Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
ALINA
Istood for a long moment watching the clouds and the black as coal sky.
Frid’s silhouette was visible for only a short while and then the night consumed both of them.
The rain would not stop, and judging by the sky, it was not going to anytime soon.
Slowly, I touched the window shutters and after a short pause, closed the window.
“Milady.” My servant girl appeared in the doorway.
“What is it, May?” I turned to face the young girl with an open, pleasant face and hair in a thick braid.
“Milord is asking for you,” she continued.
“How is he?” I turned toward her.
“He’s in and out of consciousness.”
“Thank you, May. I’m going back now.” With that, the maid left.
With Sol dead, and Frid and Victor gone, only Tynan and I remained in Darragh.
And the realization of that somehow heightened my fear and uncertainty.
I paused, taking a deep breath. I remained for a moment longer before entering the dim corridor.
The room that Tynan occupied was not ours, it was just the first bedroom we could find.
Maids had to fetch our belongings from the room we had before.
What is for you, will not go by you.
Tynan was asleep when I opened the door.
I paused in the doorway, watching his beautiful profile in the faint light of a lone candle.
His eyelashes flickered and the shadows lined his cheeks.
He would be alright. He would survive this, and I would be right there beside him, guarding him, supporting him, and loving him.
I exhaled and stepped closer to the bed.
My soft shoes did not make any sound on the plush carpet.
I carefully sat beside him in a chair, watching him before checking the bandages on his shoulder.
His eyebrows furrowed and I removed my hand.
It was not that bad, Tynan was a shifter, his life was not in grave danger, his wounds were not as severe as Victor’s.
His body was already healing, he just needed time.
The air in the room seemed chilly and damp, but I did not want to wake Tynan, so the fireplace was not lit.
I shivered and wrapped a shawl around my shoulders.
Just then my eyes landed on the ceremonial blade of the black clan that Tynan inherited from his brother.
The beautifully crafted sword was lying on one of the tables patiently waiting for its new master to wield it.
I looked around, seeing two more blades, one each from the blue and white clans, both equally beautiful but much less valuable.
Those new weapons signified the amount of responsibilities that landed on Tynan’s shoulders in a matter of a few hours.
With a sigh, I glanced at the window. The muted patter of rain was soft and peaceful.
For a moment, I imagined Frid carrying Victor’s body through the night, clenching to the hope that the sacred water could save him.
Why didn’t I insist on someone going with her? It was a dangerous trip.
I bit my lip. The truth was, I was simply too exhausted to think straight, and I was sure that Frid was in a similar state. That new worry nested deep in my chest. I leaned back in the chair, closing my eyes.
Half an hour later, I jolted awake. The candle was nearly extinguished and white smoke rose toward the ceiling like a beautiful, otherworldly flower opening and closing its petals.
Just then a light knock sounded timidly in the darkness. A moment later, May’s face appeared in the doorway.
“Milady, Sage is requesting to see you,” she said in a quiet voice.
“At this hour? Tell him to wait until morning.”
“He said it’s urgent.”
“Urgent?” I stood and picked up my shawl, before following my maid into the corridor.
We moved along the deserted halls. The light of the candle flickered in May’s hand. She carefully protected the flames with her fingers. I looked out the window, at the fast moving clouds that concealed the sky.
At last, we entered one of the rooms where a fire was lit, and multiple candles added even more light.
“What is this room?” I whispered to May.
“This milady? This room belonged to Hanoch, may the gods have mercy on his soul,” she responded.
Sage was sitting in front of a large wooden desk that was covered with papers.
“Sage?” I inclined my head.
“Milady.” Slowly, he stood up.
He was dressed in a shiny new suit. His usually messy hair was carefully combed back.
“Is something the matter?”
“I came to inquire after our clan leader,” he said.
“No doubt, this conversation can wait till the morning.” I turned toward the door.
“I am sure milady understands that the balance of power has shifted. There are many players that may be interested in taking control of all three clans while Tynan is too weak to fight them,” Sage said.
The blood drained from my face, but I kept my expression blank.
“Who told you that your clan leader is incapable of fighting?” I asked in a calm voice.
Sage tilted his head to the side, watching me. I raised my chin higher, meeting his gaze.
“Milady, I would never allow myself to think that, but the news of the death of Rutherford and Halsey has already reached both clans, and men from the clans of white and blue have already started to arrive. No doubt, they’ll only wait till morning to demand an audience with Tynan.
But, if you’re certain that he can face them, we have nothing to worry about. ”
“I see. And what do you suggest?” I peered into his eyes, trying to figure out what game he was playing.
“First things first. I want to have a position as your personal adviser, to have some leverage while talking to the clan warriors.” He made a motion that looked like he was removing a speck of dust off his sleeve.
“Alright.”
“Then, I also need to have my own room in the palace. As your personal advisor, I can’t be staying in a shack."
“That’s reasonable. What else?”
“Of course, I need to be paid.”
“Of course. And as my personal adviser, what would you advise me?” I asked impatiently.
“Milady, we should delay the meeting between Tynan and the other clans until he is strong enough to face them. On my end, I’m going to start talking to them to buy us some time.”
I nodded, thinking about the hundreds of things that could go wrong.
“Did the healer come to see him?” Sage asked.
“Yes. He said that Tynan needs three to four days to recover.” I clenched the fabric of my skirt.
“I will make sure that the servants know not to talk to anyone. A lot depends on you, milady. Don’t forget who you are. You also have leverage.”
“Thank you,” I said.
Sage gave me a gallant bow and moved toward the door.