Darkness Rising: Cursed Guardians

Changes & New Faces

I left Draco in his room after healing him and I still am trying to process everything. I have never been so open with anyone. I told him things I've never even told Sybil and she is practically my mom. He's seen me naked, seen my scars. I let myself be vulnerable and I don't know what to think of it. My planned week off to unpack was a spectacular failure. The spirit had appeared to me in my room and thanked me before disappearing. Too tired to even go there.The day I went back to my room I was so hungry and exhausted I went down to the kitchen made a quick sandwich that I inhaled then went back to my room and attempted to sleep. As exhausted asI was expected to pass right out but all I did is toss and turn. Waking up in Draco's arms had done a number on me. I felt safe. Like I belong and fit so perfectly curled up next to him. Although the erection that was grazing my ass was a bit of a shock. A pleasant one but damn. I mean damn that was a delicious feeling...that we both completely ignored.

Today I woke up and had nervous energy. Thankfully I had an appointment in town to occupy me. Driving into town I turn my music up way to loud and sing along to my favorite playlist. Once I got into town I navigate my way to Strands where my stylist Dan is waiting for me. I get a shiver down my spine as I exist the Jeep. I can feel eyes on me. As quick as the feeling came it was gone. I must be more exhausted than I think. Dan jumps up out of his chair to come give me a hug as soon as I get through the door.

"Hey girl" Dan greets. "You look tired. El didn't I give you the number to doc I see for sleep issues?" He's looking me up and down with concern. Paul, Dan's husband and the salons colorist come to the lobby from the back room. "Don't be so judgy honey. You'd have some fine lines too if it weren't for Doctor Botox" Paul gives Dan a quick kiss on the cheek and winks at me. I laugh while dan glares at his handsome husband. 

"Ignore him. Let's get going." Dan says. Paul walks over "Same, same El?" he asks. Dan is taking my hair out of its bun. By same, same Paul is referring to my hair. Same cut, same color. My normal but for some reason I pause before answering. Dan starts to brush out my long locks. I watch the motion and take a really hard look at my hair. It's long but lifeless. The color is blah and the ends are split. That nervous energy kicks into overdrive.

"Ya know what? No." I say. Dan stops and Paul meets my eyes in the mirror. "Do whatever you want." I say. Silence. "I'd just like to keep some length. Like maybe to the top of my bra band." Again they are both looking at me like I've lost it. I can't blame them. Though I do change up my color sometimes I basically stick to the same tones and only trim the ends even though I wear my hair up. Paul shakes his head.

"Anything?" Paul asks.

"Anything."

"Bangs, layers, baylayage, anything?" Dan chimes in.

I nod. Paul opens his mouth but a look from Dan cuts him off. I can't help but laugh telling them to have fun as they get to work. I use my time to catch up with the guys but also to think about the sudden changes in my life. Trying to sort things out is difficult but I decide to focus on the most pressing things. Someone is trying to kidnap me, there is increased supernatural activity, and I need to figure out how I'm supposed to be helping Draco and his people. Something tells me that spirit that keeps popping up has answers to some of my questions. 

Oh man did the guys have fun. 2 1/2 hours later Dan is finishing straightening my hair. He had asked if I wanted it up but I said to style it down. He turns me in the chair and I'm shocked. My hair is a beautiful auburn with subtle highlights all throughout thanks to Paul. Dan has put choppy layers in, giving my hair volume and structure while keeping the length right near the top of my bra band like I asked. I love it and hug them both so tight I might break them. 

"I don't know what got into El but I hope it sticks. I love this new look for you." Paul says. I'm sitting in the chair reapplying the little makeup I had on before heading home. I get the feeling of being watched again but once more it's gone as soon as I comes. Weird. 

"Thanks. And thank you for the amazing color and style. I absolutely love it." I tell them as I stand and walk to pay. I can feel eyes again as I step out of the shop and get into the Jeep. I scan the immediate area. It's crowded but don't see anyone out of place. Still I know someone is there. Time to go. Heading back home I turn my music up again and sing along once more making the hour drive seem short.

It's still early afternoon when I pull up to the compound so I'm not expecting to see many people as I walk in. As soon as I'm through the doors the furies come rushing to me. Sniffing all over and showing their approval of my new look. A sudden crash from somewhere upstair draws my attention away from them. Telling them to stay I make my way up stairs following the sound of several voices getting increasingly louder as I go. On the fourth floor I find the source. Draco, Abigaile, and Kaeleb are circled around another male. He's older judging from the salt and pepper hair but looks as big and fit as Draco and Kaeleb. He's currently holding an urn looking like he's ready to hurl it at anyone who comes to close. This feels familiar. I slow walk up the last step, the movement catching Draco's attention. He looks in taking in the new look but then very slowly shakes his head for me not to come further. That's cute. Has he learned nothing?

"I need to find her!" the man with the urn yells in Kaelebs direction. His voice is heavily accented. Definitely a Scot.

"Da" Abi pleads, pain lacing her voice. "We've been through this." Holy s**t. This is their Dad. The man throws the urn. Not at anyone in particular but out of frustration.

"Your hiding her from me!" he looks accusingly at Draco who is shaking his head at his father looking pained. I step towards the man who whirls on me at my approach. Draco could be his twin if not for the hair. The face and build are the same. Carved from the same stone. Draco is trying to make his way to get in between us but that won't help me. Thanking whatever powers that be that I wore a dress today I grab both sides and do the deepest curtsey imaginable bowing my head.

"My lord" I say. "My apologies for my lateness. I'm here to aid you in your search." I remain with my head bowed in curtsey praying this works. You could hear a pin drop and I know Draco and the others are staring at me like I've lost it and am not helping. 

"Rise." their father says and I do as commanded. Progress. "Who are you?" he demands. 

"My name is Sabella. I've not been here long which is why I am not familiar to you. I understand you are searching for someone and am hear to aid you though I am unfamiliar with this home." All eyes are on me and their father.

The man straightens from the fighting stance he had been holding and walks over to reaching his hand out. I place mine in his and he bows his head to kiss my knuckles. "Your help in this matter is greatly appreciated Sabella. My name is Duncan Wallace." he finishes. 

"A pleasure to meet you my lord. Shall we begin our search? I ask him carefully. This is a slippery slope. He nods and offers me his arm which I accept slipping my arm through his. As we begin to move I see Draco and his siblings exchanging looks and following Duncan. "We should begin the last place you saw this person. Perhaps you could tell me where we are in the home and about the lovely art on the walls as we search? As I mentioned I have not been here long and am not familiar with this place or it's history. Perhaps it would aid our search if I knew more about the place I am searching?" Gently I suggest. Duncan nods.

"Yes. Yes that would be good. My Esame was last in our room. We shall begin there." He looks over his shoulder at his children. "You have not yet given this sweet lady a proper tour. Have you forgotten the manner you were taught?" All 3 of them look away still following. I catch Draco giving me a look out of the corner of my eye. Apparently Puff doesn't like his Dad scolding him. I smile and look at Duncan who is telling me about various painting we pass. His children remain silent the entire walk.

We walk all the way down to the opposite end of Draco and my rooms. The entire time Duncan has been telling me all about the art on the walls, furniture we pass, antiques in the hall and some stories on the items. He's gone from hostile to calm in the time it's taken us to walk down the excessively long hallway. We finally reach a set of double doors similar to Draco's but not as ornate. Duncan lets go of my arm and opens the door sweeping his arm to me to enter first. I enter the dimly lit room and see a small table and chairs near the fireplace. On the table is a decanter with amber liquid and several glasses. I move to the table and ask "My Lord? May I pour you a drink?" He nods and walks to sit in one of the chairs. I pour him a glass and hand it to him. He takes a drink and then stares into the glass.

A sad expression comes over his face and I know whats coming. I move to kneel before him. "I've had an episode haven't I?" he says quietly. Everyone is still. I grab the hand not holding the glass and rub my thumb over his knuckles.

"Yes my Lord you have. But not to worry. Everything is taken care of." I use the most reassuring voice I have as my heartbreaks for him as well as his children. I know this situation all too well. Everyone is quiet for a moment. Duncan looks up at me and I get the suspicion he's trying to apologize. I look into his eyes, not quite the stunning emerald of Draco's but a stormy green with grays throughout. 

"Perhaps you'd like a rest my lord? I could come back later and  bring you some tea. You could tell me about your Esame? I must warn you though your boys are a bit suspicious of me." I pause and lean in a bit closer like I'm spilling deep secrets "I'm a witch."  I lean back c**k my head to one side and offer a smile still holding his hand. He smiles slightly. He chuckles and looks over at his children. "Yes they have a history of disliking witches. Not something they get from me. One bad witch shouldn't condemn them all." He shakes his head. I steal a glance over at Draco. He's soo not happy he's getting scolded again and his face makes me smile. That earns me a glare and I roll my eyes and look back at Duncan who is watching me. "I'd like that. I have a good feeling about you young lady. I think my Esame would have liked you too. Based on the looks you keep shooting over that way you don't put up with their s**t anymore than she did."

"Da!" all three of them yell in unison. Now I'm laughing and so is Duncan.

Clearing his throat Draco looks at "For the record I'm not suspicious anymore." Abi and Kaeleb look at him shocked. Well Abi is happy shocked. Kaeleb is so not happy with is brother. For just a moment I swear his eyes go from green to blue. I thought I imagined it a few times when I was healing him over those days and then after he'd feed from me the last time. I thought I was just exhausted and imagining things. Interesting. Well bonus, he doesn't think I'm public enemy number 1 anymore. Woohoo! I stand up and release Duncans hand.

"I'll come back later this evening if you're up to it." I tell him and he nods. I feel my purse buzz. I never set it down when I came home. Pulling out my phone I see a text from Sybil, they're coming tonight. Good. I look up at the siblings. "Sybil and my cousins will be here tonight. When they get here I'd like for them, you 3 and the 3 M's to meet in your office. There's something I want to talk to everyone about." 

"3 M's?" Abi asks. I smile at her. "Marco, Marcus, and Marcel. 3 M's for short." I reply and she laughs. Giving my best curtsey to Duncan "I'll leave you with your children. I'll see you all later." I walk past them and head towards my room. There's a book I need to find before everyone gets here.