Chapter 23 #2
“You need time to recuperate,” Seth corrected gently. “And before you argue, I can literally feel your exhaustion through our bond. You’re running on empty, love.”
Katja chose that moment to stride into the great hall, looking as composed as ever despite the early hour and recent magical battle.
“I’ve contacted the Bundespolizei to report an attempted break-in.
They’ll want a statement, but I’ve explained that you’re recovering from the shock and will be available later this afternoon. ”
“The police?” Petra blinked. “Why?”
“To cover our asses, mostly,” Katje admitted. “Those three must have left traces of themselves around the area. Cars, for one thing. If they just disappeared without our saying anything, questions might turn in our direction. This way, we’re ahead of any inquiries.”
Petra thought about it for a second and saw the wisdom in Katje’s actions. “What did you tell them?”
“That three individuals who had been colleagues of the previous owner forced entry into the castle with apparent intent to commit robbery or assault, and that your security team successfully repelled them.” Katja’s smile was thin.
“All technically true. I simply omitted the parts about magic, ley lines, and people being dissolved into pure energy.”
“They’re going to want to see the perpetrators,” Wilhelm pointed out.
“They can’t, since the trio fled when confronted by your security team,” Katja said smoothly.
“A perfectly reasonable response from criminals who realized they’d bitten off more than they could chew.
I have security footage showing three figures approaching the castle.
It’s grainy and shot from a distance, but sufficient for identification purposes.
The fact that we can’t produce the actual criminals is unfortunate but not our responsibility. ”
Petra had to admire the lawyer’s thoroughness. “You had that prepared already?”
“I prepared for multiple scenarios the day I arrived,” Katja said. “Including magical assault, police involvement, and media attention. We’re fortunate this falls into the category of ‘attempted break-in’ rather than something more complicated.”
Anna appeared at Katja’s elbow. “I’ve updated all relevant logs and prepared a timeline of events for official purposes. Also, I’ve rescheduled your morning appointments and blocked off time for police interviews this afternoon.”
“You’re terrifyingly efficient,” Petra said.
Anna beamed. “Thank you! I’ve also coordinated with André to have breakfast served in the small dining room in fifteen minutes. He insisted that everyone needs to eat after such an ordeal.”
As if on cue, Petra’s stomach growled. She couldn’t actually remember the last time she’d eaten. Dinner last night felt like it had happened in another lifetime.
“Breakfast sounds perfect,” Seth said. “But after that, Petra needs to rest.”
“I’ll be fine after I eat something,” Petra started, but Judy cut her off.
“Listen to your mate. You just performed ancient magic that most mages train for years before attempting. The fact that you’re still standing is impressive.
The fact that you’re trying to power through like nothing happened is just stubborn.
” Judy’s expression softened. “Your body needs time to recover from channeling that much power. Trust me on this. If you don’t rest now, you’ll crash hard later, probably at an inconvenient moment. ”
Through the mating bond, Petra could feel Seth’s concern and determination. He wasn’t going to budge on this.
“Fine,” she conceded. “Breakfast, then rest. But I want updates on everyone’s condition. And I want to know the moment there’s any sign of more enemy activity.”
“We’ll handle it,” Pax assured her. “You just took down the big bad mage with style. Let us clean up the aftermath.”
They made their way to the small dining room, where André had outdone himself despite the upheaval of the morning. Fresh bread, eggs cooked three different ways, fruit, pastries, and what looked like actual sunshine in a pitcher that turned out to be freshly squeezed orange juice.
Petra ate mechanically, aware of Seth watching her with eagle-eyed attention, making sure she actually consumed food rather than just pushing it around on her plate.
Around the table, conversation flowed. Pax and Ari had joined them, comparing notes on the spell that had taken them all down, with Judy explaining the finer points of ley line magic.
Wilhelm and Katja were discussing security improvements with the calm practicality of people who dealt with crises regularly.
It felt surreal. Just a short time ago, she’d been fighting for her life against a centuries-old dark mage. Now she was eating pastries and listening to her personal assistant ask detailed questions about magical theory.
“This is my life now,” she said aloud, not quite believing it.
Seth’s hand found hers under the table, squeezing gently. “Is it okay?”
Petra thought about it. The castle, the magic, the responsibility of guarding a ley line nexus. The danger that would probably continue to find her. The complications and impossibilities of her new existence.
Then she thought about the people around this table.
They were loyal, capable, and based on recent experience, genuinely cared about her wellbeing.
She thought about the mating bond humming warm and steady in her chest, connecting her to the man beside her, and the way the castle had responded to her call, rising to protect its rightful owner.
“Yeah,” she said, surprising herself with how much she meant it. “It’s more than okay. It’s mine and I’m going to enjoy it.”
Seth’s smile was brilliant. “That’s my girl.”
After breakfast, he escorted her back to their bedroom with a supportive arm around her waist, despite her protests that she could walk perfectly well on her own. The moment the door closed behind them, Petra’s knees buckled. Seth caught her easily, sweeping her into his arms.
“I’ve got you,” he murmured, carrying her to the bed. “I’ve always got you.”
Petra wanted to argue and insist again that she was fine, but the truth was she could barely keep her eyes open. The exhaustion Judy had warned about was hitting hard, dragging her down into darkness even as Seth settled her on the mattress.
“Stay with me?” she managed.
“Always.” Seth stretched out beside her, pulling her against his chest. She felt his fierce protectiveness and pride in what she’d accomplished, as well as his unwavering commitment to keeping her safe.
“Love you,” Petra mumbled, already sliding into sleep.
“Love you too,” Seth said softly. “Rest now. I’ll watch over you.”
Surrounded by the warmth of her mate and the quiet strength of her castle, Petra let herself fall into deep, dreamless sleep. The battle was over. She’d won. And when she woke up, she’d start building something better in the place where darkness had reigned for so long.