Arista

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Kieran glanced down and regarded the pacing white wolf, he had something else to ask. With a sigh, he reached out a hand and settled it atop the furred head. The room was silent as the white wolf seemed to ponder it's next move, Kieran’s hand still stop it's head. After a long moment, the white wolf gave a huff and Kieran took a couple steps away.

What happened next was a sight to behold. The wolf's back arched and it's body seemed to shake, a soft throat clearing draws his attention. Madam Isabela is holding out a grey nightgown, he takes it and turns back to face the wolf. Its hind legs and front paws were now arms and legs, the fur slowly shortening and disappearing. It was taking longer then usually, the other wolves were getting antsy. Kieran slipped the gown on when pale arms were lifted, soon enough a crouched figure sat on the carpeted floor.

Wolff was immediately crouched before her, his hands moving around the gashes he found. Kieran noted that the shaking of her form hadn't lessened, it only seemed to worsen. “How long?” Wolff barked out as he began to clean bandage the wounds, the Alpha’s head shook as she swallowed.

“The fuckers caught me mid-shift, then again I think they've been slipping something into my food and drink for a week or two. There's been a shift between the Packs, when I came to I was chained in a room with wolfsbane shackles” She snarled out as Wolff continued to work his magic, Kieran jumped slightly when he felt Ryanair step close to his side. “I lost track of time as I began to struggle, the only reason I managed to get lose was a Beta passed by and seemed horrified I was being chained like that. Apparently according to the Beta, a revolt has begun.” She fell silent as a bottle was pressed to her lips, Esther blinked and glanced at the other wolves.

“And these ones? They were chasing us until you arrived.” Kieran knew the answer but the others didn't, Ryanair remained silent but the elder vampire could feel his curiosity. The wolves shifted where they sat and ducked their heads, it wasn't submission but a gesture of apology.

“Another Alpha commanded them to attack. Usually the Packs Alpha only commands it's members, sometimes if another gives a command they have to obey. That's what happened before I arrived, another Alpha told them with red eyes and a firm voice that they were to attack and not let anyone get out alive. I ask your forgiveness on their part, I also like to thank you for your medical assistance.” The female bowed her head and her packmates mimicked her movement, Kieran stepped forward and helped the female to her bare feet.

“I suggest we all get some sleep, Ynez and her pack need time to adjust as do the rest if us. We'll talk about this when we're calmer and aren't so on alert, there are enough rooms for everyone. Goodnight then.” He stated before offering the Alpha his arm, she took it after a blink of her eyes. Ryanair moved to his side and allowed the wolves to pass, before following him as they moved into to foyer once more. With a huff Ynez gestured her pack to go up, Kieran and Ryanair following behind them. The sound of heels clicking across marble floor told them that Esther and Isabela were close behind.

Rest was what everyone needed. When the sun rose and tomorrow began, they'd speak about their next course of action.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Kieran didn't answer but his friend did, jaws snapping as it turned it's head for face Clara. White ears flicked as it listened to the sounds around it, Kieran increasing his speed as it felt a familiar pull up ahead.

Several barks filled the air and signaled the arrivals of the rest of the Pack, Kieran remained silent as the white wolf snarled. It didn't seem happy and with the amount of blood mixed with white fur he could blame it. He took the lead and decided to answer his fledgling’s question, his mind calling Ryanair to him.

“It's up ahead, no one knows of it's existence since traveling here is so rare. Ryanair, how are they?” He asked as he neared his second fledgling, the blonde glancing at him with relief. He lifted his cloak and handed Wythe back, his lips pulled into frown as the mansion came into view.

“Asleep for now, they're warm and unharmed so I'll count that a good thing.” He offered as he spotted the mansion up ahead, Kieran nodded and glanced down at his friend. He deemed it polite to warn the Pack Alpha of the safety mechanism Madam Isabela had placed.

“There's no fence around the property but Madam Isabela has placed hidden spikes of wolfsbane here and there. She doesn't know your with us but I can guide you around them if you'd like, you probably already smelled them.” A snap of teeth and flash of eyes was his answer, he really shouldn't push any buttons. As they neared, the trees began to thin until they were running in the open. The pack of wolves moving to form format circle around them, the white wolf moving closer to nudge it's head against Kieran’s side. He understood the gesture and turned to the West, jumping over the stream that separated the mansion from the clearing. It was a lit and as they neared, Kieran could feel himself relaxing.

He did as he said and took them on the route that kept the wolves away from the spikes covered in wolfsbane. Ryanair moved ahead of them and entered the house, moving through the foyer and up to the second floor. Kieran made to follow but he stilled when the sound of heels echoed on marble floor.

“Ah, we have guests. Do come in and close the door behind you, follow me into the living room. Madam Isabela’s voice was soft but underlying it was anger and weariness. Kieran gestured for the wolves to follow, taking a moment to slip his shoes and coat off. Wolff appeared at his side at once, gently taking Wythe from his arms. The Healer followed where Ryanair had gone and soon everyone was in the living room. Esther was seated with with a cup in hand, Isabela reclaiming her seat as well as her cup.

“Now would anyone do me the honor of explaining what the fuck just happened? An entire village was lit aflame and a large concentration of wolves just happened to be the cause? I don't like it.” Kieran kept quiet but the white wolf at his side snapped it's jaws and snarled. It's packmates sat and stilled as the white wolf began to pace, it's hackles still raised as if ready to fight.

Hopefully it wouldn't come to that.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Kieran spun and sliced through another wolf as he led them away from the path Ryanair should be taking. He tensed when he felt another presence appear behind him, he relaxed when a white blur rushed passed him. The wolves that had been chasing him stilled and tilted their heads, a show of submission if Kieran remembered. His brows furrowed when he noticed the blood that coated the wolf's white fur, how labored it's breathing sounded.

The white wolf began to yip and bark at the others before it, Kieran watching as the others sat on their haunches and listened. A shake of it's body seemed to be the end of the conversation, Kieran watched as the wolves that had been chasing him not moments ago bowed to him before turning and taking off. The white wolf drew his attention and after a moment it raised its head and howled, the sound echoing in the howling wind. The male took off and doubled back to join up with Clara and Christian, the white wolf following at his heels.

They'd turned the tides now. He was glad he'd made so many friends in his long life, though he had questions for the wolf at his side.

Ryanair’s head snapped up and he dodged to the he right just as a wolf flew passed him, his lips pulled back in in a silent hiss. The brown wolf before him snarled and snapped his jaws, a howl that filled the air seemed to draw it's attention. Ryanair shifted to duck to the left, when a grey blur rushed passed his side. The brown wolf only had a moment to whine before the other was atop it, Ryanair remained still as he watched the wolf remove the others throat. The grey wolf shook it's body and then focused it's gaze on his own, his breath left him in in a rush. He remembered Kieran telling him of a friend he'd made that had a pack, Ryanair knew the wolf before him was an allay.

Wolves were born with either blue or gold eyes, the only ones with red eyes were Alphas. Kieran’s friends pack had variations but he said that they had a symbol that identified them. A tattoo that appeared in either form, one that he could seek when the wolf lifter it's neck. “Thank you, can you help me get these little ones to a mansion East from here?” The wolf shook it's body and barked once, Ryanair couldn't fight the grin and took off.

They had an advantage now.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

“I don't intentionally bring trouble. God dammit, I hate this!” Kieran hissed back, dodging a wolf as it lunged forward. The kids had settled some but awoke when a howl pierced the silence, Kieran tensed and hissed when it was answered. The damn mutts were calling for backup, with a curl of his lips Kieran released a long breath. He had to thin clearly and manage to protect those he cared for.

A blizzard seemed to be building around them, the winds felt harsher and didn't seem to stop. That might help them, Ryanair’s moving figure drew his attention. The blonde jumped and spun, Tyre safe in his arms as he kicks out and snaps the wolf's head to the side. Kieran opens his eyes and allowed a grin to spread across his features, he had a plan now.

“Listen to me, I have an idea and I'll have to act as bait for it to work. Take the children and go to the mansion, this storm will aid us. Clara I know you'd like nothing more then to chew me out but right now isn't the time. We human children we need to get warm, Christian can I ask for both of your help? We can divert the lot of them and send them on on a goose chase. The upcoming storm I'd in our favor, Ryanair go now.” His tone was firm and with a jerk he sent the wolf coming at hum away with a flick of his wrist. He handed the blonde a shivering Wythe and nudged him into action, Ryanair moved after securing his hold on the girl.

Now it was time to get to business. With a roll of his neck, the elder allowed his form to shift before lunging forward. He couldn't tell how many wolves were following them and how many were still in tien, he just had to distract them. Grabbing the closest grey wolf by the scruff of its neck, he lurched into the forest. The wolf snapping at him as he dragged it, five other wolves of varying colors following behind them. Ryanair moved forward and kept the three kids close to him, his body was no better then the wind but they were huddled under his coat at least.

He jumped over a wolf as it lunged for him, it's gold eyes glowing in the darkened area. He was down two arms but he kicked it away when it lunged forward once more. It feel with a crunch and a whine cut in half, the shifting of one of the kids drew his attention away. Isaac was peeking out from under his cloak, his eyes wide and confused.

“Go to sleep and I'll explain we when reach the mansion.” He whispers and sighs in relief when Isaac nods and buries himself back under his cloak. He dodged another wolf and picked up his speed, his destination was through the forest and then to the East.

He'd ignore the mutts and focus on getting the kids to warmth before they froze to death. Ryanair knew Kieran could take care of himself, he was oddly worried for Clara and Christian as well. Hopefully all of them would get through the night in one piece.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

A week passed quickly after that. Kieran and Ryanair juggling their duties with ease and little difficulty. Isabela and Esther visited when they had time, the kids staying over more often than not. Wolff had taken a look at Sena and had instructed both daughter and father to remain still and in bed. Winter had come and with it, the people milling around the streets lessened. The nights were chilly, the mornings were frigid and numbing.

The trouble came when a strange feeling filled Kieran as he read to the kids. His eyes blinking as if it clear them, his pace never slowly as he focused on the feeling. It wasn't from the bonds he shared, it was distant and had him straightening from his reclining position on the couch. None of the kids noticed as he kept reading, Ryanair however lifted his head and stilled.

Something wasn't right.

After the end of the story, both vampires had the children get ready for bed. Once teeth were brushed and clothes changed into pajamas, they were settled into bed. The bedroom the kids were in was in between both of their rooms, a safety measures to ensure they were protected.

The screams began around one that night.

Kieran and Ryanair jolted awake at once, the elder rising from his bed and moving towards his bedroom window. Orange-red flames met his gaze, with little thought he changed into a pair of clothes and moved out of his room. Ryanair met him in the hall, his eyes alter and clothed in warm layers. Both turned to the front door and moved down the stairs, opening the doors they were immediately met with frigid air. Snow had fallen during the night snd with it, the flames seemed glow yellow. The town was in flames, the feeling that had filled him dropping his stomach. Kieran hissed and turned on his heel, Ryanair keeling him to halt when a smell met his nose.

Wet-dog. The snarl that filled the air had the blonde fledgling spinning to aim a kick upward, a pained whine filling the air. The doors were shut and both were in the kids room, shaking them awake with desperate urgency. When the kids were up and dressed, both male's bundled them up and moved to their separate room. Packs clothed and kids in hand, Kieran released a breath and called for Esther and Isabela. His bond unconciously reaching for Clara as he led their group down and into the study.

The sound of shattering glass and angry snarls filled the air. Both male's held their charges and moved to the far window, Ryanair holding a lit stick in hand. “Close your eyes and don't open them until we say, alright?” Kieran advised the children, his mind frantically searching for any other way out of this. The sound of spluttering wood had his head snapping up, a hiss escaping his lips.

“Now!” Ryanair shouted as the door gave way and two slender figures lurched into the room. Eyes blazing and hackles lifted, Kieran turned and kicked the wall behind him. The frigid wind lapped at their faces as they took off, the shrieks and howls of pain behind them fading as they moved away. Their house dancing in flames just like the rest of the town, werewolves had found them.

What else could go fucking wrong?

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Just as he'd predicted, he was asleep halfway through the first story. He awoke with something warm in his lap, and silence in his ears. The study hadn't changed much aside from the carpet and shelves of books, Kieran blinked and glanced down. Wythe and Ryanair were asleep on his lap, his eyes lifted to find Isaac and Sena asleep on the crimson carpet. A book laid opened on the carpet, Kieran not having the energy to reach for it.
His gaze shifted to the window and found that the sun had lowered, it was evening if he guessed correctly. Kieran reached down and began to card his fingers through blonde hair, his other hand settling on Wythe’s back. Their house was silent and Kieran settled down on the leather couch once mode, his eyes closing as a silent sigh escaped his lips. When he awoke again, darkness greeted him, a fire merely swaying in the fireplace on the far end of the room. Ryanair was sitting up, his hand soothing through brown curls. Kieran blinked and focused his gaze on Sena as she slepr, Wythe was still on his lap. The boys were still asleep, curled close and relaxed.

“She started coughing suddenly, I managed to give her warm glass of milk before the others awoke. She doesn't have a fever but I think it'd be a good idea for her to go home, what do you think?” Ryanair whispered so as to not awake any of them, Kieran blinked once more and opened his mouth.

“It's getting colder out, winter will hit soon and I think she's coming down with a cold. I'll call her mother and see what can be done.” With that he shifted Wythe until she was at Ryanair’s side, before rising to his feet and pausing. He turns and finds Ryanair smoothing away black hair, he reaches forwards and nudges his nose against his fledgling’s cheek. He pulled away and crossed the room, exiting it and moving to the phone on a small table near the front door. A conversation later, Kieran stood with Sena in his arms. He could feel the frigid air through the wood, it didn't affect hum but made Sena shiver.

A knock had the vampire opening the door, he offered Sena’s mother a smile in greeting. “How is she?” She asks and Keiran passes his charge over. He can't help but think that the trip to the Shallows were to blame, he pushed those thoughts sway and answered.

“Ryanair gave her a warm glass of milk which seemed to help. I feel like the trip to the Shallows was the blame, it slipped my mind that the water might be too cold for them.” Sena’s mother shook her head and shifted her daughter in her arms, Kieran remained silent as he waited.

“Don't blame yourself, she was so excited and fell asleep immediately when we got home. I think this is related to her father, he's come down with a cough. She's been taking care of him, the trip yesterday allowed her to relax. I'll have a chat with Healer Wolff when I see him, I best be off now. I left dinner on the stove, goodnight Kieran.” With her words, Kieran felt his shoulders relax. The dark-skinned woman turned and her skirts billowed out from the wind. She paused and turned to him, a warm smile on her lips. Kieran blinked and was glad his hearing was enhanced enough to hear her over the howling wind. “Take care of the others and stay warm.” She advised with a wave of a gloved hand, Kieran waved back and stepped inside.

He made a beeline for the study, Ryanair was lifting Isaac up with Wythe secure on his back. Kieran bent down to pick up Tyre and they both moved out of the room and toward the staircase. They settled the kids down and tucked them in, Ryanair starting a fire within the fireplace each room had. Both vampires stepped out into the hallway and shared a look, neither wanting to step out and feed. Twin huffs filled the air as Kieran and Ryanair move forward, meeting in the middle for a hug.

They'd go tomorrow night. Hopefully the sudden change in weather wouldn't dampen their odds.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Finishing his meal took took a big longer than normal, his aching muscles and trembling hands the blame. By the time he'd finished, Esther had relaxed and Isabela was sipping her second cup of coffee. Ryanair dozed beside him, the warmth from him keeping him calm and focused.

The knocks on the door had everyone tensing. Kieran blinked when he heard four familiar heartbeats coming from the other side, Ryanair rising to his feet to check. Isabela and Esther glanced at one another as Ryanair left the room and moved to open the front door, Kieran noticed that Wolff had slipped inside the kitchen.

The sound of several pairs of feet running towards the kitchen had Kieran rising to his feet. The four small figures latched themselves onto him, Ryanair entering a moment later. Kieran noted they seemed relaxed, he patted each head before deeming it time to greet them. “Afternoon my little ones, how are you?” He questions with a soft voice, the little arms around his waist squeeze and he squashed down a wince.

“Good! We missed you!” The said in unison, shifting away to hug Ryanair next. The blonde hugged them each and patted their heads, Kieran decided it was time to distract them with introductions. With a click or his tongue, he had four pairs of eyes on him.

“We missed you as well, did you notice we have guests? You may know two of them.” He states with away gesture of his hand, all four blinked and scanned the room. Excited smiles spread across their faces as they separated and went to greet the two females, Healer Wolff moving to stand by his side.

“Your to follow my directions and keep low, understand?” Was hissed into his ear, Kieran nodded and his a grin when a pair of curious brown eyes landed on Wolff. Isaac walked over and peered up at the brunette, Kieran hid a laugh when Isaac’s head tilted.

“Who are you?” He asks curiously, Kieran feels Wolff stiffen. The Healer sighs and crouches down, patting the boys head with surprising gentleness. Kieran and everyone expect Clara knew that Wolff’s hard exterior evaporated with kids, something that was kept hidden from the Healer.

“I'm the towns Healer, pleasure to meet you. My name is Verne Wolff, and yours?” His gruff voice was softened, Isaac blinked and his head turned as the others moved to his side. Ryanair moved to his side and snorted softly into Kieran’s shoulder, the elder vampire patted his head. The children introduced themselves and upon realizing the male before them has been there for their births, the questions began.

Kieran took pity on the man and stepped forward, leaning down to gather Sena in his arms. The other three turned to him, Wolff rising to his feet with a little cough. Kieran noticed that both Isabela and Esther were moving to the front door, nudging his nose against Sena’s cheek he steers their attention to something they adored.

Stories.

“Say goodbye and we can begin where we left off last time. Politely now little ones.” He set Sena down and watched as goodbyes were said, hugs shared along with kissed cheeks. Ryanair moved to guide their guests out, and Kieran shooed the four away to the study. He turned to his first fledgling and gestured to the oak doors, it as best to let her leave before she stormed out. “I thank you for your help, you may leave if you'd like but I ask you follow Wolff’s instructions. I'm grateful, I hope you recover and have a good day.” He bowed and turned on his heel, Ryanair meeting him in the foyer with a frown on his lips. Kieran managed a shrug before moving forward once more, keeping them waiting would lead to hide and seek. He didn't have the energy to chase down four hyper children, entering the study he sighed softly and pressed his back to Ryanair’s chest for a moment.

He was exhausted. He didn't think he'd get through the first story without nodding off.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Keiran awoke with a snarl.

His eyes snapping open and meeting the canopy above his four-poster bed. His body ached and the trail of fire that filled his veins, had him reluctant to move. He had to however when no noticed a foul stench in the air, apparently Healer, hadn't don't his job fully. Kieran rolled his stiff shoulders and bit back a hiss the movement caused, before slowly sitting up. The world spun and he had to grip the sheets so he wouldn't topple over, his eyes squeezed shut.

Silver was a bitch.

With more effort for this time in the morning, Kieran rose to his feet. He kept his balance with a hand on one of the bed posts, his gaze sweeping down and taking in his appearance. He'd been left in his trousers, his shirt as well a his socks and boots missing. With a sigh, the elder vampire made his way to his bathroom. Turning the warm water on he stepped under the spray, his eyes closing at the scalding water that ran down his face.

Ryanair’s patience was thin. His eyes focused on where Esther sat, her legs crossed and attention focused on Madam Isabela. The blonde noble hadn't stopped talking about Kieran since the food has been served, the blonde male was surprised Wolff hadn't intervened already.

Then again the Healer had finally drifted to sleep after a cup of coffee and a plate of food. A particular giggle has Ryanair gritting his teeth and twirling his fork between his fingers, he needed to shut up. “Like hell are you going to his room and checking on him” He bit out as the last few moments of the conversation reached his ears, both women turned to him at once. Isabela looked amused if not slightly bored, Esther looked annoyed.

“Why not? I'd only to check and then return here-” She began with a huff, Ryanair cut her off with a snort and a wave of his hand. He knew her motives, Isabela chuckled softly and sipped at her coffee.

“We know you wouldn't. You ogle him before trying to touch his skin, really this obsession you have with him isn't healthy. “ She chided with a frown on her face, Ryanair could have kissed her. Esther bristled and slammed her cup down on the table, the fledgling felt bad for both objects as the blonde girl rose to her feet.

“It's no obsession! I will marry him!-” Her words fell silent as a pair of footsteps descended the stairs, Ryanair perked up at the sound. Kieran entered a moment later, his tired eyes taking them all in. He moved forward and sat heavily in the seat beside Ryanair and across from Isabela, Esther was still and seemed to be holding her breath.

“I've told you time and time again, I'll not marry you. You've been my friend for years, and this sudden change in mood these past few months has really tested my limits. We'll be friends and only that--oh thanks you Gran.” He murmured softly as an plate was set before him, Ryanair setting down a cup of coffee. His eyes felt heavy, and his hand shook as he moved it to grab the fork Isabela had placed beside his eggs. He pondered on where Wolff had gone for only a moment, before devouring his food.

Esther remained completely still in her seat. It hadn't been a lie they'd been friends for years and her sudden shift to worship him had taken a toll. Maybe now she'd go back to normal, he missed his snarky best friend.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Wolff paused long enough to aim a glare and gesture tothe second floor. He really wasn't really wasn't a person who cared of others came and went, his patients he did care for.

Which is why any bitching had no effect on him. He sighed and returned his attention to the book in his hand, his voice soft but firm as he answered. “Your staying girly, no buts or excuses. Whoever I'd waiting for you can wait, besides all three of you will heal faster if your closer anyway.” He offered absently, the medical blooms stealing most of his focus. Above Kieran shifted and winced when his muscles protested, Ryanair remained still in the center of his own bed. This wasn't the first time he'd been wounds like this, though the silver was was a double-edged sword. Ryanair settled down and took a momentto be thankful that the Guard had taken the kids home, none if them were able to do it.

Hours pass and soon sunlight streams through windows, the female's are up and cooking. They'd cleaned themselves as best they could, and seemed content to make breakfast. Ryanair rose from his bed and padded towards his bathroom a change of clothes in hand. The smell of food Guided him downstairs once he was finished, his hair covered by a towel. Wolff was at the table, a cup or coffee in hand. Ryanair grabbed two cups and filled them, exiting the kitchen to find Clara still in the corner.

Seems even she couldn't refuse Healer Wolff. He offered her the cup and sipped at his own, his gaze focusing on the position where he knew Kieran’s room was. The other was in no condition to more but he did needto eat, with a sigh he spoke to the girl who'd helped them. “There's a change of clothes that belonged to Esther if you'd like to shower and change. She came prepared with clothes so if you'd like, the fourth door on the right has the clothes.” He offered with a shrug of his shoulders, he was doing this for Kieran and that was it. It also wasn't a lie, both girls had new clothed on and Ryanair knew Esther had brought extras with her. For what purpose- he bit his bottom lip and vanished the thought.

Turning to head back into the kitchen, he finished his coffee and sits down at the table. The smell of food calling him, he'd take a plate to Kieran when he was finished. he needed all the sleep he could get, healing wounds made by silver were tiresome.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

“Drinks?” Esther asked as they moved to the living room, Kieran grunted and was grateful when be was set on a couch. Ryanair huffed and released him to head towards the liquor area they kept in a corner, Kieran blinked and hissed when a palm met his chest.

“I'll bandage your wounds and then leave you be.” Was all Wolff offered before his shirt was removed, a hiss escaping his lips as something was pressed to his skin. Kieran glanced down and saw his chest for the first time, his throat working as he swallowed. His skin wasn't pale anymore, it easy red and raw-looking with blood still seeping from the wounds. A gauze pad was then trailing along the first gash, Kieran made no move to jerk away. By the time he was all bandaged up, Kieran was fighting to stay awake. A fire in the fireplace lit the room in an orange glow, Wolff moved on from him after a moment of pondering him.

Ryanair was next to be checked on, Esther had moved to sit on the carpeted floor. Madam Isabela stood near the window, peering out with a glass in hand. Kieran blinked when he noticed Ryanair offering a glass to Clara, even as Wolff began to treat his wounds. He drifted after that, waking to hear Esther’s curses and Isabela’s soft laughter.

Warmth was settled at his side, Kieran lolled his head to the side and found Ryanair fast asleep in a ball. He hummed softly and then allowed himself to relax and drift once more, he awoke in a dark room. He knew it was his own by the drawn-up curtains, he shifted until he was on his side. Their house was quiet, the clock on his wall reading four AM. Knowing Wolff, he treated everyone even Clara without giving a damn about her complaints. Heat filled his body and Kieran burrowed deeper into his cool sheets, a draw back to too much silver in the bloodstream.

It didn't just slow healing and reflexes, it left a heat that won't vanish until they were fully heeled. Kieran stilled and allowed sleep to pull him under, Ryanair doing the same in his own room. He hadn't sustained many injuries aside from a few gashes, though he could feel the burn. Lady Esther sat in the cushioned armchair in her room and finished her fourth glass of liquor. Her eyes were heavy and closing as she tried to focus outside, she didn't realize when she slipped into sleep. Madam Isabela rolled onto her back, her eye closing as sleep pulled her under. Wolff leafed through the books around him, refusing to sleep in order to read the information within.

@earlymorninstar