Page 25 of Awakening

Emrys went straight to Trystan’s room. In the dim light of the pre-dawn creeping around the edges of the shuttered window, he found Marc asleep in Trystan’s bed alone, and what appeared to be proof of a struggle.

The chair lay on its side, candles scattered on the floor around it. The bedding had been tossed, left in a disarray and barely covering the Prince’s body.

A glint caught his eye. Trystan’s dagger lay on the floor near the corner, and alongside it, a withering blossom.

Emrys clenched his fists as fear and anger warred within. If something happened to Trystan, he would never forgive himself, and he would kill the very person responsible. He pulled a long, deep breath into his lungs, willing his heart to calm itself.

He moved to Marc’s side and placed his fingertips on the center of Marc’s chest. A blue glow filtered from Emrys’ fingers into Marc’s skin, spreading across his lungs before dissipating. Emrys pulled his hand away.

“Marc, wake up.”

Marc blinked his eyes open. His brow scrunched. “Emrys? What?”

“It’s Trystan. Someone’s taken him.”

Marc’s pulse spiked as he sat up and looked at the empty space beside him. “It wasn’t a dream.” He jumped out of bed and went for his clothes.

“What?”

“I had a dream he was being attacked. He called for me to help him, but I couldn’t move.”

“What else do you remember?” Emrys went to the corner and picked up the flower and Trystan’s dagger from the floor. He set the dagger on the chest.

“Nothing.” Marc shook his head as he pulled on his pants. “Do you know who might have done this, Emrys?”

“No, but they did use this on you, and likely on Trystan as well.” Emrys opened his palm to reveal the white and blood-red blossom. “It’s called a winter rose. The pollen from this flower is known to cause its victim to fall into an unconscious sleep for hours when inhaled. Too much can be deadly.”

Marc pulled his shirt over his head. “I’m going after him.”

“How will you find him?” Emrys asked.

“I’m a skilled tracker, Emrys. And Trystan is my mate. I’ll find him.”

“I will come with you.”

Marc nodded. “Where’s Noah?”

“Unconscious, but he will be fine until we return. I will ready the horses and meet you outside.”

***

Grønn stopped in the middle of a dense forest to allow his horse to rest. Having to carry two people, it was much slower than he’d anticipated. He only hoped he could stay far enough ahead of anyone that might be trailing him and looking for Trystan.

He laid Trystan down on the soft earth beneath the towering trees. Knowing he would be asleep for hours still, he lay back against one of the trees to rest. His mistress would be pleased. Knowing he had some time, he dozed off.

A rustling noise from the bushes awoke him a short while later. He snapped his head toward the sound. A moment later, a rabbit hopped out from under a dogwood bush. Grønn eased back.

From behind the brush, Marc and Emrys studied the strange man, assessing the situation. He looked as though he’d just crawled from a mossy swamp.

“Emrys,” Marc whispered. “I will go for Trystan and draw his attention while you come in from behind.”

Emrys nodded and quietly slipped away.

Marc stepped out from the bushes, making no attempt to be discreet. He glowered at the disgusting creature as he approached Trystan.

“He’s mine, and you should still be sleeping,” Grønn Riddari hissed, moving to stand. A cold blade against his skin stopped him.

“Don’t move,” Emrys commanded, holding his sword to his neck. He dropped his voice so Marc wouldn’t hear him. “I know who you are.”