Page 36 of Hope Entwined (Chronicles of Aldreda: Hope Rising)

TWO MONTHS LATER

Ravensmere Keep, Realm of Calderre

D azzling colors glinted off the snow and ice as the sun streamed into Ravensmere’s central courtyard. The constant white of snow could get dreary during the long months of winter in Calderre. Specially designed suncatchers made by one of her ancestors moved in the slight breeze, catching the rays of light and transforming them into a rainbow of color.

Cold, fresh air invigorated Celina’s lungs as she took in the sights and smells of home. Leaning against the terrace railing, she had the perfect view. After being on horseback for weeks, the children had been delighted to get outdoors and play all day. Uncaring of the fierce cold, they had spent their first true snow day in Calderre learning all manner of new games.

Catriona had been overjoyed to be reunited with their brother. The pair were currently supervising the children’s play. The familiar sight of Connor and Cat laughing together filled Celina’s heart with joy. They had divided the younger children into teams and were teaching them how to strategically mount a snowball attack. Though Connor had amazing skills as a warrior, her bet was on their conniving little sister. Cat’s talent for strategy was sure to aid her during her time as an aspirant.

Jed ran along the banks and bounced in the soft snow, shimmering as he shifted his fur color to the palest shade of red. Since he was a forest osa, he couldn’t shift all the way to white, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. She couldn’t decide whether the osa, the children, or their guardians were having the most fun. The osa had accompanied them into the keep as if he’d always lived and belonged there. She had no doubt that the sight of him scurrying through the halls would soon become normal.

Celina smoothed her fingers over her dagger, wondering what her mother would think of her recent decisions. The weapon had become a part of her. She’d caught a few grins and respectful nods from the older guards who remembered the sight of its constant company at her mother’s side. Even a few tears from those who were closer to her and understood the true significance of her wearing the blade. After all she’d been through, it didn’t seem quite so heavy anymore.

“It looks good on you, Councilor Blackwood,” Morgan greeted her with a broad grin.

She looked up from studying the dagger to meet his smile as he came to stand with her at the edge of the terrace. “Thank you, Commander Galen.”

“She would be happy to see you wearing it. Especially with you stepping up to the council.”

“I hope so. I’ve come a long way in my feelings on it.”

The new independent council had been voted into existence while they were traveling through the forests of Eldridge. Knowing timing was of the essence, she’d spoken to Althea as soon as they’d returned, requesting that her name be considered for a position on the council. She’d been approved quickly enough that she suspected Althea had orchestrated some preliminary discussions pending her cooperation.

“Well, that’s good. As much as I look forward to working with you—and arguing with you—in a new capacity… I need your help with something more immediate.”

Celina laughed and shook her head. She had nothing on Cass when it came to arguing with Morgan, but there was no doubt they would do just that at times.

“What do you need?”

Morgan rubbed the back of his neck in an uncharacteristic show of stress. She alerted immediately to the importance of whatever he was about to ask.

“There are some problems brewing, Celina.”

Between Morgan and Althea, they’d made sure everything was set in place for the children’s well-being, so it wasn’t that.

He finally met her gaze with a look that made her shiver, all her hair standing on end. She was caught between the desire to reach out and soothe the tension rolling off him and the urge to back away.

“Morgan. What’s wrong? Is it Connor? Commander Varice?”

“We’re sorting out some military issues.” He acknowledged what she’d already gleaned from Connor’s behavior since they’d returned. “For now, it’s safer if you aren’t involved. Connor will let you know if that situation changes.”

Celina fought back the desire to immediately seek out her brother and demand answers. “Then what’s going on?”

“They let me handle your initial debriefing, but that may change. Others may… intervene… and start asking questions, especially about your experience at the fortress.”

“Interrogate me, you mean?”

He nodded, eyes dark in contemplation again as they shifted to the group below. “I need you to lie about how many drug vials you found—and take two of them to be studied outside the military.”

Morgan was highly respectful of the protocols in place. That he felt the need to do something so deceptive was cause for grave concern. The only times she’d heard stories of him rampantly breaking rules was to save lives.

“You’re serious about this,” she assessed.

“Dangerous things are happening, Celina. I wouldn’t ask otherwise.”

She’d always known him to be steady, intuitive, and honorable. Had watched him make countless tough decisions with intelligence and heart. It was more than enough.

“Tell me what you need me to do.”

“Take the vials to someone you trust. We need to know what’s in it, how to counter it. Everything. If the time comes, it may save us.”

“And if someone comes after you for this?” she asked.

“I’ll take the hit. I take my vow of protection seriously.”

“I know you do.”

Touching his hand, she sent a soothing wave of healing light into him, continuing until she felt his lifeforce brighten. He took a deep breath and relaxed, as if finally able to fill his lungs completely. He squeezed her hand in thanks. It was a small gesture of caring, but she wished she could do more to ease his burden.

All the secrecy gave her the impression that there was more going on than she currently understood. Being a councilor would give her the ability to keep a closer eye on things, and she had a growing desire to get started.

Letting the peaceful quiet settle between them, she followed his gaze to where Sarai sat chatting animatedly with Marin. The two had only just met, but they had instantly bonded and were already developing a close friendship. Marin was quiet and kept to herself, and Sarai was becoming more vibrant each time Celina saw her. The girls reminded her much of Cass and herself in their youth.

“How’s Sarai doing?” she asked.

“Recovering steadily. Been better since I got the paperwork cleared to get her out of the orphanage and bring her home as my daughter. Fewer nightmares, which hopefully means she feels safe and protected. Still a little overwhelmed, but she’s handling it well. Knowing her home with me is permanent has helped her tremendously.”

“That’s wonderful.” Her heart warmed at hearing that Morgan’s jump into fatherhood was going well. He seemed settled and happy with the life changes, if a bit overwhelmed still.

Joyful laughter echoed from the courtyard in stark contrast to the heavy emotions charging the air around them. Celina smiled at the sound of Cass’s voice in the mix. Sev’s lighthearted personality had drawn her out during their rescue mission. She hoped the changes stuck. Cass rarely trusted people enough to let them see through her armor, tending to keep her silent and deadly Wolflumen persona firmly in place unless she was securely behind closed doors.

“Celina.” Morgan’s voice deepened with intensity, drawing her attention away from the happy scene. “About the vials… I have to admit it’s also personal. They had Sarai slated for one of the labs.”

“What? Why?”

They still didn’t really understand why certain children disappeared to the labs. Usually, it was just a general threat mentioned by the rescued youth. To her knowledge, they’d never recovered someone who they knew for certain was bound for the labs.

“Based on what Sarai remembers, it sounds to me like they’ve been looking specifically for a spirit mage with non-healing magic. Thought her dream walking would make her an easy prisoner and a good test subject.”

“That’s not good. Whoever is running the labs knows a lot about magic if they’re studying it by type. Either their research has gone on a long time, or…”

“They came from somewhere that openly taught about it and have personal or cultural knowledge to rely on,” he finished. “Either way, it’s a problem.”

Urgency stirred inside her as she considered the depths of the problems emerging. “Where are the vials? I’ll get it to someone as soon as I can,” she promised.

“Already in your suite.”

Celina shook her head as Morgan’s gaze returned to the snowy yard. “Taking a page out of Cass’s book?”

Instead of laughing like she’d expected, only the ghost of a smile tugged his lips. His eyes darkened with emotion again as they met hers. “You know I was the one to teach her to break her first lock?”

“You did? She never told me.”

It made sense. When they were young, before Cass had become a wolf, Morgan had been her constant shadow. The two had been inseparable.

“It was my bedroom window lock,” he said quietly. “So she could reach me when she needed help. Had somewhere safe to run when things escalated at home.”

A chill ran through her as it always did when she thought about Cass’s childhood. “What changed?”

“She needed me, and I wasn’t there.” Morgan’s icy gaze stormed over with guilt. “By the time I was, it was too late.”

As a fearsome warrior, Cass adamantly needed help from no one. Celina had always attributed it to her Wolflumen training, as the hardening of her personality had happened around the time she’d joined the clan, but maybe there was more to it than that.

Cass’s long-time habit of antagonizing Morgan by breaking into his personal office suddenly shone with deeper meaning. That breaking and entering wasn’t just to annoy him as Celina had always assumed, it was a connection point exclusive to the two of them Cass hadn’t given up.

“Morgan—”

“Forget I said anything. It was a long time ago,” he said, cutting her off.

The guilt she’d glimpsed in his eyes wasn’t that of an adult. It was that of a boy just old enough to have a man’s understanding of honor. One who believed he’d failed to protect his best friend from dangers much bigger than either of them were prepared to handle.

“Keeping Sarai safe means getting to the bottom of this drug lab. If it’s someone with connections, they could come after her again. I’ll do whatever it takes to see her safe.”

Morgan was the youngest and most decorated commander in the Lightning Forces. He’d built his career with an intense focus she’d always been intimidated by. Old memories and new understanding slotted into place in her mind, letting her see him more clearly. Not just his strengths but how solitary he was.

Celina squeezed his arm to show him she understood. “We’re in this together, Morgan. We won’t let anything happen to her,” she promised.

“Thank you.” He covered her hand briefly before stepping away.

Deciding she wouldn’t be a good friend to either of them by keeping entirely silent, Celina called out to stop him as he turned to leave. “Just one thing—Cass wouldn’t still be breaking into your office if she didn’t care.”

His brows rose in a rare show of surprise. “You know about that?”

“Sisters keep few secrets.”

The corners of his eyes crinkled thoughtfully as he absorbed that.

She mentioned it for two reasons. First, because there was significance to Cass’s behavior. She could feel it. She just didn’t know what it was. And second, because while society could think what they liked about things, she considered Cass to be a sister, and she protected her family, always.

The side of his mouth twitched. The hint of a smile brightened his eyes, softening the harsh gleam into one of affection and satisfaction.

“Noted.”

Moving past the younger children, he walked over to the bench where Cass now sat with Sarai and Marin, going over weaponry of some kind. Winking at his daughter in greeting, Morgan leaned down and braced his arms on the back of the bench. Hovering closest to Cass, his arm brushed her shoulder as he bent to participate in the conversation. Cass stilled for a moment before continuing, but didn’t move away, allowing him to stay in her personal space. Their body language was familiar yet apart, an odd juxtaposition she’d always dismissed before.

Feeling her mate approach, Celina pulled her attention away from her friends. Rodric’s arms wrapped around her from behind and pulled her close. She sighed in delight as the feeling of home swirled through her and smiled up at her mate.

“What are you smiling about, love?” he asked.

“Just glad I found you, and that you were willing to fight for us.” They’d had a lot to overcome, but they’d made it. That was all that mattered.

“I had a feeling you were worth it.”

“Mmm. Preddari have good instincts.”

“Very true, my mate.” Rodric grinned and held her tighter, pressing a kiss to her lips. “I was wondering… do you think we could get away for a few hours?”

“Probably. Cat can handle things here for a while. What did you have in mind?”

“I’d like to go back to the tavern and thank Drake for his interference. Maybe finish our dance. You left before it ended.”

“Mmm. I suppose I’m amenable to that.”

“Oh, you suppose, do you?” Rodric quirked a brow.

Celina turned fully so that she could thread her fingers through the hair at his nape, pulsing a bit of magic through the bond as she did so.

“Rodric, haven’t you realized? Dancing in your arms is the only place I want to be.”

Dark green eyes sparkling with intense love met hers as he bent to kiss her. “Then come dance with me, my mate.”

“Always,” she whispered the promise against his lips as a fresh twinkling of snow began to fall around them.