The Emptiness
“Lord Hudraer isn’t coming back until the artifact is found.” Justin Kringle looked up from his paperwork with raised brows.
He motioned for me to take a seat and I slid into the chair across from him. He took a slow, deliberate sip of coffee from his favorite mug and considered me carefully. “Why didn’t he tell me this?”
“He is busy preventing a Dragon melt-down at the nest. Lord Geren didn’t take the news well at all,” I explained.
“Great, now I am two Holiday Spirits short, and down a Harbinger of the Season,” he grumbled as he turned to his laptop, pounding out commands on it.
“Actually, Ian MacGregor has agreed to assist me until Lord Hudraer returns.”
Justin began giggling like a madman. “You want me to allow the Werewolf and Dragon who had a nearly fatal duel work together?” He shook his head. “You’re crazy.”
“Ian and I were dating, he had a mate and failed to mention that to me. Haven’t you ever been jilted by someone you love? Wouldn’t you still trust them if you knew their intention was never to hurt you?”
He sighed heavily. “Yes, I do understand the feeling, and you’re right – I would still trust her. Just because you don’t see eye to eye doesn’t mean that you can’t be professionals. Tell Ian to get to Uniforms and get fitted. He can be Lord Hudraer’s roommate. We’re running short on space in the dorms.”
I nodded and started to get up. “Wait, Lady Alizeyah.” I paused and sat back down. “May I ask you something? Personal, not professional.”
I nodded. “Sure…”
“You and Lord Hudraer seem like you were made for each other. Have you considered you may be Soul Mates? I don’t normally pry in people’s lives, but it seems pretty obvious.” Justin looked concerned and almost caring.
“Careful, Justin Kringle, or I may have to tell everyone just how nice a guy you actually are.” He grinned widely, showing a dimple.
“I’m not worried, nobody would believe you.” He winked. Taking a measured breath he seemed to consider everything. “I will hope that the Lord Dragon returns soon then. In the meantime, you’re in charge of getting things done. Don’t let me down.”
With a nod and a thank you for his understanding, I left his office hellbent on not getting Hue in trouble. I slid into my room and latched the door behind me. Just thinking about Hue made my heart ache with him not there. Hue?
There was a pause but I could sense him. Yes? Are you alright?
Yes, sorry. Just checking.
I basked in the feeling of his emotions as he sought out my reason for contact. Are you sure you’re alright?
I hesitated, but realized he could read me like a book if he chose. I miss you. Even in my head that sounded pitiful.
I’ll be back soon. We just have to figure out what’s going on and then I will be there. How did Justin take the news?
Less than stellar but he seemed alright with it. I think if there is one thing he can understand and respect, it’s family tradition. Just talking about it caused me to look around.
Good. are you sure you’ll be ok? he asked again.
Do I have a choice? I have to go meet Ian and Briar shortly. After that I have some paperwork to take care of. Would you mind if I stayed in your room and had Ian stay in mine?
Is it really that bad?
I feel like I am on the verge of a panic attack. When I think of you my whole body feels empty and the only thing I feel is pain… right where my heart used to be. Something within him seemed to grow and puff at this knowledge. Was he happy I was hurting?
I’m glad you miss me so much. It just convinces me further that you and I are meant to be. I could feel his joy. He really was happy about my feelings.
Jerk!
Alizeyah… Kat? What did I do? Why are you so upset about this? he pleaded with me.
Can you come back? Just for tonight? Tears began to prick at the back of my eyes.
Mo shíorghrá… Don’t be sad! There was a long pause and I felt the first of the tears run down over my face. “Shhhh, crying isn’t going to help anything.” Hue was there as if some Genie had granted my wish. His arms slid around me and held me close. The crying turned to sobs.
“It’s only been twenty-four hours and I couldn’t face the idea of you not being here another night. Why am I so weak?” The words were spoken with such emotion it was maddening that they came out as little more than a whisper.
He shook his head. “You’re not weak. The pull you are feeling towards your Soul Mate has been building within me for months. I’ve slowly worked up to it. You awaken and suddenly are faced with it full force. I can only imagine what the feelings must be like. You haven’t been training for a century like an Elf or a Dragon might to deal with the heightened emotions.”
I wrapped my arms around his waist and shifted so I could look up at him. Don’t leave. I begged through our mental connection. I could feel his inner turmoil as the battle raged on between his duty to the nest and a duty he felt to me.
He reached up and wiped away the tears still on my cheeks with the sleeve of his shirt. I have to go back. I wish I could stay or that you could come with me. I could feel how true the words were.
Then stay long enough to complete the bond. I don’t think I can go on this way.
His jaw dropped. Mo shíorghrá, you don’t know what you’re asking. He took a deep breath, holding it for a moment and pressing his eyes shut. His body was alight with a dozen emotions. When he released the breath he looked at me again. I would love nothing more than to do just as you are asking. You deserve more than that.
I don’t care. If you leave me here alone you had best plan to put the Werewolf on suicide watch until you return. His eyes flared with shock at my words. Concern radiated off of him as he searched for an answer. Biting my lower lip, I did my best to control my emotions. “You have things you need to do. I’ll figure something out.”
I started to pull away but his grasp tightened. “Stay in your room. Summon me when the door is locked and the windows are drawn. Nobody is to know I am here. Geren and Vallen would understand, but the rest of the nest might not. Nobody knows we are Soul Mates. Nobody can until the time is right and we can complete the bond.” He smoothed the hair from my face before lowering his lips to mine. I’ll explain more later. With that he faded away.
With a heavy sigh I went to clean myself up and go meet Ian and Briar.
An hour later I was standing in the lobby facing two very cold looking Werewolves. In just the last few hours the snowy cold weather at the North Pole had turned bitter. “Hi guys!” I waved and offered a warm smile. They both looked frozen.
I reached out and handed Ian an envelope. “That has the key to Hue’s room in it. He said you’re welcome to use anything you like, just don’t sleep on his bed, take the other one. I figure it has something to do with scent.”
Ian smirked. “I would have chosen the other bed for that very reason. Although it smells like the two of you have been around each other all day. Where is the golden lizard anyway?”
“There is a pressing matter at the nest and Hue had to return home for a few days. As soon as the strings are tied up he will be back and I’m sure will get you caught up on everything. In the meantime you are to take his place at activities. Once you get settled in, go to Uniforms and get your clothes assigned for the next few days.” I turned to face Briar. “If you’ll follow me to the front desk I will get you a dorm assignment. I’ve arranged a job for you in letters. I didn’t want you to do anything with heavy lifting or anything.”
Briar considered me for a moment with a strange stare of almost appreciation. “Alright, I’m ready,” she sai, reaching out to grab her suitcase. I shoo’d away her hand and grabbed the handle.
Ian was already headed down the hall. “Hey, Wolfboy!” I called after him. “Keep your phone on. When I get Briar settled in, the three of us can go grab some food together.” He saluted me and continued on his way.
I dragged the suitcase behind me towards a set of double doors and a large desk beside them. Behind the desk sat a short lithe man with black hair and think framed glasses. “Excuse me?” The man marked the place in his book and looked up, startled when he saw me.
“Oh, Lady Harbinger. How can I help you?”
I smiled brightly. “My friend is here for the season and will be working in letters. She needs a dorm assignment, please?” I watched as he flipped through multiple screens.
“The only open slots in the dorm are in either Lord Hudraer’s room, which has clear directions not to have anyone added, and a slot up with the Holiday Spirits.” He looked like he was at a loss.
“Actually, Lord Hudraer has a roommate for the rest of the season. Ian MacGregor will be here working on the Harbinger project with us.” The man blinked at me again. I quickly looked down at his name tag. “Leaf…” I said his name reaching out and laying my hand on top of his. “She’ll be OK up with the Holiday Spirits, right? After all, they are the backbone of the Holiday Season.”
His brow furrowed. “Well, I guess. We were leaving it open because Justin was trying to get one more Spirit in for the season.”
I smiled at him. “If he doesn’t have one by now, what’s the likelihood he’ll get one at all? All hands were due on deck last Friday.”
He sighed. “You’re right.” With a nod he began typing Briar’s information into the computer. Shortly thereafter I helped her by carrying her suitcase to the third floor and rolling it down the hall to her room.
I knocked before unlocking the door and opening it. Her roommate wasn’t in but she seemed delighted to see the half of the room with a window above the bed was the free half. I took a seat while I watched her unpack. “Are you going to be alright up here?”
She shrugged. “Can I ask you something?”
“You just did,” I pointed out with a smile. She rolled her eyes and I nodded.
“Why are you being so nice? I caused you a lot of trouble, broke you and Ian up, and despite all that you put me under your guardianship. Why?” I considered her question carefully.
“I believe you got an unfair deal as much as Ian did. Even if he and I are not together I know he will lay down his life for me until the day I or he dies. One can never have too many friends that would be just as willing to go to hell and back as I am.” I watched as she chewed on the words. “I was afraid if you returned with Cariss, once the baby was born you would be cast out. He sort of implied you might be.”
She nodded. “You’re right, and I would deserve it too.”
“Having grown up a Changeling and had to learn about what I am so late into my adult Human life, I really wish my mother Lady Jura had been around. Any child of Ian’s will always have my love and I believe it should have its mother’s as well.”
“So just like that, you would forgive me and take me in?” I nodded silently and didn’t say a word as a single tear rolled down over her cheek. “I swear to you Lady Alizeyah, with my life’s blood I will not disappoint you again. I will prove myself worthy of your kindness.” I just smiled. I didn’t have any words that would have added to the moment.
Just then my cell phone rang. Without hesitation I answered it. “Hello?”
“Kat, would you mind terribly if I skipped dinner with you and Briar? I ran into some kinsmen and they want to grab a drink.” I pulled the phone away from my ear and looked at it.
“Do you care if Ian skips dinner with us to hangout with some old friends?” I asked Briar.
“Actually, I would really like to just order some food up and call it a day. I’m feeling really tired lately.” Her words made total sense so I offered a smile and nod.
“No worries Ian, I have work I need to get done and Briar is looking forward to an early night.”
“Alright, I’ll see you in the morning for breakfast. If you need me for anything give me a call.”
“Thanks,” I said hanging up the phone.
I slid from Briar’s room with simple pleasantries and all but ran to my room. Closing the door with a shuddering thud I latched the deadbolt and the knob lock. Making haste I drew all the curtains shut and built up the fire. I closed my eyes as I settled back on the floor leaning against the footstool. Hue? Are you free?
Not really. came the answer. But I will be soon. I need to excuse myself for bed. I want Vallen to at least know where I am if there is an emergency.
Alright, I’ll be here. I felt myself smile as I waited for him.
