Pausing, I smile and say, “Here we are. I want you to always feel welcome here, Dax. These rooms have been mine for several years now and have been my sanctuary. I want you to feel that way about this space. We can add anything you like.” As we enter, I watch him closely and tune into our bond. I can’t help but sigh in happiness that we are no longer blocked from one another.
As the door closes behind us, Daxell pulls me into his arms in a crushing hug. It’s then that he opens to me completely. I shudder as it hits home just how afraid he was that he was going to lose me to Nemesis. Wrapping my arms around him, I sink into his embrace and murmur, “If not for you …” I swallow back my fear, not able to complete my thought.
“LJ?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t ever, and I mean ever, scare me like that again. Do you hear me?” Daxell scolds me while crushing me into his heaving chest.
Smiling into his the crook of his neck, I breathe in deeply, “I hear you loud and clear.”
“I mean it, LJ. That stunt out there, literally, took years off of my life.”
“Believe me, that is not something that I plan on repeating. I was scared. So freakin’ scared. I had no idea how things were going to turn out. Thank the goddess that I have such a strong connection to you and to the Keeper order. I have you and my family to thank for my coming back, that being said, I will need to always be aware that Nemesis is on the verge of -”
“She will always be there under the surface, but we can strengthen you. Always.”
“I love you. Come on, Dax. We only have, like, less than an hour. Let’s make the most of our time.” I pull him behind me toward the large spacious bath.
I hate that we can’t enjoy our time alone together but we need to act quickly. Once we have bathed and taken a few minutes to just breathe, we quickly change. Sighing, I don a traditional gown. It’s one of my favorites. The deep charcoal silk gown has cap sleeves in an antique gold that matches the stitching on the overskirt. Da, true to his word, had some dry clothing brought up for Daxell and he looks very dashing all decked out in black with a sleeveless double breasted grey waistcoat that closely matches the color of my dress.
Smiling, I take his hand, “Come on, stud muffin. We’re going to be late.” I slid into my matching slippers and we head downstairs. Hand in hand, Daxell and I enter the main dining room of the Keep. The table is huge and can seat more than who have gathered here tonight. Poppy is quick to join us as all eyes turn or way.
“We eat first and then discuss the state of the realms.” My father is quick to announce. Everyone is agreeable and Daxell and I watch as everyone gets settled in. Pulling him toward the expansive table we take our seats as the first course is served. Such formal proceedings for dinner. Rarely have we proceeded as such in our house. I’m not sure what to make of it.
After everyone has been served the first course, my mother gets down to business. Raising an eyebrow, I watch her attack her plate. She’s always had a voracious appetite, but this is something altogether different. Several of the adults begin chuckling which garners my mother’s attention, “What? I’m expecting.” And just like that my mother has lightened the mood. Dagda along with my grandparents and my mother’s guardians all break into laughter around the room. Smiling up at Daxell we both relax, even for a moment.
Millie appears with several others and our second course is served. Roasted pheasant and vegetables. Sighing, I sit back and take in the familiar scene. Everyone is so relaxed. Then my eyes land on Lachlan and my heartbreaks. I motion toward the exit with my head and he nods. Leaning into Dax he says, “Go. You two need to address this sooner rather than later.”
The two of us stand and leave our family behind. I follow Lachlan out to the hall and then down to the library.
Lachlan rounds on me, “Oh my god, Lillie.” He paces back and forth and I let him, knowing that he’s still processing. When he turns, his eyes are wide, and he says, “I get it now. Why you needed space. I need space to process all of this.”
“I understand. Lach, I’m so sorry.” My words fail me. I can’t even look him in the eye.
Lachlan pulls me into his arms, “Lillie, you are my sister. Whatever past that we shared is in the past. Like you, I just need some time to process. Tell Mama and Da will you? I’ll be back. I love you.” He pulls me close and my heart breaks into a million fragmented pieces.
“I love you too,” I breathe out while holding him close.
“Lillie, I don’t blame you. None of this is your fault. I just need to come to terms with everything. Our past. You are and always will be essential to me. I love you. You are my sister and … well, I can’t live without you.”
“I love you too, take care Lachlan. I’ll make sure that you have the time you need. Know this, Nyx needs to be stopped. Sooner rather than later. We’ll devise a plan while you are trying to come to terms with everything. I can give that to you.”
Solemnly, my brother steps back and winks out of sight. I sink to my knees overwhelmed with sorrow. Sorrow for our lost innocence. Sorrow for my lost connection with my brother, my twin. A soul deep exhaustion seeps into my very bones and I bow under the weight of it.
Strong hands wrap arround my shoulders pulling me
