Page 24

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

H yax had been astonished by Gwil’s improvement and although he was now keen to get him home, they had a few loose ends to tie up before heading back to London. He’d return if needed, but he’d be much happier when Gwil was away from his manipulative pointy-toothed brethren. He left Gwil packing and went to join Ashley to give an update to Robin, Sebastian and Solivatus about what they’d managed to find out about Dr Ralph Mettle and how they were going to have to adapt their approach to contain the bastard.

Ashley was an impressive warlock, his magic highly organised and precise which, coupled with the magnitude he’d experienced when working with him, explained why he had a seat on the Warlock Ruling Committee.

“Because we had to do an emergency extraction, we weren’t able to implement the original plan of myself and Hyax going in and containing the lich,” Ashley said, for Sebastian and Solivatus’s benefit. “That resulted in Mettle leaving the facility. When he did so he decommissioned several wards, most likely due to the energy expense they took to maintain, and so a number of other members from the Warlock Ruling Council and me were able to access the property. He was gone, so now we’re trying to pick up various traces using tracking spells which will take time.”

Hyax noted Ashley hadn’t mentioned who had gone to the facility and had omitted Hyax’s presence. The warlocks were as bad as vampires when it came to sharing as little information as possible, although he would admit the fae weren’t much better.

Sebastian clicked his tongue. “So, we have no idea where he is at the moment?”

“Correct, but that should change once we get Simon’s cuffs off. Alex believes he'll be able to use some of the residual magic in the cuff to pinpoint Mettle’s location.”

“Then it is just a matter of time.” Sebastian seemed happier there appeared to be a resolution on the cards. “I believe death by fire is the traditional execution for a lich.”

“It’s not the killing that’s the issue but their ability to regenerate,” Hyax said. He needed to be sure Sebastian understood the implication they needed a way to ensure the lich did not evade capture again. “I’m studying a number of ancient texts that I’ve recently got access to, and if I’m not mistaken, then the power Simon will wield once he transitions would be sufficient to destroy a lich’s phylactery.”

Robin sat up, agitated. He seemed recovered from the portals, or at least no longer all charred and Hyax wondered if he’d been given the same treatment as Gwil. “I don’t want him put at risk.”

Not an unexpected reaction, Robin wouldn’t be able to dictate what Simon would do any more than he could Gwil and Hyax didn’t think Simon would agree to be left on the sidelines, plus there were other considerations Robin couldn’t appreciate. “I think it would be beneficial for him to have an opportunity to offload a significant amount of power. He’ll transform and initially he’ll be erratic, and this would level him off.”

Robin still didn’t look convinced. “It’s dangerous.”

“With the greatest of respect, so is your husband.” Hyax stared at him. Robin could do with a dose of reality. Simon wasn’t a lost kitten but a fucking magical killing machine and they were very lucky he was as well-balanced as he was and didn’t just smite everyone in his path. “This also gives him the chance for vengeance, which is a major driving force for most fae.”

Sebastian chuckled. “It’s not exactly unheard of for vampires either.”

“He’s not fully recovered,” Robin insisted.

“He’s physically fine,” Ashley said. “Personally, I don’t think it’s your decision to make. You might be his husband but he outranks you in both realms, so we should ask him what he wants to do.”

Hyax didn’t think Robin would appreciate being reminded of his social standing compared to Simon’s, but he agreed with Ashley that Simon should be the one to make his own decisions. Pity Hyax didn’t have that sort of freedom in his own life. Although Simon had an arranged marriage, his had turned out to be a fairy tale, not the horror he expected he’d have with Metra.

“I will talk to him, but if he agrees to this, I will not allow him to go alone,” Robin conceded but Hyax could tell he wasn’t completely happy.

“No chance there,” Sebastian said. “The House of Hewel will hunt together, it is not just Simon but retribution for Catlin.”

“Simon is a Calanti, his people will want retribution too,” Hyax said. He couldn’t imagine the fae sitting back from this. “This needs to be a magic-led operation. Or we will be in danger of losing him again.”

Solivatus turned to Ashley. “What about the Warlock Ruling Committee, would they oversee? Jack and yourself have already been involved.”

Ashley nodded. “The WRC have already met—we will provide all necessary support. There were more than fifty residents at the facility, and also past residents who were treated with unsanctioned magic. This falls under our jurisdiction.”

“I have no desire to mop up this bollocks,” Sebastian said. “I just want to make sure the bastard pays for his crimes.”

“How is Catlin?” Robin asked.

Hyax had helped with her treatment since he’d known what she’d be going through, thanks to Gwil. She was another pretty vampire, but less arrogant than most he’d dealt with.

“Ben’s been talking to her, while she’s near enough her old self, her memories haven’t returned, and Jack has a theory about that,” Sebastian said. “He thinks that even though he was able to remove her cuff without the complications we have for Simon, there may be a residual link to the lich. The expectation is once Mettle is eradicated, she’ll be her old self and we can get to the bottom of how she got there in the first place.”

Alex materialised. “Apologies, sirs. But I was informed you’d wish to know when the potion was ready. I’m about to set up the bath.” He checked his watch. “I’ll need to add Simon’s blood directly, but all should be in place in about twenty minutes.”

“Excellent,” cried Sebastian.

“I’ll let Simon know.” Robin stood.

“Since the bath is being set up in his warded rooms, he is already aware.” Alex smiled, looking pleased with himself. “I understand you’d liked to keep him company while he bathes. And I’ve also left ample supply of the cream to apply once the potion is washed off.”

“I’ll be there directly,” Robin said.

“I’ll be checking in regularly to check his progress and contain the cuffs once the release mechanism works.” Alex dematerialised with a polite nod.

“Off you go,” Sebastian said. “Speaking to James, he believes that once the cuffs are off, Simon’s fangs will come in and he can feed.”

“I thought he’d be here?”

“He has a kingdom to run, and knows Simon is in the best hands. But he has been receiving constant updates and has suggested that Simon transitions back in the fae realm so James can be available for support, given Simon’s recent memory loss.”

“I’ll need to make sure I don’t turn into vampire beef jerky again when we travel through the portal,” Robin said.

“Simon can do that once his magic returns,” Hyax said, it was only natural Robin might be a bit put off from using the portals. “He explained how I can protect Gwil in the future.”

Sebastian cocked his head to one side. “You are actually taken with him. I thought it might be an act of rebellion against your mother.”

Hyax bristled. Sebastian’s opinion was not his concern but he didn’t like the inference. “We are betrothed, that’s not something I would have entered into for the sake of pettiness.”

Sebastian snorted. “I can tell you some marriages are built on foundations much shakier than that.”

Robin excused himself. “I best go to Simon.”

Sebastian waved Robin away with an instruction to enjoy applying the after-bath cream and to be diligent, which Hyax thought was a little creepy. “I have heard, Your Highness, that Gwil might not be your betrothed for much longer.”

He should have known Solivatus wouldn’t have been able to keep his mouth shut. “It is a political matter. I remain no less dedicated to Gwil.”

“I did wonder, but if you’re as smitten with him as you appear, I’m sure you’ll be able to overcome the situation one way or another.” Sebastian glanced at Solivatus. “Given the help Gwil has provided, and the sacrifices he made to do so, I wouldn’t like to see him too upset.”

“Neither do I.”

“Good, I think I’ve made myself clear. Please don’t let me detain you.”

Hyax didn’t think Sebastian gave a shit about Gwil but didn’t want the fae pissing on vampires in general terms. “I’ll keep in touch with Simon, he can contact me if he needs anything.”

He’d already been dismissed and didn’t wait to be told twice. Gwil was ready to go when he returned to their room. “Karl says there’s a car on standby whenever we’re ready.”

“The sooner we leave the better.”

“Did you manage to speak to Simon about the portals?”

Gwil’s miraculous recovery had distracted him. “Yes, I have an idea. We’ll try in a few days, I’m sure you’re sick of them for now.”

“I was hoping that we could have some us time when we get back. I suspect your mum will know what went down already and that Simon’s home.”

Hyax nodded. “I imagine the royal proclamation will have already been drafted, and it’ll only be a matter of hours before I get called back.”

“Do you need to make a statement in person?”

Hyax shook his head. “No, but there’ll be a gathering, and I’ll need to show my face. I don’t think you’ll be allowed to attend that one, but I’ll try and ensure you’re always invited to any official engagement I’m being rolled out for.”

“Won’t your husband object?”

“He can throw a fucking tantrum for all I care, as far as I’m concerned you are the Prince’s Beloved and I will have you at my side at any chance I can. I can’t call you my husband, but I won’t let anyone think you’re not my choice.”

The title wasn’t used often, but its existence couldn’t be overlooked. He wanted to spend as much time as he could curled up with Gwil until the inevitable happened.