Kyran

Where are you? We need to talk, I mindlink Trey, pacing the lounge at the foot of my stairs. Exhaustion creeps up my body, making my limbs grow heavy with each step I take but I cannot calm down enough to rest. I had attempted multiple times to reach Vala, both mentally and over the phone, receiving no response either way. Nobody has seen her since leaving for work early in the evening, either.

I’ll be there in ten, is everything alright? Trey’s voice echoes in my mind and a sharp headache begins forming.

“Kyran?” Eir’s soft voice calls distantly and I launch up the stairs, barreling through the door and into the bathroom. Upon seeing Selene lying still on my bathroom floor, my eyes widen as I drop to my knees and the breath leaves my lungs.

“She’s okay, she’s fine. I’ve kept her asleep to heal and she’ll wake in a few hours,” Eir quickly reassures me. “I need you to carry her to the bed for me. Cleaning and dressing her took everything I had, unfortunately,” she says softly, shakily getting to her feet.

Shuffling forward on my knees, I gently lift Selene and stand carefully, trying not to jostle her as I walk into my bedroom. Pushing the blankets aside and laying her on my bed, Eir pulls the covers up to Selene’s chest and gives her a little pat.

Turning to me, she speaks quietly, “The last thing she’ll remember is passing out, wherever that may have been. I can assure you, waking up in a man’s clothes—in his bed no less—is going to be extremely distressing for her, especially with her last thought being of her falling unconscious. Please be mindful of her, of your words. I need to rest now, and I suggest you do the same,” she sighs tiredly, rubbing a hand over her face.

Giving me a wan smile, Eir leaves my rooms and her footfalls echo down the stairs. Standing beside my bed, I observe Selene for a moment, getting an idea. I rummage through some drawers, finding a pad of paper and a pen to write a note for her to read once she awakens. I let her know where she is, how she is safe, that the pills are ibuprofen if she wants to use them, and for her to open my door when she is ready to talk with me. I snag a bottle of water from the bathroom cabinet as well as the moon necklace from the counter and it gives a warm zap of energy when my hand touches it. Padding across my room, I set the unopened bottle on the nightstand, along with her peculiar necklace and the note signed with my name.

I busy myself with cleaning the bathroom, making sure to place her clothes in a plastic bag rather than just tossing them in the trash. As gory as it may seem, I feel that maybe she could inspect them to verify what I told her had happened. What the hell can I tell her? She’s completely unaware of the supernatural shit going on around her. Fuck, I groan, tipping my head back.

She needs to be made aware, Valdr mumbles. It is not safe for her to be in the dark, without knowledge.

Agreeing, I leave the bathroom light on as I quietly close my door behind me and descend to the lounge, pulling an armchair around to sit in front of the staircase. Plopping down, I lean back and close my eyes, feeling extremely worn out both physically and mentally. Moments later, I hear footsteps rushing up the stairs, startling me awake. Glancing down, I find the top of Trey’s golden head bobbing up toward the lounge with Kyrre right behind him. As they make it to the top, they both give me an odd look, no doubt wondering why the hell I’m here.

“Kyrre, where’s your bracelet?” I ask harshly, pushing myself upright as I see her in her natural complexion.

“Relax, I only take them off in here, don’t worry,” she crosses her arms, raising her eyebrow at me. “What are you doing, sitting down here like this?”

“Is she alright?” Trey asks, worry clear on his face. “Ria was a complete mess, she’s very upset and demanded to speak with you as soon as possible,” he sighs, sitting on the lower step in front of me.

Valdr’s agitation sends a harsh growl through my chest and Trey pops to his feet, alarmed. I run my hands over my face and lean my elbow on the armrest, propping my head up with a fist. “I’m sorry. She’s upstairs, resting. I’m feeling a bit on edge at the moment,” I explain curtly.

“She?” Kyrre asks with a confused look and whispers, “what’s going on?” as she glances between Trey and me.

“I’ll explain in the morning, I need to rest. Have either of you seen Vala?” I ask suddenly, my eyes opening wider at the thought.

My brother and sister both shake their heads, brows drawing inward. Trey silently holds out my bundled flannel and I place it in my lap, resting my arm over it.

“The last time I saw her was before the girls came into the club. She didn’t look happy, but that doesn’t really say much,” he jokes flatly, and his smirk falls quickly when I don’t react.

I just nod my head and close my eyes dismissively. “Wake me if anything changes,” I mumble.

I feel the soft swish of a blanket drape over me and Kyrre lightly kisses the top of my head before going to her room and I hear the thump of Trey falling onto the couch behind me. “Rest, I’ll stay awake until you need to get up,” he says quietly as I nod, slipping into unconsciousness.

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SELENE

I wake to warm sunlight shining on me and I shield my eyes against the brightness, my head throbbing in pain. Ugh, what happened last night? I groan, reaching down to grab the comforter—

Black? What the fuck? I gasp and fling it off of me, bolting upright in the foreign bed I lie in. Glancing down at myself, I find that I am wearing an enormous dark gray t-shirt and equally large black sweatpants. My hand flies to my mouth, stifling the sob that bubbles out. Where am I? I panic as I take in my surroundings, my eyes flitting around the neat, rustic room finding a few guitars hanging on the wall among some nature paintings and photographs, matching dark wooden furniture, and stopping on the nightstand beside me. Seeing a water bottle, a little glass jar holding some white pills, and a folded paper on the table, I reach a shaking hand out and open the note.

Selene, I brought you here to my home after you collapsed in my bar last night. You’re in my personal rooms which no one has access to except me, you are safe here. I have left some ibuprofen and water for when you get up, but please take your time. I needed our healer to help you, and you are undoubtedly feeling unwell after everything that has happened. I will answer your questions and explain what I can, when you are ready. I am just outside the door. —Kyran

Setting the paper down I grab the water, twisting the cap off with a crack and take a long swig. Eyeing the pills, I decide I’d rather deal with the headache than take them, not quite trusting what they are at the moment. Noticing my necklace, I reach over and pluck it off the table.

The moment I hold the moon charm in my hand, blurry flashes of the night come crashing down on me, overwhelming me with images of the club lights, my friends’ faces, red hair and indigo eyes, drinks at a table, Kyran’s wide amber eyes across the bar before everything went black. More memories assault me as tears suddenly stream down my face, cold shower tiles, vomiting, blood flying around me, blinding light, pain everywhere inside me and tearing my mind in half.

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The water bottle drops from my hand, spilling out onto the hardwood floor and I fling my necklace away with a cry. I pull my knees to my chest and rock slightly as I try to make sense of everything. My eyes catch on familiar tile through an archway and I scramble off the bed, my upper leg pulsing sorely as I put pressure on it. Glancing down, I pull the sweatpants low, finding a small pink scar on my inner thigh and my stomach heaves. Clamping my hand around my mouth, I stumble into the bathroom and fall to my hands and knees as I vomit on the gleaming floor.

Sobbing, I shuffle backward and press my back against a tall cabinet as my elbow brushes against a plastic bag. Looking over, a thin wail escapes me at the sight of my bloody clothes from last night. I kick the bag away, dropping my head into my hands and rock back and forth. “No, no no!” I cry, over and over.

A knock sounds somewhere from a room beyond me and I hear a door click open. I feel frozen in place with fear, on the verge of having a panic attack. “Selene?” I hear a deep voice call out, “are you alright? I heard a scream, I just—” Kyran enters the bathroom, his face tight with alarm at seeing me and walks quickly across the floor.

“S-stay away from m-me,” I stammer, my entire body shaking uncontrollably.

He stops immediately, raising his hands slowly. Glancing around, he looks at the mess on the floor, then into the bedroom and meets my eyes as he kneels on the floor in front of me. He reaches a hand toward me, and I whimper involuntarily, pulling my arms around myself tighter. Withdrawing his arm, Kyran drags both his hands through his hair, gripping the back of his head.

“Selene, I know you’re scared, what happened to you was horrible, and I am so sorry. Please believe me when I tell you that you are safe here, with me. Trust me, sweetheart, please. I would never harm you,” his voice breaks as tears well up in his eyes.

As I stare into his mournful eyes, something inside me eases and I just know he didn’t bring me any harm. I feel the truth just as easily as I can feel my heart beating, trusting that I truly am safe with him. Sobbing, I crawl forward on my hands and knees and wrap my arms around him, burying my face in his chest. His strong arms envelop me, holding me tight as he smooths my hair and pulls me into his lap. My headache noticeably lessens to a mild pressure with his comforting presence. We stay like this for a while until I get my emotions in check, Kyran never moving or making a sound as he lets me collect myself.

I lean back and sit on the floor in front of him, wiping my face. He holds out his hand as he rises, taking mine in his and gently pulls me to my feet. Guiding me into his bedroom, he brings me over to a small leather sofa and hands me a fleece blanket. “I’ll be right back; do you need anything?” he asks quietly.

I just silently shake my head and pull my feet under me, bunching the blanket up in my lap. I watch as he goes back into the bathroom and returns with a towel, picking up my forgotten water bottle and mops up the spill. He places my necklace on the nightstand and crosses into the bathroom again to clean up my vomit and I grimace, feeling a bit embarrassed. Once he finishes cleaning up, he leaves the bathroom and disappears around the corner, returning momentarily with a bundle of clothing.

My mind flashes back to the bar, remembering him wrapping my purse and jacket in his flannel before I went into the club. Shit, Ria. She’s got to be so worried, I groan, rubbing a hand over my face. Kyran hands me my purse and sits on the other end of the sofa, giving me some space. I appreciate his attentiveness and give him a small smile. Fishing around in my purse, I pull out my phone and find that the battery died. I drop it back in with a sigh, placing the bag on the floor. Turning to Kyran, I take a deep breath and release it slowly.

“What happened, Kyran?” I ask timidly, chewing on my lip.

“You were drugged,” he answers tightly, narrowing his eyes. “You went unconscious, hitting your head as you fell. I brought you straight here and had my healer treat you, which is hard to explain at the moment, but she needed to…access your blood, to effectively remove the toxin,” he grimaces and gestures toward my thigh, explaining the scar I found.

“Your clothes were soiled in the process, and I was unsure whether or not I should discard them. I thought maybe it could help you understand better, I don’t know,” he sighs heavily. “Anyway, Eir, my healer, cleaned you up and dressed you in my clothes afterward. I, uh, was not present for that part of the night,” he mumbles, rubbing the back of his neck.

Healer? Does he mean doctor? Why not just bring me to the hospital? I scrunch my eyebrows, trying to follow along. Confused, I look to Kyran again as he continues explaining.

“I laid you in my bed since you remained unconscious and, well, here we are. I do not know who did this, or how, but I am having people look into it as we speak. I will find out, and they will be…punished accordingly,” he says darkly as his eyes roam over my forehead and cheek. “I am truly sorry for these past couple nights, Selene. I wish I could go back and prevent them from happening,” his voice grows soft as he casts his eyes to the floor.

Pressing a hand to my cheek, I remember the bruising from Bolvi and I’m assuming one has formed from last night, as well. Gee, I must look delightful, I sigh as I pull my tangled hair over my shoulder. Laying my hand on Kyran’s knee, he glances over at me and I give him a small smile. “I don’t,” I say lightly.

“What?” his brow pinches in confusion.

“I don’t wish these past two nights didn’t happen. Besides the, um, accidents, I’ve really enjoyed being at your bar,” I say shyly, glancing to the side, “around you,” I add quietly, blushing.

Not hearing a reply, I peek up at Kyran and find him grinning widely. I can’t help but grin back, his smile is infectious. Wondering at the time, I realize I should probably go home and talk with Asteria, not wanting to keep her worrying. “Hey, what ti—”

“I’m glad I met you,” he blurts out at the same time, his cheeks flushing. “I’m sorry, what were you going to say?” he clears his throat with a cough.

“I was going to ask what time it is,” I respond distantly, distracted by his words. “I’m glad I met you, too,” I whisper, smiling warmly. You’re different, unlike anyone I’ve ever met. I like you, Kyran, more than I think I should. But I like you, a lot, I wonder, rolling my lips inward as I watch him check his phone.

His head snaps up and he looks me in the eyes, his mouth parted slightly. “What did you say?” he whispers as his brow pinches upward.

I rub a hand over my mouth, mortified. Did I just say that out loud? “Um, I—”

He abruptly stands and walks over to the nightstand, grabbing my necklace and handing it to me. As my fingers brush his, a small electric zap shocks me and I drop the necklace, pulling my hand to my chest quickly.

“I’m sorry,” I murmur as I lean over, carefully pinching the chain not wanting to touch the moon again and drop it into my purse.

“I should take you home, you need to speak with your family,” Kyran grumbles, heading toward the bathroom.

Rising, I sling my purse over my shoulder and follow his path, walking to the far side of the bathroom. I see him bend over to pick up the bag of bloody clothes and I put my hand up. “You can throw those out, I don’t want them. I believe what you’ve told me, even though it’s hard for me to wrap my head around it all at the moment,” I sigh, rubbing my forehead absently.

Nodding, he leaves the bag on the floor and trots back into his room, returning shortly with my jacket. I smile, reaching out to take it from him and drape it over my arm. He steps past me and into another room which opens up into a large atrium full of magnificent flowers and plants. My mouth pops open as I gaze around in amazement at the unexpected sight. The beautiful glass pane walls let in so much warm sunlight that it feels like a mild sauna, comfortable and relaxing. Trailing my fingers over leaves as I walk, I sneak a glance at Kyran’s back as he opens a door. You’re just full of surprises. Is there a catch? There’s gotta be, maybe you’re a really shitty cook or something, I wonder, following him out onto a small loft.

Kyran turns to close the door behind me and I notice him smirking. Giving him a questioning look, he just smiles and gestures for me to go down the stairs. As we descend, he mildly speaks about his home and points out a few things, but I can’t focus on his words with the sudden ringing in my ears as my head begins throbbing again. I just concentrate on my bare feet stepping across the shiny wood and tile floors, suddenly realizing I’m standing on cold concrete.

Glancing up, I find we’re in a large garage with his old truck parked in it and the passenger door opens. I smile thinly at Kyran, climbing into the truck slowly and click the seatbelt in place. He closes my door and is soon sitting beside me with a look of deep concern on his face. “Selene, are you alright? You look unwell,” he says lowly with a frown.

“My head really hurts, and I can’t hear that well. I’m exhausted, I guess,” I sigh, resting my head against the cool window. After he starts his truck, I give him directions to my home and seeing his nod, I close my eyes as we roll out of the garage.