The Stars Above Us

Chapter 26

‘Damn, it’s cold.’ You thought to yourself climbing out of the SUV, behind your grandmother. The cold wind ripped at your skin, leaving you with goose flesh and chattering teeth. The bare skin of your tanned legs no longer felt silky smooth and it irritated you. At your grandmothers request you wore the short, figure hugging green and gold dress. ‘At least I have long sleeves.’ You told yourself as your heel slipped on the ice and you almost fell.

“Grandma, I want to go home!” You whined, sounding more like 10 than 22.

Your grandmother rounded on you, her look severe. “(Y/n), stop acting like a fool. You are the Rose of Highgarden. Act like it. You know perfectly well that we are required to be here, for the safety of our family.” Olenna snapped.

“But what is it that is required of me? Surely one of my brothers could have suited this drab occasion.” You asked, a bitter note in your voice. You knew the reason your grandmother chose you to come and it annoyed you slightly, especially since she avoided telling you the whole story.

“You know the part you have to play, child.” Olenna said quietly as she entered the large stone manor. You felt the warmth wash over you like sinking into a hot bath.

“If you will follow me, my ladies, the meeting will be underway soon.” A young man said with a small bow. He had to be near your own age, maybe a few years older. He was tall, skinny, and wore a small silver kraken pendant on his tie. ‘The Greyjoy. The squid amongst wolves.’ You were 100% sure of that.

You followed your grandmother into the large, dimly lit room. There was a long wooden table and nearly every seat was filled, except for five. There were nearly 20 men seated, some rose from their seats when you and your grandmother entered, the rest followed suit. The young man who led you to the room pulled out your chair, and then did the same for your grandmother. Once the two of you had been seated the rest of the table sat.

“Madame Olenna. Miss (y/n). It is a pleasure. I do hope your journey wasn’t too taxing.” The young man seated next to you said, smiling warmly. You took him in. He had deep, auburn curls, and deep blue eyes. ‘Tully eyes’. You looked past him to see the man sitting on his other side. He had dark curls, grey eyes, and a rather solemn look. Then you realized these two were the Stark twins. Robb and Jon. They may have shared a womb, but they were as different as could be in looks.

“Well, we made it here. That’s about all that can be said about it.” Olenna quipped.

“Grandmother!” you hissed.

Robb chuckled. “I’m sorry, Madame. I’m Robb by the way. And this is Jon.” Robb said, still smiling.

“It is a pleasure to finally meet the Starks.” You said warmly, as you let your eyes sweep the table.

All the men there were rather quiet, one half of the table looking daggers at the other. Any whispered talk was tense and didn’t last long. As your eyes swept to the end of the table you saw a man half hidden in the shadows, his feet propped up on the edge of the table, leaning back on two chair legs, and picking at his nails with a knife. You couldn’t see his face, the light was much too dim, but you saw a flash a cold blue as the knife reflected the fire from the burning fireplace behind the man.

The doors opened and in came two men. You immediately knew Eddard Stark, but you did not know the other man. Eddard took his seat, as the other man did. His skin was as pale milk, his eyes just the same. He was not an ugly man, but there was nothing notable about his features outside of his eyes. You felt your blood chill, looking at him. Even if Ned Stark was rather solemn looking, at least he gave off warmth.

Ned Stark cleared his throat. “I want to thank all of you for coming. While we may not all get along, our need of one another has just started.”

You listened closely, as a server filled the wine glass before you. You were giddy with excitement. Finally, you were going to get answers that your grandmother kept from you.

“It has been noted that since the arrival of that comet, old magic has awoken. Evil magic. But it’s not just the magic, it’s the creatures too. It’s the demons, as well. We are all at open war, but we are fighting the wrong enemy. Winter is coming. This time the dead come with it. But, before we can turn our eyes to that, we need to clean up our messes, by our kinds, for the common folk. Lord Bolton, what do you propose?”

‘Bolton. The leech lord.’ You thought with a shiver as the pale man rested his chin on his hands and leaned forward.

“We must find the culprit. It has been brought to our attention that hate crimes have sprung up all over. However, it’s not just my people being attacked. It’s everyone. In the last week six of my kind have been killed. All the exact same way.”

Ned nodded. “We too have had six deaths in the past week. All the same. What say you, Madame Olenna?”

Your grandmother sighed. “Yes. Six young witches and wizards have been butchered this past week. But why?”

You noticed you were holding your breath as you listened. One of those young witches had been your friend. You had shared a dorm with her during school. She did not deserve the gruesome end she met. When you saw the crime scene you immediately thought werewolf or even vampire, but here were both races also stating their own races were being targeted. It just didn’t make sense.

“Why indeed.” Roose Bolton said. His voice was hardly above a whisper, and as silky as a spiders web.

“Is there anyone here with any information?” Ned asked the room at large.

“Depends on the information you want. I don’t have it, but I can get it.” The man in the shadows spoke up. He let his feet slip off the table, and leaned forward into the light. You felt your heart flutter a bit as you took him in. His eyes were like two blue sapphires encased in ice. His complexion was unblemished and so very pale. His hair was thick, and dark. He had a strong face and jaw. A small smirk played at the corner of his lips.

“I do not believe that will be necessary, Ramsay.” Ned said, a finality in his tone.

‘Roose Bolton’s son.’ You realized, feeling a heat creeping into your cheeks. ‘A damn vampire. That’s a no. Now forget you ever noticed him.’ You said to yourself, looking down at the table and busying yourself with the wine glass.

You were so lost in your thoughts you didn’t realize the meeting had been called to an end for the night until the side of the table across from you stood and made their way out. You saw Ramsay standing and waiting on his father, who shook Ned’s hand. Roose swept from the room. Ramsay shook Ned’s hand and then turned to the young man who had led you and your grandmother into the room. Ramsay stepped into the man and inhaled deeply, making a sort of longing noise in the back of his throat.

“Mmmmm…. I’d watch out for this one if I were you. He’s a squealer, I can smell it on him.” Ramsay said wickedly showing his fangs in a threatening way, before turning to leave. He caught your gaze and gave a wink, before smirking and walking out.

You watched him go, but out of the corner of your eye you saw Jon lean into Robb and heard him whisper, “I don’t like the savage bastard, but I’ve never known him to be wrong….” You saw Robb give Jon a skeptical look.

"Theon would never." Robb whispered back.

“My ladies, allow my son’s to show you to your rooms. You will find that your luggage has already been taken up.” Ned said, turning to you and your grandmother who had just finished talking with an older man a seat down from her.

You followed Robb to your room. You leaned against the door, your eyes closed. A mere witch sleeping in a household of werewolves. This was going to be interesting. You ran you fingers through your hair and sighed. “What a f*****g day.” You said a loud.

“Tell me about it.” Came Ramsay’s cold voice from across the dark room.

You gasped, and reached for the chain around your neck, groping for the Seven Pointed Star pendant.

Ramsay chuckled, and held up his hands in mock surrender. “I yield. But do you really think your fancy little gods can save you in this place?”

You clutched the pendant tighter, not sure what you thought. Surely your gods were just as much here as those old gods the north worshipped.

“What do you want?” You finally manage to get out.

“Why do you think I want anything? Maybe I came to give you something.” Ramsay said, his eyes wandering over you. You suddenly felt cold and naked.

“Do you even know who I am?” you bit out, crossing your arms.

Ramsay walked to you and took one on your hands in his. His touch was like ice, and you felt the hairs on your neck prickle. He closed his eyes for a moment, running his tongue along his bottom lip. “(y/n). You graduated top of your class, but excel most in herbology. You enjoy mint tea in the morning, while reading the newspaper. After you’ve read your fill you enjoy tending to your various plants, working on crossing breeds, and experimenting with various potions.” Ramsay made a tisking noise, dropping your hand. “Very dangerous hobby. You should be careful.”

“Yes, and you’re a monster. A loose cannon. I know all about you. The things you take pleasure in.” You said coldly.

Ramsay smirked and raked his eyes over your face. You felt the heat rise in your cheeks. “You’re a long way from home. The North is no place for a Rose. Magical or not. Run back home to your dryads and nymphs, and little magical woodland creatures who are too soft to live up here. Run back to your almighty gods. I’d hate to see such a beautiful thing get hurt.” Ramsay said, turning to walk to the window. “Watch out for the Greyjoy. Text me.” Without another word he climbed into the window and disappeared.

After a few moments you walked to the window and peered out of it. There was no sign of Ramsay. You sighed, half relieved, closing the window. When you turned back from the window you saw a piece of paper laying on the desk. Ramsay had left his cell phone number. You crumpled it up and threw it on the floor.

You weren’t sure how long you stood in the hot shower. Your mind was racing. Werewolves. Vampires. Comets. Evil magic. The gods you worshiped. Murders. Ramsay f*****g Bolton. After dressing and drying your hair you climbed into bed with a deep sigh. You reached for your phone on the table beside you. You had one new message.

[unsaved number]: Welcome to the family. X.

You clenched your fingers around the phone. How had that bastard gotten your number?!

xxx

The sun was bright and cold when you woke up. But this bed and thick downy and fur covers were so very heavy and warm. You closed your eyes again and pushed yourself deeper into the bed, frowning. If only you could spend the whole day like this. But you knew you couldn’t. You had work to do. Answers to find.

Slowly, you pep talked yourself to get out of bed. You made a hissing noise as your feet touched the cold stone. You quickly hopped onto the fur rug and looked out the window. It had snowed in the night, and you couldn't help but be in awe of the beauty of it. Highgarden had never recieved snow, in your 22 years. During your travels you had seen snow, but it always took your breath away to see. You looked over at your suitcase. 

Surely grandmother wouldn't berate you for dressing warm and comfortable until it was time for the evenings dinner and meeting. Quickly you dressed in your jeans, sweater, wool socks, and pulled on your fur boots. A knock came on the door.

"Miss (y/n), I came  to see if you were awake." It was Robb.

You walked to the door and clicked back the lock, slowly opening the door. Robb smiled warmly. You smiled back. He was handsome, truly. Obviously he was why your grandmother had brought you. She wanted you to entrap one of these young men, to secure your family's safety in such a trying time.

"Would you care to have brunch with me?" Robb asked, offering his arm.

"Just a moment." You said, hurrying to your bedside table to retrieve your phone and your purse on the floor beside the table. You felt your phone vibrate but threw it in your bag without looking at it. You took Robb's arm and allowed him to steer you out of the manor.

You slid into the passengers seat of the sleek sports car. 

"So, what's it like? Being a werewolf? " you asked, after a few moments silence.

Robb chuckled, "well, I was born one. So it's all I've ever known. I'm afraid I can't give an accurate account of what it's like to be a werewolf."

You considered this for a few moments. "Well, what about that time of month?" You laughed after saying it. Robb laughed too.

"Well, in times long ago I'm sure it was a nightmare. Otherwise the books and horror movies wouldn't exist. But, evolution and willpower have really changed the modern werewolf."

You remembered hearing about this during your time in school. "So, you can elect to turn into a wolf? Do all werewolves?"

Robb shook his head. "No. My bloodline is as old as the beginning of werewolves. We were the first. Being born a wolf has given me control over when I choose to change. But people who are bitten and turned, well, they have no control over it. You're a witch. Surely you understand the demand for the wolfsbane potions...."

You nodded. You dug through your purse and remembered you had a message. You pulled out your cellphone opened it.

[Unsaved Number: watch out for fleas.] 

You rolled your eyes and turned your attention back to Robb.

"So, what do you think of these murders?" Robb asked suddenly, parking the car at a restaurant in the neighboring Winter Town.

"Four days ago one of my friends was murdered. Torn to shreds. I've never seen anything so.... horrible. I'd known her since we started school. We dormed together. She was a sweetheart. Had such a knack for communicating with other magical creatures. If you'll forgive me, I thought it was a werewolf. But then my grandmother told me we were coming here to meet with you and your family. So, that rules that out, huh?" You said, timidly.

Robb sighed. "Not exactly. The Starks may be the top dogs, if you will, but we have no control over all the clans. They may report to us, but we can't always keep tabs on them."

"Other clans?" You asked, as Robb got out.

He walked around the car and opened the door for you, helping you out. "Oh yeah. There are hundreds of clans, all over. We mostly keep ourselves to ourselves, but it's not to say that sometimes accidents don't happen. But this is more than an accident. The killings didn't happen until after the full moon. So, only a wolf that can change at will could have done it. But to their own kind?"

" So, vampires?" You asked, in a hushed voice as Robb showed you in to the restaurant and took a seat in a booth by the window.

"We thought so, until the Bolton's contacted us. And a majority of these murders happened in the day. Very unlikely. There's something evil going on."

You sat in the booth across from Robb and watched him. You felt your phone vibrate. You opened the message.

[Unsaved number: You didn't heed my warning Voodoo Child. Watch that pretty little ass of yours.]

You gasped slightly and turned to look around the place. There was no sign of Ramsay.

"Will the Bolton's be at the dinner tonight? I mean, like, do they eat?" You asked, shoving your phone in your purse and hastily picking up the menu.

Robb let out a sharp, bark like laugh. "Yes, they will be there. Though, I'd ignore what they drink from their wine glasses." He pulled a face and made you laugh.

After the waitress had brought your food, you tucked into it heartily. You ordered a cup of tea and sat waiting, looking at all the local folks coming and going. Once your tea came, Robb set his knife and fork down. He watched you sip your tea.

He cleared his throat. "(Y/n), I hope you take no offense, because it's not that I don't find you to be beautiful or anything its just that..."

You cut him off, "And I hope you don't think I don't find you handsome, but I just really... I'm not looking for..." What were you to say? You weren't invested in anyone and had no intentions to be right now. Ramsay's wicked smirk crossed your mind, but you pushed it away, quickly.

Robb let out a small relieved laugh. "Thank the gods. Because I'm in love with someone, but I'd do what it took for my family. When I heard that you were coming I assumed that it was under the intention to try and join our houses. Surely one of your brothers could have been sent in your place if that were not the case."

"I realized that last night. My grandmother's hope, no doubt. But your lover... She won't get mad you're here with me?" You asked, raising a brow.

"Well, she doesn't know. I don't know how to tell her. We've never exactly, um, talked before." Robb blushed slightly.

"Is she a werewolf or maybe a witch?" You asked, looking down at your tea.

"Neither. She's.... well, she's just a mortal."

"I see." You didn't know what to say. How hard that must be, to be in love with someone you could never have. It was one thing for witches and wizards to mingle with non magical folks, but for a werewolf? Even one who didn't turn into a bloodthirsty killer once a month. "I'm sorry. Maybe you could get to know her and build a strong relationship with her before dropping such a... uh, bomb?"

Robb shrugged. "Maybe so. Mother and father are in love. But she's a witch, she's not oblivious to the fact that we, and worse exist."

xxx

It was mid afternoon when you met the other Stark children. You and Sansa bonded immediately. Like you, she was a witch. But she was also a werewolf. She took you out to the Glass Garden where you immediately fell in love with the northern specific plants. You spent a few hous here, cataloging the vegetation before your grandmother came to interrupt your bliss.

"(Y/n), you need to get ready for the dinner."

You looked up from the blue roses and sighed. "Do I have to?"

Your grandmother gave you her usual stern look. "Of course. I saw you with the red headed Stark boy today...."

You frowned. "I'm interested in neither. I know it was your plan. But, I will not seduce either of them. They are both charming. But not for me."

Your grandmother sighed, her jowls quivered slightly,  but she said nothing as she took her leave. You followed her to the manor where you went to get ready for dinner.

Your grandmother sat in the armchair across the room while you finished your makeup and hair routine.

"I am leaving back to Highgarden tomorrow." She said, tapping her cane on the cold stone floor.

You looked up at her through the mirror as you pinned your elegant hair tuck into place. "You? What about me?" you said through a mouthful of bobby pins.

"The Starks have granted you an extended stay." the old woman began.

"But I told you, I'm not interested in forming a relationship with either of the twins." You protested, spitting the bobby pins out and turning to look at your grandmother in disbelief.

"(y/n), I'm not asking you to f**k them, my dear. " you gasped. She ignored you and continued, "but it cannot hurt to form strong friendships with them. That Sansa is a sweet thing. Having you here awhile longer may unveil some information we need to figure out what's going on."

You sighed, turned back to your vanity, and applied your ruby red lipstick. "Of course." You finally said, giving yourself one last look and sweeping past your grandmother out of the room.

Your heels slapped against the hard floors as you made your way to the dinning hall. As you passed an open door, something caught your eye. You backtracked a few steps and saw Ramsay Bolton standing with his back to you, looking at the vast bookshelf in front of him. At the sound of your heels he turned and looked at you. A grin twitching at the corners of his mouth.

"I feel a bit insulted you never text me back, Voodoo Child. I asked you to text me, but I got nothing." He said quietly, turning back to the bookshelf.

"Well, maybe I didn't want to talk to you. You're a real asshole, you know." You said, stepping into the room.

"Hm, I recall you calling me a monster, not an asshole."

You stood next to him, looking at the books on the shelf. He glanced at you out of the corner of his eye, before turning his head to give you an evil, fang filled smile. "I see you didn't wear your pretty little silver necklace."

Immediately you reached up to your throat and felt nothing. You had taken it off to put your makeup on and your grandmother had frustrated you so much you forgot to put it on before leaving. You felt a surge of panic course through you.

Ramsay raised his eyebrows at you and laughed. "Relax. I'm not going to hurt you, sweetling. No. So you can put a halt on the fight or flight. If your heart beat any faster it may escape your chest."

You stared at him. Could he seriously hear how fast your heart was beating? Your knowledge on vampires was very limited. It wasn't highlighted on much when you were in school. Or was it? You couldn't remember and now you were feeling like a fool.

"Is that what you say to all the pretty girls before you tear them apart?" Came a voice from the doorway. You and Ramsay turned to see Jon Stark leaning against the door frame.

"Ah, a Stark puppy. You're barking up the wrong tree here." Ramsay said coldly. He then put his hand to his ear and said, "oh what's that? Do I hear someone calling for you to heel?"

Jon scowled, "Dinner will be served shortly. Shouldn't want to be late." At that Jon disappeared.

Ramsay turned to you again. "And just so you know, that is not what I tell all the pretty girls before I tear them apart." Ramsay left you standing there gawking at him.

You closed your eyes and said a silent prayer. Oh how you wanted to go home. This man was a f*****g lunatic. If half the stories you had heard about him were true you'd be better off jumping into a dragon's mouth. Unfortunately, there were no dragons, only Ramsay.

DRAGONS! you thought to yourself, making a mental note before hurrying off the dining hall.