The Baron and his Lady

Forty-two: All cards laid down

Master bedroom
Tristane's pov

"Lucian, he's gone."

He didn't respond. His shoulders had stopped shaking but his head was still bent down, staring at Patrick's face. Tears stained his face and it breaks my heart seeing him like this.

"Help me get Patrick on the bed so he can recover." I told him.

His eyes faltered, not seeing anything. Was he hoping that his brother would come back? I stared at his face as well. It was peaceful and unmoving. Gone was the pained look Claus had when he was being taken. I clenched my fists. If I had been strong enough this would never have to happen. The demon was a hungry being that fed on blood and souls. When Claus offered himself, there was no negotitating. It just took him.

But then again, even if I managed to tame the demon Claus would still have to leave Patrick's body. We were all hoping that there would be a much simpler way. But no, he had to go so soon. It's done.

"Lucian.."

"Just a few more moments, Tristane. Just a few more. I want to hold my brother for the last time."

I sat back and gave him space. Patrick won't be waking soon, his body had been used for several days and his conciousness would be too exhausted to take over just yet. If we're lucky we may have him back tomorrow. I just hoped Krista wasn't awake yet.
***

We finally managed to lift Patrick's limp form into the bed. Lucian excused himself and went to the bathroom. I sat down and examined the man before me. There were bruises and scabs all over his body but they all looked days old. There'll no scarring. In a month's time, he'll be good as new.

I heard the water running and splashing. Might as well lend Lucian some clothes. He was wearing nothing but those dratted clothes he had since we rescued them from the otherside. I went to the dresser and pulled out some jeans and shirt that Patrick owned. They were similar in height and built, Lucian was bulkier but the shirts were a little loose on Patrick. I debated whether I should give him some underwear. Some men preferred briefs but I was a boxers type of guy. I decided on the briefs.

The bathroom door opened and Lucian came out with a towel wrapped around his waist. His hair dripping wet. He walked bare footed against the carpeted floor. I need to get him some slippers, I reminded myself. His eyes were red from all that crying but I dared not tell him.

"Here, you can borrow these. We'll get you something else tomorrow."

He nodded and accepted the clothes. There was a knock on the door. I motioned him to get dressed and lifted the latch.

"Can we come in?" I saw Louie holding Krista in his arms.

I didn't open the door wide enough for them to see inside the room, I snuck my head out. "Give us a sec. Why don't you wait in the study?"

"But-" Krista croaked. Louie silenced her by saying it's no problem and walked away.

I closed the door and knocked on the bathroom portal. As much as I hated to send off the woman I love to see her lover, I had no choice. Krista made it clear the moment she appeared on the door who she came for. Lucian had won her. And I was the willing loser.
***

Baron's Study
Krista's pov

"Thanks Louie. I can manage."

"Careful, the couch doesn't look very comfortable."

I waved him off. He worried like a moth, always hovering behind me with every step I took. The pain killers have kicked in and I was feeling much better. I sat on the couch and stared at the door. What was taking them so long? I wanted to see Lucian now.