“Because Celine can call to him again?” Michael asked.
“No, because when you’re hypothermic, you can die if you fall asleep.”
“Is there anything we can do to help him?” Michael queried.
“Keep him as warm as possible,” Millie answered. “Do you have a hot water bottle we can put on his head to help?”
“Yes,” Alexander answered, rushing to retrieve and fill it. He returned in a few minutes, placing it on Damien’s head. Millie rubbed Damien’s arms through the blanket, trying to warm him. Michael did the same with his legs. They waited for him to awaken, hoping he had information about Celine’s whereabouts.
Celine opened her eyes, slipping back from Shadow World. She sat up, wiping at her nose. Blood covered her hand. The latest trip gave her a nosebleed. She tilted her head back to stop the bleeding. The trips were taking a toll on her, too. She couldn’t imagine the physical strain Damien was under. She would need to space her trips out more despite her ache to return home.
Celine still nursed her bloody nose when footsteps sounded above. Quickly, she wiped any traces of blood away with Marcus’ handkerchief, hiding it in her pocket.
“Celine?” Marcus called into the cell. Celine stood on unsteady legs. She swallowed hard, steadying herself. The visits were beginning to take a toll on her. The energy she exerted pulling Damien into the world was enormous. Normally, she had several hours before Marcus arrived. She was ill-prepared this time; his arrival closer to her trip than she preferred. She forced herself to approach the door as Marcus stared at her. His brow furrowed. “Celine, are you unwell?”
“No,” she lied. “You woke me. I was asleep. Dreaming of a better time.”
Marcus considered her statement. His eyes narrowed. Celine met his gaze, refusing to break eye contact. After a moment, he said, “I have something to discuss with you.”
“What is it?” Celine asked.
“Now that you and I are aligned, I would like to make the allegiance permanent.” Celine raised an eyebrow. Marcus furnished a book. “I have started a new book, my dear, after you stole my last one. I want you to sign it. Pledge your allegiance to me once and for all.”
Celine seethed with anger. She would not sign any such book. Yet she had to ensure to feign compliance for the time being. Celine considered her response. “Have you cured Celeste?” she diverted.
“Celine, we are not speaking of Celeste, we are speaking of you and declaring your allegiance.”
Celine eyed the book, then returned her gaze to Marcus. “Have you declared yours?”
Marcus frowned at her. “You cannot be serious, Celine.”
“I am.”
“I have spent centuries declaring my allegiance to you.”
“No,” Celine corrected, “you have spent centuries chasing me to win. That’s quite a different thing to declaring allegiance.”
Marcus stalked away a few steps. “Celine, I will not spend time arguing over this. Sign the book.”
“No one is arguing. However, I will not sign before Celeste is cured.”
Marcus approached the door. “I will not tolerate this type of insolence!”
“And I will not tolerate this type of treatment. I have asked you for something and I expect to receive it. I shouldn’t have to continue to ask.”
Marcus was silent for a moment. “You are in no position to demand anything, Celine.”
Celine rolled her eyes. “Oh, Marcus, what is the harm? I have asked you for one thing and one thing only. Why do you object?”
“I’m not convinced you have earned any favors.”
“Must one earn favors from their spouse? This sounds more like a business arrangement than a marriage.”
“We aren’t married yet, my dear.”
“We will never be if this trend continues.”
“Resorting to idle threats, Celine?”
“Try me.”
“Have you forgotten? I still hold the trump card.”
“You’re referring to my family.” He nodded to her. “Then why not cure Celeste? If you’re so confident in your trump card.”
Marcus considered her statement. “Fine,” he conceded. “I shall grant your request. Under the understanding that if you should… fail to follow through on your promises, the only recourse I shall have is destroying your former family.”
Celine smiled at him. “Understood. And thank you.”
“I suppose it is owed to you. I did promise you everything, didn’t I?” Celine smirked, recalling the promise made centuries ago. “I shall return Celeste to her rightful state in the next few days.”
“I want it done tonight,” Celine countered.
“That’s impossible, Celine. There is much to prepare. This is no small task.”
“Tomorrow night, then.”
Marcus scoffed. “My, you certainly have confidence in my abilities, don’t you?”
“Of course, Marcus. I have every confidence in your abilities. One thing I have never lacked is the belief that you are a very powerful being.”
“Now, about the book…” Marcus began before being interrupted.
“Hello, Marcus, Celine. I hope I’m not interrupting,” Celeste said, crossing the basement toward them.
“You are,” Marcus answered as Celine answered, “You’re not.”
“You’re here now,” Celine continued. “No sense in your leaving only to return later. Besides, we have wonderful news for you!”
“Oh?” Celeste asked.
“Yes. Marcus has promised to restore you from this… state to your normal one tomorrow evening!”
Celeste’s face wore a shocked expression. She smiled, speechless.
“Isn’t it wonderful news?” Celine prompted.
“Why, yes,” Celeste answered. “I… I am so thankful… to both of you.”
“No need to thank me, Celeste,” Celine replied. “Although we do owe a debt of gratitude to Marcus. Would you mind giving us a moment to speak alone?” Celine asked of Marcus.
“Anything you have to say can be said in my presence,” Marcus responded.
“It is about my family which I assume you prefer not to hear.”
“I’ll manage,” Marcus assured her.
“Suit yourself,” Celine answered. “How is Damien?”
“I spoke with Gray earlier. He continues to search for you. The poor boy is beside himself with worry. I asked to speak to him myself, but Gray informed me he was asleep. Millie administered another sedative to keep him calm.”
Celine turned from the door, stalking away. Sedated already? Was Damien still ill following his visit to Shadow World? What physical toll was it costing him?
“I’m sorry, Celine. I had hoped to
