More tears slipped from my eyes, and I hastily wiped them away with a handkerchief.
Tank walked along the balcony with Selma. They spoke quietly to each other, and their words didn’t register.
Melody’s terrified scream echoed in my ears again. Then seeing her dead body on the stones. This had to be a nightmare. I refused to believe it was real.
“She fell,” I blurted.
Selma and Tank looked at me sympathetically.
“She did,” I insisted. “That’s what happened.”
“Amelie,” Selma tried.
I shook my head. “What other explanation is there? She was not depressed. And why would she scream like that? She fell. End of story.”
Tank crouched by the railing, his brow wrinkling. “Afraid not.”
“What did you find?” Selma crouched beside him, her face paling. “Oh dear, this is not good. Not good at all. Amelie, perhaps you should retire to your room for now. This has been a horrible tragedy for all of us. And I know how close you were to her.”
“No, I’m staying right here. What did you find?”
Tank hesitated, clamping his mouth shut.
“Tell me, I can take it.” I wiped my face again and squared my shoulders. “I can handle it, whatever it is.”
“Blood.” He pointed to the small pool on the stones, mostly dried.
“And?”
“If there’s blood up here then my guess is she was attacked then thrown over the railing,” he explained bluntly.
I almost smacked him for saying it so emotionlessly, but I’d said I could handle it. Later I could fall apart. Right now, I had to be strong for Melody’s sake. “Attacked by who? No one here is an enemy. Everyone must pass through the protective barrier. If they mean to do harm, they can’t get in.”
“It would appear then that this was either a crime of passion, or we are dealing with very dark magic. Strong magic.” Selma sighed heavily, the weight of the world seeming to fall on her shoulders. “I worry more because of who she was.”
“What do you mean?” Tank shook his head. “She was a witch, right?”
“Yes, but she was like Amelie, a descendant of the founding coven members. For her to be attacked and… and killed,” Selma swallowed hard as if fighting to hold in her grief, “it’s beyond worrisome.”
“You think whoever did this isn’t done?” Tank moved closer to me.
Selma said nothing
I glanced from one to the other. “You two are overreacting. Yes, Melody is dead, and it appears to be an attack of some kind, but there is no plot to take the five of us out. What would be the point? It’s not like we’re the Descendants.”
“You are still extremely powerful witches and warlocks. The blood in your veins means something, Amelie. You must not forget it.”
The blood in my veins was not as strong as Selma assumed, but I dropped it. “I am not going to be scared by this incident. We need to come together now as a coven and grieve for the loss of our sister witch. Give her a proper send-off tomorrow at midnight as is the custom and then use the rest of the week as a time to heal.”
“And track down the party responsible,” Tank insisted. “Selma, I would like to assist if possible.”
“I would welcome your help. Having a dragon will be of great benefit.”
“If he’s helping, so am I.”
Selma clasped her hands before her, seeming to debate her next words carefully. “I think it would be best if you see to the farewell ceremony for Melody. Let us handle finding her killer.”
Killer. There was a killer in this castle. In all the years I’d been here, from the time I was a child, never had I worried about my safety. Or anyone else’s for that matter. This castle was my second home, my sanctuary. As it was to many witches and warlocks. Now it was infiltrated by someone who wished to do us harm. I grew light-headed.
A pair of strong arms held me up.
“I’m fine,” I mumbled.
Tank’s annoyed growl rumbled through his chest, which I could feel all along my back as I leaned against him.
“Take her to her room. She needs to rest.”
“Can you walk?” Tank lowered his face, so it was level with mine. “Amelie? Can you hear me?”
His voice grew muffled as I attempted to nod and failed.
The next thing I saw was his flannel shirt and his worried eyes glancing down at me as we walked. No, he walked. I didn’t. “What happened?”
“You fainted.”
“Crap. Sorry. Not sure what came over me.” I pushed against his chest, but he didn’t budge. “I can walk now. Put me down.”
“I’m good.”
“Seriously? Come on.”
He scowled at me.
I gave up.
“You sure you’re alright?”
“Oh, yeah, great. Just saw one of my oldest friends, dead on the stones, after apparently being thrown off the balcony. Yeah, I’m great.” I buried my face in his flannel shirt. Why did it have to be this comfortable in his arms? And his shirt, did it really have to be that soft and warm? When was the last time Jared held me like this? Oh, that’s right, years ago.
“You’re allowed to be upset.”
“I shouldn’t be.”
He stopped walking, brow arched in confusion. “Why the hell not?”
“After all the death we saw during the war, I should be used to it by now.”
“The day you don’t get upset over seeing a dead friend, a dead anyone, is the day you should worry about losing your humanity.” He held me closer, his warmth comforting. “I was a part of that war far longer than you and the things I saw… never mind.” He snarled and walked on.
Despite all the time I’d spent with Tank, I never once asked him about his family, or his life before Everest and I crashed into it. The haunted look I noticed at his house was back in his eyes.
“Tank.”
“Hmm?”
“If you ever want to talk, I’m here for you. Want you to know that.”
“I’m good.”
“Sure you are,” I whispered quietly.
His low rumbled indicated he’d heard me.
Outside my room, he set me on my feet, opened the door, then picked me right back up again. He carried me right to the edge of the large bed, helped me step out of my high-heeled black boots, then asked if I was going to be fine.
“I’ll stay if you want me to.”
“No. All I’m going to do is lay down and cry for a few hours, probably. Hint, I’m not a pretty crier.” I meant it to sound like I was teasing, but I sat down on the edge of the bed, and the first sob escaped me. Then another, until I couldn’t stop.
The mattress sank beside me as Tank sat and drew me close to his side. He said nothing, but he didn’t have to. Simply being there was enough.
“You were close to her?”
I sniffed hard. “I was. We grew up together. All of us did here. She is… was one of my closest friends until I was dragged into the dragon war.” Every year when the gathering came around, it was Melody and I getting in trouble for our antics. Melody and I stirring up the ghosts in this place and sneaking into the kitchens for midnight ice cream. We told each other everything. She was the only one, aside from Everest, who knew the full extent of the troubles I had with Jared during our relationship. And she was the one who told me what we think we want isn’t what we need sometimes. How right she’d been. “I’ll never get to talk to her again. Or laugh with her.” I wished I was powerful enough to turn back time and realize she wasn’t in the front row. “I should’ve noticed her missing. If I’d gone looking for her, I might’ve been able to save her.”
“Don’t do that to yourself.” Tank turned my face toward his. “If you had, it might’ve been you dead on the stones, instead of her.”
“She was the stronger witch.”
“Doesn’t matter.” His fingers trailed down my cheek. “I can’t stand the thought of you being gone. So no matter what happens next, do not go off on your own to find this person. Promise me, Amelie.”
The idea had crossed my mind. Melody was my friend. If anyone was going to find her killer, it would be me.
“Amelie, promise me or I’m not leaving this room.”
“Alright, fine.” I held my hand across my heart. “I won’t go looking for trouble alone.”
His nostrils flared, but he seemed satisfied with my words.
“Get some rest. I’ll be back later to check on you.”
As he made to stand, the impulse to grab his hand overcame me. He frowned at our hands but sat back down. I honestly wasn’t sure if it was the fear creeping in or the pangs of loss that demanded I be close to someone, but I leaned in and kissed him.
Just a gentle brush of lips, but it was enough to set off a spark.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he pulled me closer. As fast as it started, it came to an end.
He rose, appearing torn, then walked out.
“I’ll be by later,” he reminded me, voice rough, then he was gone.
My fingers lingered on my lips wondering what I’d just ignited.
Not that I wanted to take it back. Not even close.
“Couldn’t have picked a worse time to get yourself killed.”
I almost would have sworn I heard Melody laughing at my complaint.
Tears burned in my eyes again and I changed into comfy clothes, fell into bed.
Hugging a pillow close, I cried until there was nothing left.
A while later I opened my eyes. The room was lit by a warm fire in the hearth and a tone of candles. Probably thanks to Lucius. I hadn’t even heard him come in.
Rubbing the sleep from my face, I sat up with a yawn then yelped in alarm when someone moved by the bed.
“Amelie, relax, it’s just me.”
I squinted in the flickering candlelight until the face came into focus. “Peter? By the goddess, you scared me. What are you doing in here?”
He took the hand I held out and sat on the edge of the bed with a sad smile.
Peter was like me and Melody. All descendants of the founders. There were three others, Grant, Victor, and Troy, who claimed that title. Now, there were only five of us.
“Selma said you took Melody’s death pretty hard. Thought I’d come and check on you.” He scooted closer, letting our shoulders brush. It wasn’t as close to comforting as it was when Tank was here holding me close, but it was nice to have a friend with me. “Can’t believe she’s gone.”
“I hoped when I woke up it would’ve all been a nightmare.”
“Sadly, it’s not.” His hand remained with mine. “I’m glad you’re alright though.”
“I’m alive at least, but I don’t understand who would want to hurt her. Or how they would even get in. We put in safeguards for this very reason.” The urge to get up and pace around was strong, but when I went to stand and pull my hand free, Peter held on. I frowned. Was he that upset too? His eyes gave nothing away except sadness, but the air in the room changed. “Peter?”
“Oh, sorry.” He quickly let go with a small smile. “Lost in thought.”
“Don’t blame you. Did Selma tell you anything new?”
“Nothing yet.”
“And Tank? Did you see him around?” When I opened my eyes, I half expected to see him here, instead of Peter. Wanted to see him, instead of Peter.
Peter’s eyes darkened, and I was sure the temperature dropped a few degrees as the candle flames flickered then returned to their original, calm state. “Haven’t seen the dragon. I was surprised to see him here with you. Jane’s telling anyone who will listen that you and Jared broke up.”
“Why wouldn’t she?” That witch really needed to learn to keep her damned mouth shut. Turning her into a toad for a couple of days would do her a world of good. “And we did, by the way, break up.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
He said it, but his tone said he was anything but sorry. It was no secret Peter had a crush on me when we were younger, but that was years ago. We’d all grown up, and he’d gone through a couple of girlfriends already. Did he still like me like that?
I wrung my hands, glancing toward the door and confused at the urge I had to sling it open and walk out. But that was crazy. I’d known Peter almost my entire life. Melody’s death… murder… I gulped as I thought the word. Her murder threw me off, that was all. Becoming paranoid about my closest friends was the worst thing I could do right now.
He frowned as I shook my head and sat back down beside him.
“Yeah, I was too, but I’m alright.” I picked up the conversation where I left it hanging. Though talking about me, and Jared seemed out of place when dealing with Melody’s death. “But we’re both fine with it.”
“You deserve someone better.”
I shifted away at his angry words. “Jared’s a great dragon. We were both at fault. He deserves someone who will really care for him in that way. As do I.”
“You’re right, sorry. I just don’t like seeing my friends hurt.”
“As I said, it was mutual. Time to move on.”
He picked at the edge of the blanket as he murmured, “And Tank? What about him?”
“Here as my friend. I asked him to join me. He could use a vacation as much as I.”
“Does he know he’s only here as your friend?”
Now it was clear, he was jealous of Tank.
I wasn’t sure how to respond, remembering how Tank held me close and carried me back to my room after I fainted. Honestly, Tank being here just as a friend was not what I wanted. After our second kiss, I was fairly certain he felt the same way. Maybe he hesitated because of my recent breakup. Tank was a gentleman beneath the tough exterior. I realized that my relationship with Jared had been over for a long time. Neither of us wanted to say it out loud or be the one to leave.
“Amelie? Did you hear me?”
“No, sorry. Bit scatter-brained now.”
“I asked if you really should have brought a dragon to the gathering.”
“Why not? Jared’s come with me the last two times.”
“Not everyone approves of your decision to bring outsiders to our sanctuary. They’re dragons.” He emphasized the last word as if I had no idea who I brought with me.
“And? It’s time we re-strengthen our alliance with the dragon clans, especially the Shadowguard. Whom we all failed. We can’t stay tucked away from the world forever. That’s how the first war kept dragging on.” I marched to the door and pointed to it. “You know, if you’re going to act this rude about my friend, maybe you should go.”
“Can’t I be concerned for my friend?”
“Not when you don’t have reason to be, at least not where Tank’s involved.” Fighting with a friend was not what I needed at that moment. I sighed, rubbing my forehead as a headache thudded against my temples. “Look, can we back this conversation up a bit and focus on what’s important right now?”
He hung his head but nodded. “You’re right. Not sure what’s gotten over me. Just having someone here I don’t know, what with Melody dying, well, it sets me on edge. Forgive me for being an ass?”
“That’s what friends are for.” I smiled, but something about Peter’s grin was off.
A knock came at the door, and I was never so grateful to be interrupted.
I opened it. Grant, Troy, and Victor were all there. They all hugged me, Troy, the longest and hardest, tears seeping from his eyes. Last I heard, he and Melody had grown closer, very close.
“Why aren’t you resting?” I asked him.
“Can’t.” He wiped angrily at his face. “I keep seeing her dead face. Who would do this?”
“I don’t know, but we’ll get to the bottom of it.” I hugged him again, catching Victor and Grant’s worried looks. Both of their expressions indicated they were worried about Troy. “Did she say anything to you before the festivities started? Was she worried about anything?”
“Nothing she told me about. She was smiling and laughing…” He trailed off, his face paling. “I’m never going to hear her voice again. Or see her eyes light up. What am I going to do?” He broke down, but Grant and Victor moved in to take him, holding him up between them. “I want to know who did this so I can kill them. It’s not fair. It’s not.”
Grant and Victor did their best to calm him down, but he yelled in rage and pain, sinking to the floor. He should get back to his room. Grieving away from prying eyes was the best scenario for him until Melody was laid to rest. My heart broke for him. I was lucky enough not to lose anyone close to me in the most recent battles. I saw plenty of loved ones lose their family and friends then. Now I knew what it felt like. I swallowed back my pain. Now it was time to figure out why she was killed. There was no more time for tears. At least, not until justice was served.
“Take him to his room,” I whispered to Peter. “He needs a calming potion. Let him sleep.”
“I’ll see he gets one. Are you sure you’re going to be fine? I’m here if you want to talk about it, anything really.”
I smiled softly, taking his hand. “I know. It’s going to be a hard few weeks for all of us.”
“Weeks? You’re thinking of staying longer?” His eyes lit up with excitement.
“The valley has been nice, but yeah, something tells me I need to be here right now. Be with the coven.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“Amelie.” Tank stepped into the room, giving Troy a sympathetic look. “I am sorry for your loss, all of you.”
In Troy’s overemotional state, he reached out and hugged Tank. I worried it would be too much to have some strange warlock hanging on him. I was damned wrong. So damned wrong. Like I’d seen him do with other dragons who suffered losses, he held Troy close like a brother and let him cry on his shoulder. There was no judgment on his face at all.
My heart seized, and tears pricked my eyes. I wiped them away.
“You’re going to help find who did this, right?” Troy squeezed Tank’s shoulders.
“I am. Count on it.”
“Thank you for being here. Nice to have a true warrior like you around.”
Tank clapped him on the back.
Grant and Victor gently pulled him away. “Come on, let’s get back to your room, man.”
“Hang in there, mate,” Tank said as they exited the room.
Peter lingered in the doorway, giving Tank a solid once-over. “Yes, how lucky we all are to have you here. Tank. A very distinct name to have. I hope you live up to it.” Then he left.
Tank’s brow rose as he turned to me, arms crossed. “What’s his deal?”
“Not sure. He’s usually not like this.”
“Creepy?”
“You think he’s creepy?” That wasn’t the word I thought of. Rude, a bit full of himself, but not creepy.
“Dunno, just get a weird vibe from him.”
“He’s dealing with the incident as well as he can I guess.”
“Uh huh, and you going to tell me he’s never had a thing for you?”
“Never said that,” I mumbled.
He nodded slowly.
“What?”
“Nothing, just… never mind. I wanted to make sure you were fine before I turned in for the night.” He pushed off the doorway and made to leave, but I caught his arm.
“Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Act like I care what Peter thinks. I don’t, for the record. I want you here. Granted, I never expected there to be a murder while we were here, it doesn’t change that fact.” I held fast to his arm.
His nostrils flared, and a spark of fire puffed out his mouth.
“I know you want to say something else, so just say it. You can be honest with me.”
“Can I?” He didn’t say it angrily, but his frustration was clear to feel. “Don’t worry about me. It’s you who lost someone today.”
“And you who lost people during the war. You never talk about it.”
This time, he did pull away and stepped out the door. “There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Keep telling yourself that.”
“What, you’re going to get angry with me now? What the hell for?”
“You’re hiding something from me.” I poked him hard in the chest.
His eyes narrowed, another spark slipped from his mouth.
“You going to set me on fire for calling you out?”
“Might not be a bad idea,” he said roughly.
“Talk to me, please. When did we stop being honest with each other?”
He scoffed. “Seriously? How about the day we both lied to ourselves three years ago? Bad enough I had to compete with Jared. Now I have to worry about some warlock who still likes you, whether you think he does or not?”
In the middle of the fiercest battle I’d ever seen in my life, Tank held strong, not falling apart. Not freaking out. Now, he was a completely different dragon. It wasn’t all about the last three years. Couldn’t be.
“Stop staring at me like that.”
“Like what?” I attempted to sound innocent. Apparently, I was not good at it.
“Like Everest does when she wants me to talk about what happened. As if that’ll do any good,” he whispered the last sentence bitterly.
“She’s right though. Talking about it helps.”
“Yeah? You think so? Tell me, who did you lose, huh? Who did you see killed before your eyes? How many did you burn on pyres?” His voice lowered with each word. His hands curled at his sides. “Talking about it won’t do a damned thing except make it worse. Trust me.”
“And if you’re wrong? You think you keep working on your house because you’re bored?”
“How did this get turned around on me?”
“Because you’re hurting, and I can see it. And I don’t want to lie to each other anymore.”
His lips parted, but he bit back whatever he was going to say and merely muttered that he’d see me in the morning.
He shut my door behind him, and I was left staring at it in shock.
What just happened?