This chapter was betaed by the wonderful brissygirl to provide a smoother reading experience. All remaining mistakes are my own. See first chapter for disclaimers/additional warnings/summaries.
RECAP: Harry and Co. are taken under the Deveraines wings after a desperate rooftop encounter that conincides with the return of the Deveraine Alpha, Ithycar. Old friendships are rekindled and new troubles are awakened. Ithycar is happy to help Harry and Co.-as well as seeing as they are kept out of harm's way, seeing as a clan war is about to unfold between the Deveraines and the Gauntrells.
HARRY AND CO. + DEVERAINES : Deveraine Safehouse : NEVARAH : THE HUNT, Day 2
"You have to come to for dinner," Bahn said, linking one of his arms through Harry's and the other through Ilsa's. He had yet to really allow Ilsa to leave his side. The determined look on his face suggested that Harry was best served to simply agree. "I wanted to ask you before, but I was—distracted. The beach dinner will have to wait though," he added, as an afterthought. He'd proposed the idea long before this event had taken place and now it would be time to rearrange things, appropriately.
Still, he wanted to have Harry and the others over.
Ilsa choked. "Distracted?" She sputtered. "Is that what you call this-?" She stared down at her submissive, incredulously.
"Say yes," Bahn tugged on Harry's arm. "Please? Then those two can keep talking and I can—explain?"
"Bahn, company isn't the best right now, they need to-"
"Harry's not company. He's family. Besides, would you tear them apart?" Bahn nodded to where Theo and Ithycar were talking quietly between themselves. Ithycar still had a hand on Theo's shoulder and Theo had reached up to rest his hand on said arm.
"They're really close," Harry said, before he could stop himself. He felt a slight pang at seeing them there like that. It was almost as if they were a father-son pair and it made something inside of him hurt.
"Ithycar was the father he never had," Bahn said, quietly, reading something in Harry's voice, that hadn't been there before. "Bhindi thinks otherwise, but Ithy's the closest thing I think he's ever had to a real father. Or at least, a male parental figure that did not think he was a pawn to be used at will."
"How do you know?" Harry frowned at him. Yes, there were things he hadn't even spoken to Theo about—not yet, anyway—but that Bahn would know more about Theo than him in this instant—it made that ache turn into a tiny hurt.
"Hasn't he told you how I found him?" Ilsa asked. Her own voice was quiet and there was a measure of sadness in her gaze that Harry didn't know how to read.
"He said that you came when his Hogwarts letter arrived. That someone didn't like his father and poisoned him. You saved him and he turned." Harry tried to think back, remembering Theo's arms around him and the warmth of the bed after they'd shared that difficult night. The tiny hurt wavered and then faded.
"What did he tell you about the house?" Ilsa stared straight ahead, the gold in her eyes flickering as if to darken.
"That he brought it down around his ears and you—you built it back with a wave of your hand." Harry stared at her. Bahn wasn't looking at him and Ilsa's jaw clenched tight. Their lack of agreement was worrisome. "I-isn't that what happened?"
"I am no necromancer, Harry," Ilsa said, calmly.
"I don't understand."
"If the entire house came down and I built it back—what do you suppose happened to the people?"
Harry sucked in a breath and felt his legs quiver. He could only remember the next lines when Theo said that Ilsa had pressed her hands into the red sheets and painted his face.
Blood. He realized, belatedly. She had painted him with blood. Of course. Nearly all dragel magic was blood magic. That which wasn't elemental, anyway.
"They did not want to believe that he was a monster," Ilsa continued. "His mother might have, were she alive, but his father was different. I can't say I'm sorry for building the house back, he did need somewhere to live, but I never took him to task for what he believes I should."
Harry's breath caught in his throat. Theo had killed his entire family from turning too soon—like that little girl at the Healer's Clinic. He'd changed into something wonderful and terrible at the same time. It had left him terrified, scared and alone. But Ilsa had come for him. She'd found him.
No one had come for Harry.
But they were still speaking and Harry made himself focus. He couldn't keep dwelling on that detail, even though that one really did hurt.
"He wouldn't speak when she first brought him back." Bahn said. "He was in shock, I suppose. Wandering about the house like a lost little thing. He accidentally went into Ithy's study, to hide or something, I don't know. We were in the middle of one of Bhindi's pregnancies and she wasn't in the best of moods. Ithy was terribly busy at the time and he didn't know we had a new guest. By the time Bhindi and I thought to check there, Theo had fallen asleep in front of the fire, on the rug and Ithy was sitting next to him, dictating letters. They spent days together after that, while Ilsa was busy."
"You mean while I was trying to prove I had rights and custody to him?" Ilsa snorted. "By the time I'd returned, Ithy had pulled him out of the shock and I did the rest. After that, we never spoke of it again. I offered and he refused, so we left it as is."
"His focus memory," Harry spoke, half to himself. "He said it was you, your eyes and your hands. It haunts him." Green eyes snapped up to meet Ilsa's steady golden gaze.
She merely hummed, as if she'd already known that little tidbit. "Invite him to dinner then," she said, tugging Bahn to her side and free of Harry's arm. "And hurry it up. We cannot stay here." She rolled one shoulder back, but shifted, uneasily.
"Oh?" Bahn studied her for a moment, reading something from her movement, more than her words, but wanting her to spell it out, for Harry's benefit, if nothing else.
"We may not have used this safe house, but if we want to use the main house as we have been doing, then I suggest we return home and make sure that it stays as it should." Ilsa gritted her teeth, magic sparking faintly. It was slowly fading back into her to a more acceptable manner for their current situation.
"Good point," Alma muttered. She was holding Camalis cradled on her shoulder. "We'll 'port out in ten. Circle up, gather 'round!" She called out, wading into the chattering mess of her Bonded that had finally emerged from the playroom.
It would be a mess to have everything sorted in such a short time, but it would be far worse to leave it to fate.
THE DEVERAINE ESTATE : ITHYCAR'S STUDY
"…In the Shadows? The Hound's Court? Theodore, that's not…"
"I know."
"You have nothing to bargain with."
"I know—but-"
"…You haven't told him, have you?"
"Ithycar."
He laughed, clapping Theo on the shoulder, the tension melting away from the serious conversation. "I was just checking. I would have done the same. Especially with my two."
"I'm sure there's an insult in there, but I don't care to find out exactly what it is.
"That's probably because there isn't one in there after all," Ithycar made a note on the planner at the corner of his desk. "I'll see what I can do."
"I hate to ask so-"
"Don't." He held up a hand, stopping Theo's polite speech. "There is no need to apologize for something as simple as a complicated favor when we are practically family." He stood up from the desk and scribbled something on a slip of paper, before twisting it up into a little knot. He tossed the scrap to Theo, who caught it, frowned and tucked into a pocket.
"Thank you."
"Any further word on the seals?"
"We're to return to the health clinic to see." Theo hesitated. "I feel as if I'm—failing him somehow. Shouldn't I have all of this sorted out?"
"I don't know," Ithycar said, mildly. "Should you?"
Theo huffed, frustrated. "He's my submissive!"
"And you're doing the best that you can. He cannot ask anything more of you."
"But-!"
"Didn't you just tell me he spent the day with the Kalziks? The reigning clan of healers in our realm? Mothered by none other than Master Healer Lady Surajini herself? Theo, you worry too much. Arielle, help me, but I swear that came from Ilsa."
Theo snorted. "That was from all of you."
Ithy barked a laugh. "We do tend to overthink and worry ourselves, don't we?" He mused. "That wasn't supposed to rub off on you."
"I'm just—worried," Theo said, at last.
"And rightly so. But keep this in mind, Theo, I'm sure you've already thought it through, but suppose all of those seals have been on Harry for a reason? The same as when we'd put one on you?"
Theo fidgeted for a long moment. Then finally, his hunched shoulders relaxed. A flicker of light returned to his golden eyes before he gave a single nod, silently acknowledging that Ithycar had logically won this round for the moment. He would still worry, but perhaps now, he wouldn't be worrying about the things that were out of his control to change.
"You're welcome," Ithycar said, fondly. "As it is, when we're through with this, I'll call the Kadels and ask about a little reading session. If your Harry does have any prophecies associated with him—important ones—then we'll take it from there. We will. All of us. Alright?"
Theo managed a smile this time.
That was enough of an answer for Ithycard. "Good. Now, I'll call Henry and make sure that Cora extends an official invitation. It will serve you well to have that mention. She'll be somewhat out of sorts because their realignment cycle is usually about now? Probably over, but I imagine with the fuss of the Hunt, she hasn't been able to settle. She's young, still learning, but kind. She'll be a good hostess. No worries."
"Thank you."
"It's nothing, really." Ithycar smiled. "And Theo?"
"Yes?"
"You couldn't reach him—but you tried. It's not a crime for trying and failing."
Theo looked away, his hands clenching briefly. Ithycar really did know him well. He'd cut to the heart of things in a matter of minutes and while it left Theo feeling a bit raw and open, he felt better overall.
It had bothered him greatly to think that he'd been spending time with Charlie, enjoying himself, only for Harry to be in the kind of dangerous situation that he'd been trying to prevent. He was a young Alpha and instincts rode close to the surface—things he hadn't yet fully learned how to use to his Circle's advantage. "I should have-"
"There's libraries to be filled with all the could have's, should haves and ought-to-haves," Ithycar said, mildly. "Do not add your stories to them. You are not at fault or to blame here. This also why I want you over at Henry's. We'll handle this—drama—for lack of a better word. It's nothing for you and yours to worry about, but I want you out of the way, just the same."
"We could help—somehow," Theo protested, but he faltered beneath the knowing gaze.
"I would not have you make use of any fledging or old connections you have yet to rekindle," Ithycar said, kindly. "Those are your connections to keep and build upon, though it is very generous of you to offer. I would only ever ask of you, that which you are able to give. Now, will you stay with Henry? Please?"
The please did the trick. Theo squirmed for a minute, warring between the instinct to prove himself as an Alpha and revenge Harry, even if only over the fright of the event. But his softer side was embarrassed and eager to please the one who had looked out for him from the very first moment they'd met.
A beat of silence passed.
"We'll stay with them," Theo said, reluctantly.
Ithycar perked a brow. "What do you have against them?"
"What? Nothing!" The answer came, quickly—a bit too quickly.
Ithycar shook his head, a smile lurking beneath the almost-stern look. "Alright then, what do you have against which one of them?"
"…That's not fair."
"I'm not trying to be fair," Ithycar said. "But I want to be sure that you are being fair. Give them a chance. Cora and Bhindi are probably fighting over some ridiculous debate of which of our names has first rights to a certain shade of gold on our Circle Crest, but that's between them. Not you. Not Charlie. Not Harry."
Theo huffed.
"Bahn is siding with Bhindi because they are twins, I promise you, he doesn't care about such trivial things. Cora is only young enough to think that her stubbornness is endearing. They'll work it out in the end, but in the meantime, they'll snipe and hiss at each other, but it's nothing for you to worry over."
"Colors?" Theo repeated, dubiously. He couldn't quite picture that particular scenario, but there was the slightest hint that perhaps, Ithycar was giving him a ridiculous example on purpose. It made him wonder what was really causing the slight disconnection between the respective Submissives.
"Something like that. I didn't bother to keep up with their personal slights, because Henry and I were friends before we circled up. As long as our Bonded play nice, we'll let them have their moments."
Theo frowned, slowly puzzling through that, trying to decide if it mattered to him or not. He didn't think that it did, in the end, but that didn't mean that he had to like it.
Ithycar hid a smile. "It's fine to be cautious, but it is also alright to give the benefit of doubt. They have only helped, so far, haven't they?"
"Just Lewis," Theo admitted. It made his shoulders twitch. It still irritated him that Lewis had been the one to rescue Harry after the portal had fallen through. Friendly Lewis who had managed to rub his scent all over his Harry in the span of a handful of minutes. Theo scowled. "Harry likes him."
"Trust Harry's judgment. If he finds no fault with him, there is probably none to be had."
"He's an empath." Theo said, flatly. "I don't think there could be a more accurate reading of any one individual from anywhere else."
"Learning already," Ithycar praised. "Now, shall we see what our delightful terrors have cooked up?"
Theo winced. "That bad?"
Ithycar chuckled. "You have no idea," he said, lightly. "I believe at some point in time, either Bhindi asked and he obliged or Bahn was simply bored. He tends to scheme things when he's bored, though I've never known him to do such things when pregnant, which worries me."
"He won't say?"
"Oh, he's saying it in his own twisted little way. I'm sure it's his special brand of homecoming, but as far as my two are concerned, I'm most likely about to die. Very thoroughly and methodically. I'm sure they'll revive me when they're through."
"Couldn't you have visited in between?"
The shadows in Ithycar's face lifted faintly as he caught Theo's pensive stare. "I should hope," he said, starting for the door. "That small as your Circle is starting, that you would be able to figure a way around extensive long-distance stays or relations for any reason whatsoever. Simply because something is doable, does not mean that it ought to be done."
Theo's golden eyes flickered a few shades darker. "But if it is necessary?"
"Then if it is necessary, it is simply another one of those things where you must decide what has to be done and you do it, regardless of whether you honestly want to or not."
"Was it worth it?" Theo ducked under Ithycar's arm to step into the hallway.
"Bhindi specifically requested it," Ithycar explained. "Bahn demanded that I fulfill her request when he saw how badly it worried her. We needed the connections, if I'm honest. Things are bad enough as it is between Nevarah and Tsuach. If I hadn't done it—well." He gave a slight shake of his head. "You know how they are and you know that I would not refuse them when it is well within my power to grant such things."
Theo did not need to read between the lines there. He'd still felt the weight of her glare when Ithycar had invited him into his study for a chat. He also knew that the twin's royal status remained, even though they had long left the Elven realm. He was glad for the minute to collect his thoughts—though he'd lost sight of both Harry and Charlie. The Deveraine Pareyas had descended in full force and immediately set everyone to a task of some sort.
Ithycar had escaped the chaos and taken Theo along with him, both as an excuse and for a moment to catch up. Now, they dodged a set of screeching triplets playing tag.
"…And those are Tanya's, I think." Ithycar murmured, glancing over his shoulder. "Quieter and calmer, please." He called after them, his tone firm.
The triplets quieted, a few hesitant glances cast back to their grandfather, before the game continued on—albeit in considerably quieter tones. Ithycar shook his head. "Monsters," he said, affectionately. "Remember to never spoil any children you have." He told Theo. "Grandchildren included. Otherwise they never listen to a word you say."
Theo bit back a smile. There was a new fondness to Ithycar's voice and Theo could tell that he loved them dearly. It bothered him to think that someone had dared to try and threaten them. Theo listened a bit further, hearing the voices of the Deveraine's Pareya as they organized the evening meal and kept the children occupied as stragglers began to come in.
He had a feeling he would have to find Harry soon. The Deveraines had a fairly extensive family and most of the older children were already grown and Bonded, with their own children. Ilsa was recalling all of them and it meant the house would quickly become very full and very loud.
Harry's empathy was likely to run haywire with the full gamut of emotion as Ithycar had been rubbing at his Claim marks from the moment the study door had shut behind them. It was both to calm his frazzled Bonded and to keep himself together at the same time.
Theo could only guess at how difficult it was not to directly reaffirm every single bond straightaway. He was fighting the same urge, albeit in smaller doses as he could push equal measures of calmness through two bonds. Charlie and Harry would be alright and when they were fine, he would be too.
It they hadn't been invited over to the main house in such plain terms he would have taken Harry and Charlie back to the guest house and holed up there to plot and scheme. His dragel instincts wanted it and his Slytherin honor practically demanded it.
He was sure that he would be able to wrangle Charlie and Harry into his scheming. They were Gryffindors yes, but he knew their influence would keep his worst Slytherin traits from spilling out. Arielle alone knew how deep and dark those urges could run.
"Theo?" Charlie dashed by with a young girl in pink, balanced on one hip, his arm filled with an assortment of bright orange laundry. There was a handful of colorful beads straggling at the back of his tri-color ponytail. He blushed a fetching shade of red at Theo's curious stare. "Be right back."
"Charlie?" Theo managed, before Charlie disappeared into the fray once more. Theo stared after him, deciding that he didn't want to know if it was anything as confusing as the too bright colors suggested. Charlie had siblings and therefore ought to be used to small children, so Theo figured he was fine.
"Harry's upstairs," Ithycar said, pointing towards the landing of the second-level stairway. He rubbed his arm a little harder than before, grimacing at the feedback through his claim marks. "I think he might want some time with you."
Theo nodded his thanks and headed straight for the stairs. He tugged lightly on the confusion he felt through their bond and made his way towards the answering tug.
"Harry?" Ilsa tapped on the guest bedroom door. A murmur within let her know it was alright to slip inside the darkened room.
He turned to study her for a moment, from his pensive seat on the neatly made guest bed. Green eyes were narrowed into slight points and the expression on his face did not sort itself out into any one thing.
A tentative smile flickered across Ilsa's face and she moved over to join him, easing down to sit at the foot of the bed. "You worry too much about others," she said, lightly. "You'll wind up with a headache."
"Can't help it," Harry said, mimicking her light tone. "They're my friends."
"…Family too, I hope," Ilsa twitched her fingers, checking the scent charm spell she'd cast over herself, before venturing this far up into the house. She had yet to take a shower and the scent of blood still clung fiercely to her. Wearing blood had never been an issue. Instinct did not demand that she remove it at once though in all honesty—she hadn't had the time.
Harry's pained smile filled the silence stretching between them. He gave it another second, but when she finally met his gaze, he huffed. The question that came to his lips wasn't the one on his mind. "They said…that you weren't a born Gheyo."
"Ah," Ilsa hummed. "I wondered if you would ask."
"I—sorry."
"Nothing to be sorry for. I have had too many regrets to keep them all, so I can only keep moving forward. Doing my best to keep from repeating the mistakes I've learned from and trying my hardest to avoid the ones I still don't understand."
"Today—you—everyone." Harry ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the ends. There was so much he was still trying to process. It seemed that he'd only made sense of one mental puzzle before another one cropped up. "And then Bahn said that-"
"He's perfectly imperfect, isn't he?" Ilsa half-laughed. "He was everything I needed when we finally met and then some." She leaned forward, hunching over her legs, arms folded atop her knees. From her tall imposing figure, she was now rather compact and nearly invisible in presence.
"You're not—you're more than that!" Harry burst out. He'd seen the state of things when Ilsa had burst through the door. He'd read the emotions as Bahn had lectured her into action. He'd felt the pain when she gasped out Ithy's name. It balled up into one giant well of commiseration and bitter-sweetness that he could not untangle.
"We are always more than we think we are," Ilsa said, quietly. "Please don't hold it against any of them. I am happy. They are happy. We fit together, in spite of our differences and that is what makes us live as one."
Harry scowled. It had seemed like a lot more than mere differences up there on the roof and then at the safe house where he'd witnessed that awful, confusing and strange little dance of dominance between Ilsa and Bahn. It was almost as if he'd been in the middle of the whole thing—even though he'd been sitting several feet away, well-protected.
Ilsa's raw emotions and Bahn's steady resolve had thrown him for a loop. There was so much pain, hope and want all mixed up that he hadn't been able to sort it out—even though he had tried.
He wasn't surprised that she had sought him out after all. He'd wanted to, but then the house had begun to fill up and he didn't want to deal with the strange new faces. Granted, they were all Deveraines in some way or another, but it'd simply been better to withdraw. The muted silence and relaxing emptiness of the guest room had done wonders for his raging empathy.
"He said—Bahn said—" Harry began and stopped, voice cracking. There was something about the way that Bahn had spoken to her, that had bothered him. It was too—something. He didn't know what, but Arielle help him, he would know.
Ilsa snorted. "Don't read into things you don't know how to read," she said, gently. "I'm sorry if we threw you for a loop—didn't mean to." She rubbed her arm, scraping fingernails over the other claim marks she sported. "Sometimes I forget how it looks to everyone else. We've come through enough of this—all of us, together—and so another little bump in the road, isn't really that big."
"He all but said that you were-!" Harry burst out.
"He said that I really was his. It made me very happy, Harry. He's never claimed me quite so openly before and you have to understand what that means."
"It doesn't mean anything," Harry said, passionately. "You're strong and brave on your own. You've done—everything. You helped Theo. You helped me. You've been there for us even when—you even—I just-" The words lodged in his throat.
"You will always have a kind heart," Ilsa said, softly. "Always. Never lose it, no matter what happens, never lose it." She leaned forward and gently kissed Harry's forehead. "I'm not trying to make you see things from my point of view or Bahn's. Goodness knows what that imp is thinking anyway. It's not perfect, but it's not horrible either. He's my imp. I'm his ACE. That's the way we both want it to be, all strings aside."
Harry stared at her for a good long minute. He watched the darkness leave her eyes and the gold return. He felt the strength of her honesty and the genuine care blossoming outward, a fierceness reserved for her own—a select group that now included him. She was right. He didn't have to understand, as long as she was alright. As long as this was where she wanted to be.
She winked. "He is a mischievous little thing though. Bhindi isn't half as troublesome. He's the one that usually waltzes right into the thick of things and I'm the one that drags him out of it." She gave a slight shake of her head, reaching up to tug at her short strands. "Still, there's usually some sort of warning, before a stunt like this."
"Warning?"
"Oh you know. He'll pull a silly stunt—like disappearing while he was shopping or saying he's bored. But apart from the shopping, I didn't hear any other complaints. I thought he was fine. He said he was fine." She scowled. "and he'd better have an answer for that…"
"He said he was bored," Harry blurted out.
"What? When? Where?"
"On the rooftop. I was with the Kalziks, we were playing Creeper—Quinn and I. We went back to join his family for lunch. Bahn found us there. He said he was bored. He ate and then left."
Ilsa rolled her eyes. "He owes me for that." She muttered. "Saying it where none of us can hear doesn't count. Never mind him, I'll deal with it. I came to see how you were."
Harry blinked. "Fine. Just fine. There was nothing—nothing happened to me."
She smiled, faintly. "I'm glad. I am sorry for the scare."
A slight twitch of the shoulders was the best that Harry could do for a shrug. She had honestly terrified him, showing up half-feral with that. It had been a little more than a simple shock to see her flip-flop so easily from calm, mothering and stoic to flat out vicious instinct.
Ilsa reached over and tapped his nose. "Stop thinking about it," she said, simply. "It won't make sense to you now, but one of these days, when you have your own ACE, your own Gheyos. You'll understand."
"I don't think I will," Harry said, truthfully.
"You might think that now, but even if you don't really grasp what for or how it happens—you'll know why it does."
"And you can't tell me now?"
She laughed. "Find you a Pareya or two first, then you can bag and ACE. They'll answer any question you ask them. My answers suit me and mine. Their answers will be for you and yours." She rose from the bed. "I'll send Theo up—if he's done plotting with Ithy."
"Plotting?" Harry started. "What kind of-?"
"Planning, sorry. Plotting sounds dastardly, doesn't it? Then again, knowing Ithy, it's probably a bit of both. As much as I'd love for you to stay with us—you don't need a Clan war tagging along for your first hunt. This is our problem. I told Ithy as much. He'll help in his own way. Everything will work out. Don't worry."
"Now I'm worried." Harry said, dryly.
Ilsa laughed. It sounded lighter than Harry had ever heard her before. Her golden gaze glittered with a thread of happiness. "Don't be." She hesitated, a faint glimmer of sadness flickering over her face. "One of these days, we'll talk," she said, so quietly, that Harry thought he'd imagined it.
She was halfway to the door before Delani appeared in the doorway, two steaming cups in hand.
"Harry. Ilsa," she nodded to Harry. "Cocoa? Bu seems to think you're in shock. She sends her special blend." Delani gestured with one hand and Harry's cup floated off of her hand and over to his.
Harry carefully took the small sky-blue cup, a whiff of cinnamon wafting up to tickle his nose. His brows arched upwards in surprise. "Hot chocolate?"
"Is that mine?" Ilsa looked to Delani's cup with interest.
"Maybe," Delani teased. "It doesn't have whipped cream. You always take yours with whipped cream."
"This is different. I haven't had this in forever." Ilsa sidled closer, her eyes locked on the frothy treat.
The cup was handed over and Delani smiled fondly, watching the first sip and the pleased expression that followed. She gave it another minute before she reached out and caught hold of Ilsa's ear. Claws peeked out from the fingertips, her timing impeccable, for Ilsa's gaze had lowered and she'd just taken a good sip of spicy cocoa.
Harry froze.
Ilsa swallowed.
Delani's eyes darkened, her Alpha's aura fanning out and filling the room to the brim. It wasn't loud and jarring, but it was steady and persistent, demanding their attention. "You will not scare us like that again," she scolded. "Twenty years? Carved wings? That is not the way we do things. Running from things we do not have the courage to face, never solves them. Do you understand?"
"…I understand."
"Good. I'm sure Ithy has an earful for you, so that's all I have to say about this." Delani sighed. She gave Ilsa's ear a slight pinch and then her hand dropped back to her side. She turned slightly to the side, no longer blocking the doorway. "I missed you."
Ilsa's head bowed. She snuck another sip of cocoa before she managed a muttered apology. "…Sorry."
"Be sorry later. Bahn was triggered—ask him what it was."
"Hm?"
"He didn't tell me and he didn't tell Ithy. Something made him snap."
Ilsa's brows furrowed together. "Harry said he said he was bored."
"That wasn't boredom. That was panic and you and I both know what that looks like. Talk to him."
"I wondered, but he…"
"He'll talk to you." Delani leaned forward, kissing her cheek. "Go. The others are arriving soon. It will be chaos."
Ilsa looked down at the cup in hand. She pulled a face and gave it back.
Delani chuckled, accepting the unspoken agreement with the drink. "Yours is in the war room."
There was a slight pause and then Ilsa bumped her head against Delani's shoulder on the way out, a quiet chirrup accenting the gesture. It earned a smile that she did not wait to see, vanishing from the doorway.
Delani turned back to Harry, whose narrowed green eyes remained pinned on her. She hadn't missed the way that Harry's hackles had all fluffed up the moment their little discussion had started.
Normally, she wouldn't have dared to have any one of her Bonded, much less an unrelated submissive as an audience for that sort of disciplinary moment. Most certainly not for Ilsa—but she'd heard a snippet of their conversation. Old thoughts confirmed by Ilsa herself. A moment that would be lost, if she'd held her tongue.
"She is fine, little one. Battered. Healing. But fine. She's ours. Thank you for worrying about her."
There was a long pause, before Harry nodded, stiffly.
Hiding her smile, Delani excused herself from the room. She silently pulled on the threads connecting her toIthy, a reminder for him to hurry up with Theo.
Harry perched on the end of a guest bed, sipping a cup of cinnamon cocoa, a fluffy blanket wrapped around his shoulders. He sat with his back to the door, staring up at the ceiling where the only window in the room, showed a brilliant, darkening blue sky.
His gaze fixed on something that was not quite there in the bedroom and there was a faint haze of magic twined through the air. He stirred faintly at Theo's presence and made an inquisitive chirp.
Theo smiled, moving forward to stand behind him. He placed a hand on each shoulder and kissed the top of that messy head of hair. A whiff of cinnamon drifted up to him. Harry's dress robes were shucked off near the pillows at the head of the bed, along with his dress shirt.
Eyebrows danced upwards in amusement as Theo bent to nuzzle Harry's neck, nosing against the roll of blanket to reach the warm skin.
A rumbling purr was his reward for the gesture of affection. Theo rubbed at Harry's arms for a moment, then rearranged them to hug Harry from behind.
Harry burbled—an odd sound between a coo and a question mark. Theo immediately released him, taking a step to the side of the bed as Harry shrugged the blanket off.
Ah. Theo understood as Harry's shirtless self stared back at him. He reached for his own robes and stripped down, keeping his trousers on.
Harry scooted forward on the bed, patting a space beside him, which Theo remedied by half-pulling Harry onto his lap. It took a bit of rearranging, but soon they were settled.
Snuggled together, his back to Theo's chest, Harry purred again. This was better. He offered the cup of cocoa, but Theo only bumped the mug with his nose and opted to nibble on Harry's ear instead.
A reluctant whine was pulled from Harry, before he tipped his head back to rest on Theo's shoulder. They sat together, staring out the window, warmth building between them at the skin-to-skin contact.
The magical haze in the room gradually dimmed, the exposed bond marks shimmering and tingling as the moment was shared between them. Bonds reaffirming without the need for more obvious physical displays.
"Hungry?" Theo ventured, after a bit.
Harry wrinkled his nose. "All everyone's done today is feed me," he frowned at the mug of cocoa. "I feel—I didn't. I tried to help." He gestured, helplessly. "It seems like everything I try to—help—doesn't work out. Not here. Not—ever."
"That is absolutely not true, treasure," Theo murmured. "You've helped quite a bit. You always have. You do so much without even realizing it."
"Maybe—over there, but not—here." Harry squirmed.
Theo caught the mug, holding it out of reach before it could slosh over the rim and soak them. He floated it to the dresser table, where it rested. "Shall we agree to disagree for the moment?"
"Why?"
"I meant this," Theo said, presenting his wrist. "I wasn't trying to stuff your stomach. You've already had some sugar-" he nodded towards the cocoa mug.
Harry hesitated. Theo did have a point there. He'd had sugar and blood was certainly next on the list, considering that he had a slight feeling that it would help him settle down a bit better.
There was no way he wanted anything to get any more—serious—than present, in the Deveraine's guest bedroom. Harry licked at Theo's wrist, tasting the familiar things he was used to, breathing in the scent of sweetness and steel that made up his Theo. But the vivid image of Bahn drinking greedily from Ithycar's pale neck—made him cringe.
"Harry-love?" Theo prompted when his wrist was batted away. Tacking on the endearment made him smile and he liked the way it sounded.
Twisting in the loose embrace, Harry wriggled into a good position to take a drink of his own. Locking an arm around Theo's neck, he pulled himself up a bit better. A few licks to the neck conveyed his intent and Theo relaxed accordingly.
By the time Harry notched his fangs into the perfect spot, Theo had begun to rub his back in slow, gentle strokes. He drank slowly, having no reason to rush the experience or the comfort that had spilled over into him as their bonds sang together, meshing into harmony.
Theo cradled Harry's head to his neck, making soft, encouraging sounds. A tiny smile played on his lips.
"The Peverell's?" Charlie repeated. He looked from Theo to Harry—or tried to—somewhat hampered by the fact that Harry was currently in his lap, fangs buried in his neck. He'd opted to come and join them as soon as he could slip away from the younger Deveraines who had immediately latched onto him, most likely because of his inability to refuse their shy requests to play and help.
Successfully finding his way upstairs and into the guestroom where Theo and Harry were holed up, was a bonus. It hadn't helped much that Theo had been feeding Harry—or maybe it was the other way around—and then Harry's fierce green eyes had caught sight of him and Charlie was helpless to do anything other than move forward to be in reach.
Theo had traded Harry off to his capable hands, tending to the healing bite marks on his own neck and straightening up to find his clothes.
For a few brief moments, Charlie had appreciated the view and then Harry had decided that his distraction was good enough consent, before biting. The sharpness of his fangs—and the depth of the bite was new, but not unwelcome. Charlie had a slight itch on the other Claim mark and from the absent way that Theo scratched at it—knew he wasn't experiencing the sensations alone.
They were somewhat out of sorts from the earlier scare and it would probably take at least a day for it to work out of their systems.
"Ithy said that the sooner Harry's seals are off the better it will be for all of us. I told him about Lewis and he said he'd call their Alpha, Henry." Theo frowned. "Lewis's Alpha," he amended, giving another scratch at Charlie's tingling claim mark. He wasn't sure whether Ithycar knew the Peverell Clan Head or not, but on an instinctive level, he was still irritated at the Pareya.
"What about—them?" Charlie flapped a hand at the door, meaning the Deveraine's. His other hand remained firmly curled around Harry's waist, holding him close. The feel of Harry's smaller fangs rocking in and out of his neck, sent delicious tremors dancing up and down his body. Theo's thorough care from earlier, prevented the moment from turning into anything else.
Instead, Charlie hummed when Harry began to purr, still happily feeding. He rubbed a hand up and down Harry's back, smiling at the tattoos that moved and swirled around his fingers.
"Stop him if he's taking too much," Theo warned, a hand reaching up to absently rub at his own neck again. Harry had definitely taken a good amount from him, but had stopped on his own. "They'll be fine. This isn't the first time they've had to deal with things like this."
"Really? So all of that—reaction was just what?"
"That was, short tempers and old wounds," Theo said, softly. He was repeating what Ithycar had told him when he asked the same. "They are a fairly well established Circle. Not to mention Bahn and Bhindi are ex-royalty. They've handled their share of scuffles in more ways than one. This is simply their business. Ithy doesn't want us involved."
"It's fine," Charlie assured him. Harry wasn't really taking that much. He'd eaten well in the kitchen downstairs—the Pareyas had ensured he was well-fed, fussing over him in lieu of a nonexistent Theo and Harry. Aracle had even found a phial of pure healer's blood to spare, just to be sure that he was alright.
Theo's words swirled through his mind. Charlie didn't particularly want to be involved, but he didn't like the idea of leaving the Deveraines to figure things out on their own. Of course, if they were actually fine and able to handle whatever that whole clan-war-mess was, then that was fine too.
"Is that alright though?" he had to ask, just to be sure. He'd been raised to know that family was everything and they always came first. Even if that truth hurt to acknowledge.
"We couldn't do much," Theo said, lightly. The faint gleam in his golden eyes suggested that in the near future, they would do much more. Maybe even help.
Charlie allowed a brief fantasty-filled image to blossom in his mind. The thought of a full Circle chosen, gathered and bonded to Harry. It would certainly be interesting. "Still…"
"Ithy is asking us to leave. We couldn't stay and cause more work or trouble for them. Besides, he's helping to speed things up and the sooner we're together, the sooner the we can make our own stand."
Charlie acquiesced with a nod. He'd been helping with the younger children—something that soothed the faint ache in his heart—when Ilsa had come by with instructions to join them upstairs whenever he could manage it. She'd mentioned that Ithycar would come when all three of them were together. Of course, she hadn't said why.
There was a light knock on the door and it opened a crack. Slivers of light and sound spilled through, breaking the magical stillness of the moment.
A twitch of his lips was the only hint of Theo's smile as he flicked a hand at the door.
"Theo?" Ithycar tapped on the door, pushing it open to join the young triad. He looked at Theo, giving Harry and Charlie a moment to disentangle themselves. "Are you ready to leave?"
Theo straightened his robes and glanced over at his Bonded. A flicker of gold washed over Charlie and Harry—fixing their rumpled robes and solving the problem of missing shirts and messy hair. "Ready."
"Did you need anything from the guesthouse?"
"We didn't really bring anything," Charlie said. "We won't return?"
"It's probably best if you don't—until I can change the wards. They're keyed to you right now, via Bahn and Ilsa. I need to make some adjustments."
"The magic isn't strong enough?"
"The first rule of hiding is to hide in plain sight." Ithycar said, lightly. "Don't you think?"
Theo smiled, even though it didn't touch his eyes. "Naturally. Thank you for hosting us."
"Always," Ithycar murmured. "Whenever you're ready, then?"
"Ready!"
"Honestly, Ithycar, you'd think that I hadn't—" Henry stopped in mid-sentence. He stood in the bedroom, taking in Ithycar's serious expression and the three solemn young dragels beside him. He could sense that something was greatly amiss and the fact that he'd been 'ported into a guest bedroom, immediately put him on guard. "Ithycar?"
"You've always been a good friend," Ithycar said, smoothly. "So please excuse me from this imposition."
Henry shuffled uncomfortably, appearing a bit too small in his large, dressy robes. His brow furrowed into crooked lines. "Are you asking me a favor, Deveraine?"
"Quite plainly, yes."
"…That's a bit too plain," Henry muttered. He returned the clasped handshake offered, his gaze roaming over Harry and the others. The furrow in his brow deepened, extending to his expression of concern. "What is wrong?"
"We've had a disagreement of sorts." Ithycar smirked. It was said in a matter-of-fact tone as if it were simply a rote phrase to explain what was happening.
"With whom?"
"The Vaughn's. While it's sorted, I'm asking if you would kindly look after Theo and his own."
Henry paled. "The Vaughn's? Are you mad? You've only just returned." His concerned expression turned to one of complete confusion. "Why in Arielle's name would you pick them and now?"
"Yes or no?" Ithycar snapped.
"Yes, of course, yes." Henry frowned. "Theo as in your Ilsa's Theodore?"
"I wasn't sure you'd remember him, but yes." Ithycar gestured to Theo at his left. "Theo, Henry. Henry, Theo—you never formally met. The tall redheaded one is their Beta, Charlie. The brave one between them is their Submissive, Harry. They are a bonded triad and actively hunting this Season. We offered them hosting rights and a formal introduction."
Henry's puzzlement grew further as he absently shook hands with all of them. He gave a slight shake of his head as if it were too much information to sort out in such a short span of time. "Theo, Charlie, Harry…" he muttered, half to himself. "You know, Lewis mentioned something about a Harry with very green eyes and a seal—what exactly am I missing here?"
"Did you ignore my memo altogether?" Ithycar asked, exasperated. "Of course Lewis should have mentioned them by now. Theo said you were setting things in motion to have Harry's seals removed. This is Harry." Ithycar placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, drawing him forward. "Harry Potter, of the Nott Circle? Harry Peverell on his father's side, apparently."
Henry brightened as if the whole encounter had finally made sense. "You want me to offer them sanctuary."
"If he's technically from your bloodline, shouldn't you be hosting him before we did?" Ithycar shot back.
"If you didn't want me to pry into your affairs, you could simply say so."
"That never stopped you before." Ithycar brushed him off, but he'd lost the formal air from before. Now, only the friendliness remained and it was clear to see that the two were good friends. "Take good care of them."
"You know I would," Henry murmured. "Should I need to reach you…?"
"I will contact you when it is safe enough. 'Port from this room and do not leave anything traceable behind. I will wrap things up as soon as we can manage it, but I expect it will not be pretty."
Henry's eyes narrowed, but the wicked gleam was not meant for any of them. "If you have any trouble—I expect to hear from you first. You know our blades are yours."
"Of course." Ithycar inclined his head. That had been one of the founding promises of their old friendship. Their Gheyos played well together and as such, in any time of need, should extra assistance be required, it would be swiftly given.
"Send an invite to Cora, would you?" Henry said, somewhat sheepishly. "She's not very fond of trying to follow all the thys and thous."
"I sent it already. She should already have it hand. There is only a single word of acknowledgement needed, should there be questions." It was more than simply asking a friend to look over another friend—it was passing the hosting rights from the Deveraine Circle to the Peverell Clan and asking for Henry's attention to that detail.
"My thanks," Henry said. Arielle knew his adorable submissive was absolute rubbish at that.
Ithycar gave Harry's shoulder a light squeeze and gifted a pat on the shoulder to Theo and Charlie in passing. "Should anything happen to them—this is on your head."
"I would never betray anything set in motion by your hand," Henry said, firmly. "Thank you for your trust. I am sure you will be victorious. As always."
Ithycar smirked. "Indeed." He turned away.
Henry motioned for Harry and the others to come closer. "I need everyone to be touching someone else," he directed. He held out his hands, clasping arms with Theo and Charlie. Harry stood between his two Bonded, directly opposite of Henry. "This may feel a bit different than a regular portal—it is because this will be your first time through our clan protections, but it is perfectly normal. Do not fight it. I assure you that as long as you do not let go, you will be alright."
Ithycar watched the portal close, his smile fading as the glow vanished. Henry would take good care of the three, but that was only one small burden off of his heavy shoulders. He tugged at his hair, silently urging his magic to do it up in the familiar style of the warrior braids his elven clan was known for.
It was a subtle detail that made him feel somewhat batter as he left the guest bedroom and started down into the first floor of the house. He paused at the foot of the stairs and slowly released his Alpha's aura.
Snapping out from him in a wide arc, it fanned out, stretching down the hallway where his grandchildren were shrieking and playing as they chased each other around. He saw the moment when they sensed his presence and then caught sight of his face.
The laughter and running stopped at once and hasty murmurs and whispers filled the air. Quickly, they lined up against the wall, heads tall, hands pressed to the wall behind them. A scraggly line of recruits, young and confused. It hurt that the first time he was seeing them in the past years was because of something dangerous-a Clan war-and not something joyous and peaceful.
"Have you eaten?" He inquired, because that was the first thing the Pareya would have done. Seen that everyone was safe and fed, before turning them loose to roam the house.
Heads bobbed up and down in answer. When he gestured for them to follow, they did. He continued on down the hall and to the resting room. Here, he waited while the Pareyic parents separated themselves and their respective children.
Goodnight wishes and phrases were exchanged, before the children were readied for bed in a swirl of magic, beneath the watchful eyes of everyone present. Once dressed for bed, they collected in the center of the room, waiting as it was made up for the night.
Thick, fluffy mattresses were arranged in specific formation around the entire room, just enough to make the sleeping square comfortable enough. The Pareyas continued on until all the young ones were settled in for the night and all of those who were underage, settled in alongside them.
Once that was done, he exchanged a word with Alma—so they would be doubly connected beyond their Bonds—and continued on to the war room. He could tell that some of the Gheyos were missing, notably, Ilsa and Greta. But the others were outside on patrol and they would switch off as previously decided. For now, Bhindi, along with Delani, fell into step beside him.
Ithycar stopped in front of the door to their war room. The door opened at the touch of his hand, for he was the Alpha, but not the first one to enter.
It was almost a basement room of sorts, except for, it was the most protected room in the entire property and the magic woven into its creation was vast and dizzying.
Faint lights illuminated the wide, square room. There were several armchairs and various loveseats scattered about the corners, as the center of the room was taken up with a massive gemstone table.
Magic flared at the edges and holographic map of Nevarah popped up in true, vivid color. Ithycar ran his hand along the edge as he gravitated towards his seat of honor at the far end of the room.
The missing duo he'd sought—Ilsa and Bahn—awaited them there.
Stretched out on the sofa, cuddling Bahn to her, Ilsa spoke in soft, measured tones. Curled up enough so that his cheek was pressed to her heart—and the claim mark hidden beneath the armor—Bahn conversed in whispered elvish.
"Bahn, dearest?" Delani was the first to speak, to announce their presence. She held onto Bhindi for a beat longer, before releasing her. The two in front of them needed a moment and she didn't want to interrupt it before the balm of silence and alone time had helped.
He blinked up at her with one pale, silvery eye. Ilsa roused herself enough to sit halfway up, bracing against the arm of the couch and drawing Bahn back to her, before he could sit up and slip away.
The others gathered around, some of them sitting on the floor, Greta slipping in at the last minute. Nara was there, Loren was there. Bu appeared a moment later, looking warily over her shoulder.
Ithycar smiled at her, to let her know that if Alma came looking, it was alright for her to be there. Bu managed a slight smile in answer, before angling towards the unusued fireplace.
She started it up with a flick of her hand towards Loren and his muted flames. They bickered quietly in the background for a moment and Ithycar was grateful for that note. It meant that it drew the focus away from Bahn—and that maybe, his prickly submissive would care to share.
"Bahn?" Delani repeated, more firmly this time. "Would you like to start?"
He sighed, long and loud as if it that would explain all the words he didn't wish to voice. Ilsa stifled a chuckle. "You have to actually tell one of us at some point, loveling," she reached up, smoothing back his messy hair, tugging gently on the spell that kept it neat.
"You weren't supposed to end up on the roof," Bhindi said, eyes flashing. The rest of her words slashed out in elvish punctuated by a few colorful swears.
"He's fine," Ilsa said, quickly. She sat up enough, to lock both arms around Bahn, preventing his squirms from allowing him to run free. This conversation would not happen if he took up pacing the length of the room. "We're all fine, but what we'd really like to know is what just happened up there."
"Language," Delani said, mildly. "Not that I don't appreciate your vocabulary, but really." She looped an arm around Bhindi's neck and ushered her towards the open half of the circular couch.
Ithycar moved to join them, slipping between the two coupls and waiting for the answer that was hovering somewhere just out of sight. Something had set Bahn off and he had a few guesses as to what—but knew better than to actually voice said guesses.
Bahn rubbed his face with one hand then huffed. "This is half your fault," he said, glaring at Bhindi. "And don't you dare tell me that it isn't." He twisted around to look at Ilsa. "You've been gone a long time." He ignored her twitch. "In that long time, there were—things. People. Proposals. Moments where propriety and all sorts of other things were thrown to the wind." He bit his lip. "And then there was—Ariki?" He leaned around Ilsa's shoulder and crooked a finger at the door.
The war room doors swung inward, depositing a red-faced Ariki, a yawning Soula and worried Dahlia. They had come at the insistence of their Dera's pulling on the familial bonds between them.
"Dera," the children greeted, together as one.
"Your turn," Bahn said, quietly, his gaze fixed on his son. "Tell them about the Guantrells."
"Ariki?" There confusion in Ilsa's voice. "What does that have to-" she was cut off when Bahn turned around and kissed her, to shut her up. He withdrew a moment later, giving her a chance to refocus, before Ariki settled on the floor in front of them.
He sat cross-legged, twiddling his fingers for a moment, trying to find a way to tell the story. Dahlia rolled her eyes and dropped to the floor beside him, leaning up against his right for moral support. Not to be left out, Soula mimicked the gesture, pressing up against his left knee with her shoulder, as she lay on her stomach, head propped up by her hands.
"When you sent me to register for our formal entrance, I was—stopped." Ariki's hands clenched together. "One of their sons—Walford, is of age and he made his intentions very clear in regards to my-"
"He proposed to you?" Ilsa stiffened. Her hands clenched in the folds of Bahn's robe, bunched at his hips.
"Propositioned," Ariki said, wearily. "I turned him down, of course. I didn't understand what house he hailed from and he wouldn't take no for an answer."
"How many times?" Ithycar asked, his voice strangely hollow.
Ariki pinched the bridge of his nose. "Four," he said, at last. "Each one more insistent than the last."
"Why you?" Ilsa wanted to know. She could think of many reasons for her children to be decent Bonded and Intendeds, but her children were not always in the center of things. They tended to keep back to the sidelines, unless absolutely necessary. Since Kandra, that is.
"He liked the color of his eyes," Dahlia said, frostily. "When he tried again, I'd come to find him. They took off when I glared at them. I didn't really see their markings or anything definitive scent-wise, I just felt that they were causing trouble and I didn't want him around them," she flicked Ariki's knee with one hand, before rolling over to sprawl out more comfortably on the floor.
"The color of his eyes?" Ithycar growled. Yes, Ariki did have a lovely shade of golden eyes, maybe with a hint of silver, but that was entirely all Ilsa. He could only take credit for his son's sleek hair and strong jawline. The most obvious traits he'd inherited, after all.
"Then after Walford couldn't have Ariki, I guess he thought I'd be—e-easier," Soula stammered. The carefree lilt to her voice had vanished at once, with both of her parents stern' gazes fixed on her.
Ariki patted her shoulder in support. Walford had been a well-muscled and decently-sized Alpha, with a superior, cocky hair hanging thickly about him. It was the way he'd bowled over some of the younger children on his way to Ariki that had immediately turned his mind against him—without even thinking to his background and family name.
"Easier how?" Aracle growled. He had entered the room midway between Ariki's story. Now he settled down on the floor beside the opposite couch where Ilsa and Bahn were still wrapped around each other. He'd taught his little princess to fight fang and claw—she was no helpless damsel.
"He made a crack at Shayla," Soula began, straightening up to explain. "Said that she was pretty and light, but it was too bad she was so—stubborn. That no one would want a headstrong girl who couldn't behave like a proper Submissive. She snapped that she'd claw his eyes out if he came any closer and to keep his ugly thoughts to himself. He said that her words were ugly coming from such a pretty little thing and she tried to scratch his eyes out. I grabbed her, because I didn't think—I didn't want her to fight, you know?"
"And you didn't think to tell anyone?" Aracle asked, gently. "Soula."
"Shay didn't want me to," Soula stared at her hands, before sitting up to turn and face Aracle. He extened an arm to her and she went to him at once, burrowing into his side. There had been something disturbing about Walford and just talking to him for those few scant minutes had made her feel like darkness had clung to her skin. She'd spent hours in the bath afterward. But the memory felt just as terrible as the words.
"He didn't stalk her," Loren said, quietly. He shifted uncomfortably when all eyes turned to him. "I figured something had upset her," he nodded at Soula. "So I tracked her a bit. He probably meant to try, but stopped the moment he realized I was shadowing her."
"Which day would that have been?" Nara wanted to know. She was ticking things off on her hands, frowning at whatever she was keeping score for. "Before Alma's incident at the Market?"
"Day before," Loren said, picking up on her train of thought. "So it's following a pattern?"
"There were snubs," Bhindi said, quietly. She remembered greeting familiar faces and being ignored by others. It wasn't unusual, but it was unexpected from some of the ones she'd once considered friends. "Bahn?"
"I noticed," Bahn said, trailing his fingers down the front of Ilsa's bustier. He was carefully tracing the symbols etched into her armor, reading the runes for speed, protection and healing. There were flecks of blood in the symbols. It made his claws itch. He wanted her clean and wearing only their scents. Not reeking of blood, death and revenge.
"More than usual?" Bhindi prodded. That had been the first hint that something was wrong. She hadn't been able to put her finger on it, but it had raised her usual protective hackles.
"Many more. I opted to pretend I didn't care, but I didn't feel comfortable without," he gestured to his front, the pregnant swell of his stomach. He hadn't felt safe at all in allowing anyone to know of his current state. His instincts both dragel and elven had screamed at him to hide it. So he had.
Ithycar rumbled comfortingly from his corner of the room. Everyone relaxed a fraction, Ariki and Dahlia moving over to join the growing cuddle pile with Aracle. Greta moved away from where she spoke quietly to Loren, coming to join them as well.
"They're planning something," Nara said, at last. "I don't know what, but what I can guess at—I don't like it, Ithy. The Guantrells, they have connections. Connections to clans like," she hesitated.
"Spit it out, loveling," Ilsa said. "I doubt you could surprise me at this point."
Nara scowled. "The Doursens."
There was a ripple of hisses, growls and snarls from her Bonded as that bit of information was presented and absorbed.
Bhindi scowled, darkly. "That brat that insisted that your Theodore was his?" Her eyes flashed a dangerous shade of silver. "What was his name, Yani, Yonki—something like that?"
"Yanek," Ilsa supplied. Her scales rippled along the surface of her face as old memories pushed their way free. Memories of young Theo and the high noble children who had been playmates for her own children, Dahlia, Ariki and Soula. "Yanek Doursen."
"I thought we'd squared that off years ago," Delani said, frowning. "Wasn't he required to sign a distance contract to stay away?"
"He signed. Then we had him removed when he wouldn't leave on his own. The contract never had the actual ," Takar said. He had joined them sometime between Dahlia's completion of Ariki's tale. His arms were crossed over his chest. "It was to hold until he was bonded."
"Until he was bonded…" Nara said, voice trailing off. She was silently reviewing all the recent bondings in the past years—names of note and the respective gifts that went with them. What had Yanek's element been…?
"The bonding would have rendered the contract null and void," Takar filled in, comprehension dawning. They'd insisted on the contract because Yanek had been young, angsty and hot-tempered. Definitely wrong for their quiet, brilliant and fierce little Theo.
The contract was meant to keep them apart until Yanek had given up and moved on to something—or someone—else and then Theo, of course, was free to roam about as he liked. Of course, Theo's choosing Harry was definitely a good turn of events and it should have been an obvious deterrent, even if the contract hadn't been fulfilled yet. Except that now it had.
"The Guantrells are fronting," Bahn said, slowly. Turning things over in his mind until he liked the answer that surfaced. "No, really," he said, at Ilsa's murmur of dissent. "Think about it. Suppose they were being sponsored?"
"By whom and what for?" Ithycar added, catching on. It was certainly a plausible idea.
"Someone with power, but no presence and someone with a grudge," Delani filled in, a faint glow showing through her eyes. "Bahn-!"
"What clans would dare to do such a thing?" Bahn finished, triumphantly.
There were several beats of silence as everyone thought through that particular idea, chasing down the train of thought and checking it against everything they could remember.
Nothing came to mind.
Yet.
"I'll check my contacts," Ilsa said, stiffly. She finally rose from the couch, her arms wrapped around Bahn. She carried him over to Ithy and handed him over, pressing a kiss to his forehead, to stop any protests. "Someone is bound to know something and all we need is a name."
Delani stopped her with a hand on her arm. "You'll be careful?"
"Always am." Ilsa said, pausing briefly. "All of you—everyone—stay inside, won't you?" It was almost pleading, but still asking. Not demanding.
Ithycar smiled. "We'll wait for your return."
She dipped her head in answer and called on Ergen himself. Tonight, there were things that needed to be taken care of.
THE PEVERELL MAIN ESTATE : TRANSPORTATION ROOM (Harry and Co. w/Henry)
The portal spat them out on the pristine white carpeted floor of a very large, very empty room. There was no door or window on any of the white walls and a soft ringing sound echoed as the portal closed.
Henry waited a moment longer before he broke contact, his arms dropping down to his sides. There was still a hint of worry in his grey eyes, but he smiled warmly at his new guests. Ithycar had been worried for them and that was enough for Henry to worry as well. "Welcome to the Peverell Main Estate."
Harry started. He did not move from between Theo and Charlie—he felt more grounded between them—and the grey of Henry's eyes only served to remind him that they were moving further into the Air element's territory. He didn't realize he was still holding onto to Theo's sleeve, until he felt a ripple of amusement filtering through their Bonds.
An unexpected kiss was pressed to his cheek, before Harry was effectively soothed on both sides by strong pulses of calmness. Their shared inner strength washed over him. Something stirred happily inside of him, noting that his Bonded were finally making use of the connections between them for more than the recent panic and shock they'd all shared.
Theo spoke for all of them, when he gave the room cursory once over and then held his head high, gathering his Alpha's dignity around him as if it had always been there. "Are we on land or in the air?" He knew the answer, but wanted to hear it anyway. Needed for Harry to hear it from Henry's lips, anyway. His scales shifted and rippled beneath his skin, wanting to be out.
Henry's bark of laughter echoed in the room. "Sharp. Most would not notice in a room such as this. In the air, of course. The main estate does not ever leave the skies. We are a pure Air Circle, so there is no need to venture lower. It is only for the Hunt that we were visiting the lower planes."
Charlie frowned. "Only pure elemental circles stay here?"
"Only pure air types," Henry corrected. "If you mean why the Deveraine's don't, it's because of that flighty ACE of theirs. Ithycar doesn't care either way, he's elven, after all and the others would be happy as long as those twins were happy." Henry started for a corner of the room and paused. "Seeing as neither of you have an affinity for our element, however, I'll ask our Head Pareya, Vincent, to see that your rooms have grounding charms."
"Room," Harry corrected, moving to follow him. Generous hospitality was nice, but he wanted his Bonded near him and Henry should know that from the start. "We only need one room." His green eyes glittered. "Lewis is here?"
A section of the wall slid upwards and a pacing Lewis turned towards them. His wide smile lit up the entire room. "Harry!"
Mild growls from both Alphas made Lewis pause halfway in his route to greet Harry. He ducked his head at Henry's slight frown. He'd expected the growl from Theo—instinct told him it would fade over time, but he hadn't expected the non-verbal reprimand from his Alpha.
Henry's frown remained as he turned squarely to face Theo. This was too obvious for him to ignore. "What do you have against Lewis?"
"Henry!" Lewis sputtered. His face flamed red.
As if on cue, Harry's own cheeks matched the same pink-red blush.
Theo's jaw clenched. Charlie moved to stand between the two Alphas, a clear warning in his stance and expression. He could read enough into the situation to know that it was best for them to leave this discussion for later.
Hopefully, he could make that happen.
"Theo looks after us in his own way," Charlie said, quietly. "We thank you for your hospitality at this time. As for Lewis, I imagine he is reluctant to trust a stranger, the same as I am, but experience has taught him to be more reserved about it. I apologize if we have offended you in anyway."
With a tip of his head to Henry, Charlie strode forward. He bumped shoulders with Harry and stretched a hand out to Lewis. "Good to see you again—sooner than I expected."
"Thank you for coming," Lewis said, gratefully. He shook the proffered hand. "The same to you as well—Theo."
There was a rather undignified snort from Theo's corner, but he joined them, standing between Henry and Harry, sharp golden eyes drilling through Lewis. "The pleasure is still all yours."
"Theo!"
"Vincent will see you to your rooms," Henry said, having just introduced them to the tall, willowy Pareya.
His face was stern and unyielding, but there was a hint of kindness softening out the rough edges. Lewis had greeted him at once, accepting a slight nuzzle to his head. He'd then disappeared at something Vincent had said, with a farewell wave to Harry.
That had left a miffed Theo, uncomfortable Henry, exasperated Charlie and frustrated Harry behind.
As if picking up on the unexpected discord, Vincent had been polite and succinct. With a nod to Henry, he'd led their new guests through the lit hallwas and towards the guest rooms.
"Henry has asked for grounding charms in your rooms," Vincent said, serenely. "They will appear as glowing runes in the corners of the room walls. Please do not disturb the markings."
"What happens if we do?" Harry asked. "By accident!" He added, hastily when those too-calm eyes turned to him. "Just…wondering."
"Gravity may be affected," Vincent intoned. "This way, please."
Charlie bit back a smile, slinging an arm around Harry's shoulder and giving a light squeeze. Beside them, a disgruntled Theo perked up, ever so faintly.
After a quick tour of the light, open rooms, Vincent had taken his leave. The trio was free to explore and gather their bearings for a few minutes. The room was more like two rooms linked together, the walls soft and spongy. Everything was done in shades of white, cream and silver.
Fresh air circulated through the entire living space and there were glowing light stones ensconced near the ceiling, along the walls. The runes in question, were lit, dark blue symbols carefully traced into the corners.
Harry had sensed the usefulness almost at once. The moment he'd set foot in the room, it was as if he could breathe easier and his body relaxed. His magic had stretched out, seemingly more at peace, as he wandered around, checking out the bath, the bed, the dresser and finally coming back to where Charlie and Theo stood at the foot of the bed.
His Bonded gave him an amused look that made him want to wipe it away. "What?"
"Is the room to your liking, my treasure?" Theo teased.
Harry stepped on his foot, stretching up to bump his head against Theo's chin. "It's fine," he said, hiding the blush that threatened to resurface. "S'nice."
Charlie hummed in agreement. He was surprised to find that he could relax, in spite of himself. He hadn't expected the air element to be so kind to him, but while the earth had always felt grounding to him, the air was more—playful.
"Adequate," Theo said, sniffing. He ignored the fact that Harry was standing on his feet and it wasn't exactly—comfortable.
"It's a nice room and you know it," Harry said, turning to flop onto the bed. He wiggled his eyebrows invitingly a moment later, tugging lightly on the shared bonds in hopes that they would join him. A cuddle wouldn't be amiss, considering how their day had been.
After a moment, Theo huffed a laugh and circled around the bed to join him. Charlie, of course, took up the other side and soon, they were stretched out on the fluffy blanket, staring up at the ceiling.
The slightly sparkling ceiling.
"Constellations?" Charlie half-muttered, squinting up at them. "Not bad," he said, admiringly.
"What's wrong with Lewis?" Harry asked, at last. He had to know, even if he didn't think that Theo would actually answer him right now. Still, he'd felt happy and carefree from the moment the portal had deposited them here and he couldn't figure out why.
It was a good feeling, but he didn't want it all to come crashing down around his ears and something told him that their hosts were, perhaps, more respected and formal than the easy familiarity of the Deveraines.
Even if Henry didn't seem to think they were quite there, it hadn't escaped Harry's notice that the entire manor, at least, what they'd been through, was very nicely put together.
The Deveraine's estate seemed ornate on the outside, but it with almost cosy on the inside and Harry had liked that little detail. Here, it didn't feel that way. Didn't even hint that way, but still felt so good.
Theo grunted.
"The-o." Harry dragged the name out because he could. "He's only trying to help."
"I don't think it's logical," Charlie offered, when Theo didn't answer. "They'll work it out."
Harry grumbled for a moment, then sighed. That was probably the best he was going to get for now
A/N: Hey everyone! This chapter is so very late, I don't even know what to say. -facepalm-. whoops. I meant to post it on Christmas, but I've been practically rewriting the entire thing and it's just been a muddle. I hope this makes sense (I feel a bit rusty writing them. Yikes), but I do love the setup and I can't wait to get to more fo the fun parts. Thanks for your patience and encouragement as I've been working on this
Many thanks to brissygirl who made sense of my odd typos and suggestions for the story. She is an absolute darling. :)
Thanks for your support and kind reviews here on TBDH and my indie project, The Dragel's Song. I have book 5 partially written and will be working on getting it out next. Welcome to the new readers. Thanks for reading!
REVIEW RESPONSES WILL BE POSTED as I have the time to spare. I'm working on chapter 95. Slowly. VERY SLOWLY.
STATE OF CHARACTERS:
Harry, Theo, Charlie-(with the Peverells)
Deveraine Circle members-(at their home by the beach)