Chapter 31 #2
“It means,” the count interjected, “they’ll be heading into town. It’s a bit of a journey. After that, they’ll begin their exploration of the caves.” He beamed as if it were a grand adventure rather than a dangerous expedition.
“And how long will that take?” Olivia asked, rubbing her baby bump, her brows knitting together.
“There’s no way of knowing,” I admitted, bracing myself for her resistance.
She tilted her head back with a frustrated groan, then looked at me, eyes burning with fear. “No, Roman, no! I’m afraid you won’t return to me.”
Malik placed a steady hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Olivia. Roman will be with me, and I’ll make sure he’s safe. I already told you—I would protect you, Roman, and now your unborn child with my life.”
Olivia let out a heavy breath, her concern evident.
“We’ll only be gone for weeks, not months,” Malik assured her. “And I swear to you, I will protect your husband. I know how much he means to you.”
She scoffed softly, shaking her head. “So, telling you I forbid the journey won’t make a difference, will it?” she asked, directing her question at Malik.
“No, Olivia,” he said solemnly. “We came here with a purpose and must see it through. But I give you my word—we will all return safely.”
A long sigh escaped her lips.
I had never been more grateful for Malik’s friendship. He was the only one who seemed to be getting through Olivia’s defenses, soothing her fears with unwavering resolve.
After replenishing our supplies and filling our saddlebags with food, we stepped outside, where the groomsmen held our horses.
Olivia and Emily joined us, their expressions unreadable as the winter wind curled around us.
Finally, reluctantly, Olivia moved to stand before me. The air between us felt charged, heavy with unspoken words. Our eyes locked, and for a moment, everything else faded—the cold, the journey ahead, even the people watching.
Without hesitation, I cupped her face and pressed my lips to hers.
The kiss started tender, our mouths exploring and savoring. Then, with a hunger neither of us could contain, it deepened. Our tongues met, tangling in a fiery rhythm. Her fingers threaded through my hair, tugging just enough to send a low growl rumbling from my throat.
The world around us ceased to exist. There was only her.
When we finally pulled away, breathless, I rested my forehead against hers, our gazes locked in an unbreakable promise.
“This kiss is my vow,” I whispered, my breath warm against her lips. “I will return to you.”
She swallowed hard, then gave the slightest nod. “Okay. I believe you.”
My brother interrupted our moment.
“Hello?” Marcellious called. “Is there a man named Roman about? Tell him we need to leave.”
I shot him a glare that could have leveled mountains. One day, I would strangle my brother.
But as much as I didn’t want to leave Olivia, we had no choice. We had to find the dagger.
I leaned in, my voice low. “If I could take you with me, I would. But we can’t risk anything happening to you or the baby.”
“I know,” she murmured, her expression resigned.
I exhaled, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. “I know you’re strong. I know you could help us in the cavern. But this isn’t just about us anymore. We’re protecting our family.”
She gripped the lapels of my coat, holding on as if to keep me tethered just a little longer. Then, with a heavy sigh, she nodded.
“I know that too,” she admitted. “That doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck.”
A small, bittersweet smile crossed her lips.
I gave Olivia one last kiss before pulling away and mounting my horse.
Across from me, Marcellious stood with Emily, their hands clasped between them.
“You take care of my boy, you hear?” Marcellious said.
Emily arched a brow, smirking. “And how do you know it’s not a girl?”
“I just know,” he said with certainty. “I have a boy’s name all picked out.”
“Well, I have a girl’s name ready,” Emily countered, swaying playfully. “Guess we’ll just have to see who’s right.”
Marcellious chuckled. “Oh, we will. And I’ll win.”
His teasing faded into something more serious as he embraced Emily tightly.
“I’ll miss you,” she murmured, her voice catching.
He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. “I’ll miss you too,” he said softly.
Their lips met in a brief yet fervent kiss. When they finally parted, they lingered as if memorizing each other’s faces one last time.
“Take care of yourself,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
“You too,” she whispered, blinking back tears.
Marcellious hesitated, then turned away, gripping the reins of his horse. But before he could mount, he caught me watching him.
“What?” he grumbled. “What are you looking at?”
I chuckled. “Oh, nothing… just you being all soft with your wife.”
Marcellious scowled. “Yeah, well, I had to watch you get kissy-faced with Olivia. Consider it payback.”
He swung into the saddle, still grumbling under his breath.
Olivia stepped up to Malik, her expression fierce. “I’m counting on you to protect Roman.”
Malik met her gaze with steady resolve. “I already gave you my word.”
Before he could react, Olivia threw her arms around him and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
Malik stiffened, clearly caught off guard, but after a brief hesitation, he patted her back.
When he lifted his gaze to meet mine, something unspoken passed between us.
I nodded.
Olivia released Malik and stepped beside Emily, gripping her hand.
The two women sniffled as they watched us set off toward town.
The journey took days, and our pace was slowed by Malik’s unavoidable need to kill to maintain his strength. He always disappeared at night, sparing us the sight of his murders—the way he inhaled the very essence of his victims’ souls.
We dug snow caves for shelter at night, curling into the icy hollows for warmth. Once we descended from the mountains, we set up rain shelters near trees, seeking whatever cover we could find.
I missed Olivia fiercely, but knowing she was safe in the count’s home comforted me. And the thought of becoming a father filled me with something I had never quite known before—a deep, unshakable joy. I wouldn’t let anything happen to Olivia or our child.
Finally, we reached town.
Following Count Montego’s instructions, we tracked down a ramshackle establishment to secure our supplies. With sacks heavy with rope, pickaxes, and provisions, we turned our thoughts to finding shelter for the night.
The sky had darkened, clouds swollen and ready to unleash their fury. A real bed—warm and dry—sounded like a luxury we couldn’t pass up.
We found an inn called Hammer when it does, the Timehunters will search for Timebounds and Timebornes. Any baby born during that time will be in danger. You must protect your wives and children!”
He clasped his hands beneath his chin, his voice thick with desperation.
“Timehunters, you say?” one man scoffed.
“Your wife probably left you,” another jeered. “And now you’re making up an addlepated story to save face. You’re an asshead, Osman.”
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
“What a fanciful tale,” another man sneered, elbowing his drinking companion. “I’ve heard enough of his nonsense. Timebornes and Timebounds—pah! Folly. Let’s drink.”
More men dismissed him, returning to their tankards, until Osman stood alone, rubbing his forehead with his palm. His shoulders slumped in defeat.
I glanced at Marcellious before nudging him and tipping my head toward Osman.
We stepped forward.
“What seems to be the problem?” I asked.
Osman waved a hand dismissively. “Leave me be. You’re probably here to mock me like the others.”
His voice carried a thick British dialect, the kind that twisted vowels and clipped consonants, making it harder to follow.
“No, no,” Marcellious said. “We find your story quite fascinating. We’ve heard of these Timehunters.”
Osman’s jaw went slack. “You have?”
“Yes,” I said smoothly. “I’ve studied Timehunters, Timebounds, and Timebornes under a scholar. Come.”
I clapped him on the back. “Allow us to buy you a drink. We’d like to hear more.”
Osman narrowed his eyes, suspicion flickering behind them. “You’re just trying to set me up.”
“Not at all,” I assured him. “If there’s danger, we want to know about it.”
I inclined my head toward the bar, signaling Marcellious to fetch an ale.
Marcellious nodded, handing me his stein before departing to fetch Osman’s drink.
I guided the young man toward a recently vacated table. The rough wood was worn and splintered from years of use.
“Why do you believe me?” Osman asked, his voice tinged with suspicion. “No one else in this room does.”
“Because I’ve seen things,” I said, leaning in. “I’ve witnessed the depravity of the Timehunters with my own eyes.”
Osman’s breath hitched. “Have you?”
His hands pressed firmly against the table as if grounding himself.
Marcellious returned, setting a full stein in front of Osman before taking his seat.
“Thank you,” Osman murmured. “You’re both very kind.” He squared his shoulders. “My name is Osman Suleyman Aydin.”
“Marcellious Demarrias,” Marcellious said, lifting his drink before taking a long swig.
I nodded. “Roman Alexander.”
Osman swallowed several mouthfuls of ale, then exhaled heavily. “My future wife and I traveled here from the Ottoman Empire. We intended to be married.”
His gaze darted around the room before he lowered his voice.
“We were searching for answers—for something called the Moon Dagger.”
My grip tightened on my stein. I turned to Marcellious. His expression was unreadable, but an unspoken understanding passed between us.
“Go on,” I said, taking a measured sip of ale. “Why were you searching for the Moon Dagger?”
Osman let out a heavy sigh. “We were led to believe it could help us. My beloved… she is what is known as a Timebound.”
My stomach clenched.
Osman ran a hand down his face before continuing. “And then… Raul Costa found us. We fought. And I haven’t seen Reyna since.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose, then grabbed his stein and drained it in one go.
“I’m certain Costa has killed her,” he said, grief-filled. His eyes shone in the smoky light, unshed tears glistening. “I’ve searched everywhere, but I can’t find her.”
He squeezed his eyes shut for a brief moment.
“I have to kill Costa.” His voice was steady now, sharp with resolve.
“He is my enemy. I won’t leave until I find answers.
” His hands clenched into fists. “Costa is a dangerous man. If he finds out that the solar eclipse is only months away, he’ll hunt down every woman bound to give birth during that time… and kill the child.”
A chill raced down my spine.
The solar eclipse.
My child.
I forced my expression to remain neutral, even as panic coiled in my chest. “When is the eclipse?”
Osman dragged a hand through his thick black hair. “Two months.”
A breath left my lips. Olivia wasn’t due for three months. Relief unfurled in my chest, and my shoulders dropped slightly.
“Well, don’t worry, Osman,” I said, patting his shoulder. “We’ll help you find your beloved.”
Osman didn’t respond.
His face paled, his lips slightly parted, his chocolate-brown eyes frozen on something behind me.
I turned, my instincts honing.
A figure shoved through the crowded tavern, stepping into the dim lantern light.
Raul Costa.
His gaze locked on Osman.
And he looked mad as hell.