Chapter 25
Chapter Twenty-Five
JADEON
Hiding in that dreadful chamber was the longest either of us had ever endured such quiet suffering together.
This darkness, this new existence, felt like an abomination, a cruel mockery of all my family had ever stood against. And yet, we had become the very creature they once hunted.
How were we to face the future now, carrying this curse in our blood, this waking nightmare woven into the fabric of who we were.
The work that lay ahead was a nightmare in the making . . .
To make it seem as though no darkness had befallen the castle. And the other, the monstrous task that felt like the final blow in all of this. Having to drag the deceased out into the night, as though we were the wretched criminals.
We buried the bodies as best we could—and never spoke of it after.
The following night I attempted to impart some of the information to Alex that I had gathered. Having read some of the books but mostly from what I had observed.
We spoke for what felt like forever, laying bare our grief, our fear, and the guilt that bound us to Father’s fate. Alex had seen the attack unfold—but not the moment of his death.
Alex coped better than I had thought he would, though looking back, he was still in denial.
Like I had been.
His disregard for the truth was only to be expected.
To persuade Alex I escorted him to the library and sat him down.
Then provided him with a collection of books befitting the finest scholars.
This chamber was the best place to read, to reflect, to partake of knowledge freely.
Such a treasure ought not be concealed within the cold, forsaken halls of this seldom-visited castle.
The books themselves were a staggering collection.
I hoped they would prove that I was not crazy to him.
He still thought I was.
With no time to pander to his moods, I instructed him to stay home and guard the castle while I went in pursuit of Orpheus to bring back Catherine. Leaving Alex was unbearable, but I was pulled. Not finding Catherine was equally wrong. Her face haunted my every waking moment.
Hold on, I am coming for you.
Although my prayers were many, they included my hope Catherine would not be repulsed by me now. I hated the fact Orpheus had her. The thought of him touching her tortured me. I considered whether Catherine was strong enough to cope.
My rage was unbearable. On finding Orpheus, I would kill him. It was imperative I keep such feelings hidden from Alex. We lingered upon the steps of St. Michael’s Mount and embraced. I reassured him we would soon be reunited. When certain he was ready for me to leave, I ascended high into the air.
With the faint detection of Catherine’s presence, I sensed a glimmer of hope. I sent her a message out into the night. “I will not rest until you are home.”
Impossible for her to hear.
Dismayed, I glanced down. Alex headed for the servant’s quarters.