the stairs, holding Lorry close with Nanat by her side. The three looked shocked at the state of their father but none moved.

"She hasn't been found?" Jen asked softly.

"No but Grigore has just gone to search." I said gently.

Jen nodded and placed Lorry onto the ground. Instantly the little girl was dashing to her father and snuggling herself up to him. Nanat was quick to follow but Jen approached calmly, kneeling before him so she could take his hand.

"Uncle will find Mary. There's no reason to think anything has happened to her."

I didn't voice my disagreement, but quietly clung to the idea that Mary was safe as I set about the kitchen, trying to put together breakfast as Wilson continued to cry.

*

I held Nanat's hand tightly and kept her close to my side as we made our way through the melting snow. The sun shone brightly and hot today in its clear sky, heating the city and giving a brief break from the rigid cold.

I breathed a sigh when I looked down at Nanat's head and readjusted the strap of the pack on my back. She had been quiet since we left the house on her mother's instructions. Lynda wanted Grigore and I to take Lorry and Nanat outside, away from the house as the family searched and cried in worry. Mary hadn't been found and our thoughts of her being found grew worse when Grigore came back with nothing. Not even Remus found a sign. She had, much to everyone's dread, vanished. The youngsters didn't need to be exposed to such stress and misery.