Half-Blooded | The Dark Child Prophecy Series [✔️]

Chapter 26: No One's Here to Sleep [M]

[Author's Note: Warning, this chapter is rated higher than PG-13. Please read at your own discretion.]

~*~

My eyes flashed open, the dream world leaving me in a snap as I was brought back to my body. I laid against the mattress as if frozen, aware that it was no longer warm, nor Jason's hands caressing me. I shivered, realizing how cold my room was. My body felt stiff all over and I turned my head to see if the air vent was running. It was silent, no clicking or rattling coming from the grates. Only a dull ticking every few seconds remained. I sat up, my head pounding immediately. The covers fell to my waist, and I shivered again. The windows were iced over in the corners, making me frown. My head turned to look for the time but the digital alarm clock on the nightstand was dark, no longer boasting the hours in bright blue.

The electricity was out.

I got up and placed my bare feet on the cold wooden floor, immediately feeling chilled. I grabbed a pair of sweatpants at the foot of my bed and yanked them on over my shorts, finding my house boots next. I pulled out an old hooded sweatshirt and yanked the sleeves down around my hands before I went to investigate.

As soon as it sets...

I wanted to go to him, but first I needed to check on my family. I hurried down the hallway to the banister and looked down into the main hall. Hardly anyone moved through the open space, but I noticed more guards hung around the windows, looking out into the night. I glanced towards the library where an orange glow was flickering in the doorway. And given the amount of dim light coming from the opposite direction, I was going to guess that the dining room's fireplace was also working. The blizzard had hit us, hard. I immediately wanted to retreat to the Regent's Room, take Grand Elder Seren's bear fur blanket and start a fire in its hearth like I did as a kid.

Just as the temptation finished pulling at my mind, Thomas came up the steps in warm winter clothes and a borrowed BDU winter coat. "Miss Serenity," he greeted with a slight smile. "I hope you're staying warm."

"What happened to the power?" I asked as he came up the steps, his eyes almost on the same level as mine.

"The electricity main panel went out in the late afternoon before the sun could set. Some of the human guards, Lord Selway, and I were able to start the back-up generators. But we had to localize the usage to the lower floors in order to maintain the security system's circuit. Your stepfather and Lord Selway are working on getting them switched now so the apartments will remain heated. Try and stay in the library or dining hall if you need to come down to the lower floors."

I frowned, nodding in understanding. I was surprised he had even gotten involved, and my father's doubts about their loyalty returned. Maybe I had also misjudged the redhead and the other wolf guards during my time at Meadowlark. "Where's Jason?" I asked.

"Your mother suggested he take the Regent's Room, for the fireplace," Thomas answered as he rounded the landing. "I was about to go check on Master Jason during my rounds."

"I'll go," I volunteered. "I should make sure he hasn't frozen his tail off... And, thank you for helping Malcolm. I'm very grateful we had another seasoned officer like you here."

Thomas chuckled and nodded. "As you wish, Miss Serenity. If you need anything, just ask."

I smiled. "Thank you, Tom." I watched him make his way around to the other wing and continue his walk-through. I was willing to bet he had offered to help with the security detail. I snuck back down the hallway as quietly as possible to pass the doors that belonged to my family. My parents' door was dark beneath its crack, and I knew Mother, Marcus, and Felicity had probably moved downstairs into the library. Jenny and Luce's room was also dark, most likely also downstairs to stay warm. I snuck past their doors, just in case someone was on the floor, and faced the entrance to the Regent's Room.