Lost and Found
Lost and Found
Lex
+25 BONUS
Something is happening at Castle Blackmoor. The servants are hard at work cleaning and decorating the entire place. Food is being brought in along with a new batch of feeders. The biggest significance is the large amounts of blood. I can tell when a party is being planned.
Opal has been feeling better this week, so she’s ventured outside of her room. She’s holding court amongst nobles during breakfast when I enter the dining hall. She’s the only one that will answer a direct question from me, so my options to get answers are severely limited. Biting the bullet, I come over to her despite the disapproving looks from the nobles around us.
Opal scowls at me. “What do you want?”
“Is there going to be a party?” I ask, ignoring the sneers from the nobles. “What’s the occasion?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but my father’s having a masquerade ball. He’s invited all the important families to come.”
“A másquerade ball?” I repeat. “In the middle of a… disagreement between our kingdoms? This isn’t really the best time for such things, is it?”
I have learned early on during my time in Scarlett Thunder that none of the people here think they are at war. Since there has been no actual bloodshed since the initial battle, even if the troops are on standby ready for more, it does look like a whole lot of posturing. A show of force is what they like to say their king is doing. The nobles in court wouldn’t dare imply otherwise.
“Are you questioning my father’s decisions?” Opal practically shrieks. “How dare you? He has done nothing but treat you with more courtesy than you deserve after your brother imprisoned his only son.”
The nobles whisper to each other, and I look around feeling unmoored at knowing I have no allies in the room. No one will defend me or try to vouch for my innocence. I can feel the imaginary noose tightening around my throat. I’m always a step away from losing my head.
“You should be rotting in the dungeon like Jacob is in Crimson Peak,” Opal continues. “An eye for an eye. My father is too merciful for the likes of you.”
“Forgive me, Princess Opal,” I try to appease her. “I would not dare cast doubts on the king’s choices. For he is wise and just. I was only curious about the upcoming party.”
She scoffs. “It doesn’t matter what you think. You’re not going to be invited,”
“Why not?”
This ball is for friends of the kingdom. You are no such thing.” Opal picks up her glass of blood and takes a sip. “My father doesn’t even like you.”
I can’t help the wave of disappointment that comes over me. I have been bored as of late, and a party would be something to do. I’ve been to plenty over my long existence, and it’s something I genuinely enjoy. Being excluded from anything always stings, and I’ve never liked the feeling
I leave the dining hall and go back to my suite. I call Kane who picks up after a few rings.
“Hello, brother,” he greets me, “How is the weather?
1/5
Lost and Found
+25 BONUS
“Terrible,” I reply, leaning against the desk. “There’s going to be a huge storm soon. It’s coming from all over the place.”
“A huge storm?”
“It’s going to be a real show with all the rain and thunder that’s happening very soon. Some people like that sort of thing and will gather around for miles to watch.”
“I see,” he says. “And will you be there to witness this?”
“Unfortunately not as I’ll be stuck in my room and pretending it doesn’t bother me to have to listen to the thunder through the walls.”
“How bad do you think this storm will be? Is it to help with the upcoming drought?”
“Most likely. I don’t know how much rain will fall.”
“Is there a way you can sneak off and watch the storm?
“It’s an exclusive view that I am not privileged to witness.”
“Perhaps if somebody took you with them as a plus one?”
I grimace. 1 don’t really have a friend like that over here.”
“You’ve always been too charming for your own good,” Kane tells me. “You could make a friend even in such a place with bad weather.”
“If you’re suggesting I’m a whore…
“I would never say that.”
“You’re thinking it.” The silence from Kane’s end makes me roll my eyes. “I will see what I can do about making friends. It’s not easy. I have to be careful with who I can trust.”
“Blunt tools can have their uses. Bat your pretty eyelashes at them and see what happens.”
I groan. “I miss the days when I was just useless in the castle, and you never cared about getting…. weather reports from me.”
“Those days are over.” He sounds pleased with himself. “You’re far too old to be hopeless and idle again.”
“But I was so good at it.”
Kane snorts. “I have to go. Be careful, brother.”
“I will.”
The call ends, and I rest my head on the desk. How have I managed to agree to spy for my brother? I never thought I had any skills that could actually be helpful to my kingdom. My one job for so long was to be the spare in case anything happened to my brother
Now, I have to find a way to get into a masquerade ball nobody invited me to. I need to charm an idiot into taking me with them to the ball. The question is who. I bang my forehead on the desk and try to think.
Lost and Found
+25 BONUS
Kane
It’s been some time since I visited Moon Grove. The ancestral land of the Moonraker Pack is lush with trees and farmlands. My car drives by people tilling the fields and picking fresh fruit from trees. It’s harvest season, and the land is bountiful.
Bernard tried to hide his deal with me, and he never invited me to come visit. The last time I set foot in Moon Grove was when my father was king. We came on a diplomatic visit to meet with Emory’s grandfather, Colton. That was a long time ago, and I have seen the scars of war on this land. We drive past plenty of abandoned houses and graveyards.
I sent word of my trip ahead of time to Emory’s young brother, Coit Moonraker. The young shifter is suspicious but can’t say no to me. I promised to come unarmed and only with a handful of my men for protection. If they decide to attack me, I won’t be going down without a fight, and I’ll take a few of them with me.
The Moonraker ancestral home is a large four–story house. It’s modest compared to Castle Graystone but nothing to scoff at. The town car stops, and one of my guards opens the car door for me. Colt, and his mother, along with a few of their pack members, are waiting in front of the house.
“Coit, pleasure to see you again,” to the young
ung man.
Coit visibly swallows before nodding. “Welcome to Moon’s Grove, King Kane.”
I recognize some of the pack members. They were with Bernard when he attacked Emory. I ignore them and look directly to the former Luna of the Moonraker pack. Helena Moonraker stands tall, the only indication she’s nervous is the slight tremble in her hands.
“I would like to speak with you privately,” I tell her.
The shifters around us exchange worried looks, but no one protests. Coit leads us inside the house and what looks to be a study. I can smell his scent in the room and the faint lingering stench of Bernard. This must’ve been the former Alpha’s office that Colt has taken over.
“I’ll be nearby if you need me,” he declares more for his mother’s comfort than mine. “Please don’t hesitate to call for me.”
Helena gives him a reassuring smile. “I’m sure I’ll be fine, son.”
He hesitates before finally leaving us. The door shuts quietly behind him with a faint click
Helena gestures toward the sofa in the room. “Would you like to take a seat? Do you prefer coffee or tea?”
“I would prefer to stand,” I reply. “I’m going to cut to the chase if that’s all right with you.”
Helēna stiffens, worry creasing her brow, and she nods “What did you want to talk about?”
“I’m here on behalf of your daughter.”
Her green eyes widen. “Is Emory all right?”
“She’s pregnant.”
“What?” Helena looks shocked. “With whose child?”
Lost and Found
+25 BONUS
Kane
It’s been some time since I visited Moon Grove. The ancestral land of the Moonraker Pack is lush with trees and farmlands. My car drives by people tilling the fields and picking fresh fruit from trees. It’s harvest season, and the land is bountiful.
Bernard tried to hide his deal with me, and he never invited me to come visit. The last time I set foot in Moon Grove was when my father was king. We came on a diplomatic visit to meet with Emory’s grandfather, Colton. That was a long time ago, and I have seen the scars of war on this land. We drive past plenty of abandoned houses and graveyards.
I sent word of my trip ahead of time to Emory’s young brother, Colt Moonraker. The young shifter is suspicious but can’t say no to me. I promised to come unarmed and only with a handful of
my men for protection. If they decide to attack me, I won’t be going down without a fight, and I’ll take a few of them with me.
The Moonraker ancestral home is a large four–story house. It’s modest compared to Castle Graystone but nothing to scoff at. The town car stops, and one of my guards opens the car door for me. Coit and his mother, along with a few of their pack members, are waiting in front of the house.
“Coit, pleasure to see you again,” to the young man.
Coit visibly swallows before nodding. “Welcome to Moon’s Grove, King Kane.”
I recognize some of the pack members. They were with Bernard when he attacked Emory. I ignore them and look directly to the former Luna of the Moonraker pack. Helena Moonraker stands tall, the only indication she’s nervous is the slight tremble in her hands.
“I would like to speak with you privately,” I tell her.
The shifters around us exchange worried looks, but no one protests. Coit leads us inside the house and what looks to be a study. I can smell his scent in the room and the faint lingering stench of Bernard. This must’ve been the former Alpha’s office that Colt has taken over.
“I’ll be nearby if you need me,” he declares more for his mother’s comfort than mine. “Please don’t hesitate to call for me.”
Helena gives him a reassuring smile. “I’m sure I’ll be fine, son.”
He hesitates before finally leaving us. The door shuts quietly behind him with a faint click.
Helena gestures toward the sofa in the room. “Would you like to take a seat? Do you prefer coffee or tea?”
“I would prefer to stand,” I reply. “I’m going to cut to the chase if that’s all right with you.”
Helēna stiffens, worry creasing her brow, and she nods “What did you want to talk about?”
“I’m here on behalf of your daughter.”
Her green eyes widen. “Is Emory all right?”
“She’s pregnant.
“What?” Helena looks shocked. “With whose child?”
Lost and Found
+25 BONUS
“Mine.”
“That’s not possible. Vampires and shifters can’t have children.”
“Nature has its exceptions. Emory and I are one of them. She’s pregnant with your grandchild.”
The shock has overcome her, and she takes a seat on the sofa. “Why didn’t she tell me?”
“She tried. You won’t speak to her.”
“… I had no idea.” She covers her mouth. “Is she all right? Is she feeling well?”
“She’s been having a difficult time with the pregnancy. Vampire pregnancies are risky, and I heard it’s the same for shifters.”
Helena nods. “There’s a higher chance of miscarriages than for humans.”
“That’s why I’m here. Your daughter needs you. She’s terrified of becoming a mother, and she just wants you there to support her,” I declare. “You’re punishing her for the mistakes your husband made. It was him that caused all of these problems when he went to war for no reason, and then tried to kill his own daughter for exposing the truth. He’s imprisoned in the dungeon of my castle for all the damage he’s
caused.”
The woman sighs. She looks smaller and frailer. “I know Bernard has made mistakes, but he is my mate. And I can’t abandon him when everyone else has.”
“You’re going to abandon your daughter because of him? You’re going to give up being able to know your own grandchild for him?”
She shakes her head. “You don’t understand. I never had a choice in my mate. I’ve stood by him through so much. Even when he was unfaithful to me, through every humiliation and cruel word, I held on. For the sake of my children, my pack, I’ve done my duty.”
“Your duty is fulfilled. Your pack has a new Alpha now. And your Alpha needs you.”
Tears fall from Helena’s green eyes. “Has she said that?”
“Yes,” I confirm. “She wants her mom. Be her mom.”
Emory
Kane has been gone the whole day. He’s not in any meetings in the castle. He left me a note saying he’s off on business and should be back by dinner. Rainer has decided to keep Lola and I entertained by teaching us how to play poker.
I’m not sure if Lola is too young to learn how to play, but she’s taken to it quickly. The card game passes the time, and by tnightfall, Rainer leaves us in better spirits. Lola goes with Helga to clean up before dinner. I’m talking to Nellie about some castle gossip she’s heard when Kane enters the room.
I smile. “Hey.”
“Hi.” He nods to Nellie who immediately leaves us alone. “I have a surprise for you.”
“Is it a good surprise?”
+25 BONUS
Lost and Found
He steps away from the doorway to show the person standing behind him. It’s my mom. She smiles softy and says, “Hello, Emory.”
I let out a cry like a child and run to her. I wrap my arms around her, and there’s the familiar comforting scent of gardenias. She soothes me by running herh ands down my back the same way she used to do when I was small. I can’t help but sob in relief and joy because my mom is finally with me again.
“I’m sorry,” she murmurs in my ear. “I’m so sorry.”
“How?” I pull back. “I thought you were angry at me.”
She wipes at my tears. “I am angry at your father. I’m sorry I took it out on you.”
“It’s okay.” I laugh through my sobs. “I’m just happy you’re here.”
I look past her toward Kane. He did this. He brought me my mother because I needed her. I mouth to him, “Thank you.”
This beautiful, wonderful man–what have I done to deserve him? He only smiles and steps out the door to give us privacy.
Lost and Found
Lost and Found
Lex
+25 BONUS
Something is happening at Castle Blackmoor. The servants are hard at work cleaning and decorating the entire place. Food is being brought in along with a new batch of feeders. The biggest significance is the large amounts of blood. I can tell when a party is being planned.
Opal has been feeling better this week, so she’s ventured outside of her room. She’s holding court amongst nobles during breakfast when I enter the dining hall. She’s the only one that will answer a direct question from me, so my options to get answers are severely limited. Biting the bullet, I come over to her despite the disapproving looks from the nobles around us.
Opal scowls at me. “What do you want?”
“Is there going to be a party?” I ask, ignoring the sneers from the nobles. “What’s the occasion?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but my father’s having a masquerade ball. He’s invited all the important families to come.”
“A másquerade ball?” I repeat. “In the middle of a… disagreement between our kingdoms? This isn’t really the best time for such things, is it?”
I have learned early on during my time in Scarlett Thunder that none of the people here think they are at war. Since there has been no actual bloodshed since the initial battle, even if the troops are on standby ready for more, it does look like a whole lot of posturing. A show of force is what they like to say their king is doing. The nobles in court wouldn’t dare imply otherwise.
“Are you questioning my father’s decisions?” Opal practically shrieks. “How dare you? He has done nothing but treat you with more courtesy than you deserve after your brother imprisoned his only son.”
The nobles whisper to each other, and I look around feeling unmoored at knowing I have no allies in the room. No one will defend me or try to vouch for my innocence. I can feel the imaginary noose tightening around my throat. I’m always a step away from losing my head.
“You should be rotting in the dungeon like Jacob is in Crimson Peak,” Opal continues. “An eye for an eye. My father is too merciful for the likes of you.”
“Forgive me, Princess Opal,” I try to appease her. “I would not dare cast doubts on the king’s choices. For he is wise and just. I was only curious about the upcoming party.”
She scoffs. “It doesn’t matter what you think. You’re not going to be invited,”
“Why not?”
This ball is for friends of the kingdom. You are no such thing.” Opal picks up her glass of blood and takes a sip. “My father doesn’t even like you.”
I can’t help the wave of disappointment that comes over me. I have been bored as of late, and a party would be something to do. I’ve been to plenty over my long existence, and it’s something I genuinely enjoy. Being excluded from anything always stings, and I’ve never liked the feeling
I leave the dining hall and go back to my suite. I call Kane who picks up after a few rings.
“Hello, brother,” he greets me, “How is the weather?
1/5
Lost and Found
+25 BONUS
“Terrible,” I reply, leaning against the desk. “There’s going to be a huge storm soon. It’s coming from all over the place.”
“A huge storm?”
“It’s going to be a real show with all the rain and thunder that’s happening very soon. Some people like that sort of thing and will gather around for miles to watch.”
“I see,” he says. “And will you be there to witness this?”
“Unfortunately not as I’ll be stuck in my room and pretending it doesn’t bother me to have to listen to the thunder through the walls.”
“How bad do you think this storm will be? Is it to help with the upcoming drought?”
“Most likely. I don’t know how much rain will fall.”
“Is there a way you can sneak off and watch the storm?
“It’s an exclusive view that I am not privileged to witness.”
“Perhaps if somebody took you with them as a plus one?”
I grimace. 1 don’t really have a friend like that over here.”
“You’ve always been too charming for your own good,” Kane tells me. “You could make a friend even in such a place with bad weather.”
“If you’re suggesting I’m a whore…
“I would never say that.”
“You’re thinking it.” The silence from Kane’s end makes me roll my eyes. “I will see what I can do about making friends. It’s not easy. I have to be careful with who I can trust.”
“Blunt tools can have their uses. Bat your pretty eyelashes at them and see what happens.”
I groan. “I miss the days when I was just useless in the castle, and you never cared about getting…. weather reports from me.”
“Those days are over.” He sounds pleased with himself. “You’re far too old to be hopeless and idle again.”
“But I was so good at it.”
Kane snorts. “I have to go. Be careful, brother.”
“I will.”
The call ends, and I rest my head on the desk. How have I managed to agree to spy for my brother? I never thought I had any skills that could actually be helpful to my kingdom. My one job for so long was to be the spare in case anything happened to my brother
Now, I have to find a way to get into a masquerade ball nobody invited me to. I need to charm an idiot into taking me with them to the ball. The question is who. I bang my forehead on the desk and try to think.
Lost and Found
+25 BONUS
Kane
It’s been some time since I visited Moon Grove. The ancestral land of the Moonraker Pack is lush with trees and farmlands. My car drives by people tilling the fields and picking fresh fruit from trees. It’s harvest season, and the land is bountiful.
Bernard tried to hide his deal with me, and he never invited me to come visit. The last time I set foot in Moon Grove was when my father was king. We came on a diplomatic visit to meet with Emory’s grandfather, Colton. That was a long time ago, and I have seen the scars of war on this land. We drive past plenty of abandoned houses and graveyards.
I sent word of my trip ahead of time to Emory’s young brother, Coit Moonraker. The young shifter is suspicious but can’t say no to me. I promised to come unarmed and only with a handful of my men for protection. If they decide to attack me, I won’t be going down without a fight, and I’ll take a few of them with me.
The Moonraker ancestral home is a large four–story house. It’s modest compared to Castle Graystone but nothing to scoff at. The town car stops, and one of my guards opens the car door for me. Colt, and his mother, along with a few of their pack members, are waiting in front of the house.
“Coit, pleasure to see you again,” to the young
ung man.
Coit visibly swallows before nodding. “Welcome to Moon’s Grove, King Kane.”
I recognize some of the pack members. They were with Bernard when he attacked Emory. I ignore them and look directly to the former Luna of the Moonraker pack. Helena Moonraker stands tall, the only indication she’s nervous is the slight tremble in her hands.
“I would like to speak with you privately,” I tell her.
The shifters around us exchange worried looks, but no one protests. Coit leads us inside the house and what looks to be a study. I can smell his scent in the room and the faint lingering stench of Bernard. This must’ve been the former Alpha’s office that Colt has taken over.
“I’ll be nearby if you need me,” he declares more for his mother’s comfort than mine. “Please don’t hesitate to call for me.”
Helena gives him a reassuring smile. “I’m sure I’ll be fine, son.”
He hesitates before finally leaving us. The door shuts quietly behind him with a faint click
Helena gestures toward the sofa in the room. “Would you like to take a seat? Do you prefer coffee or tea?”
“I would prefer to stand,” I reply. “I’m going to cut to the chase if that’s all right with you.”
Helēna stiffens, worry creasing her brow, and she nods “What did you want to talk about?”
“I’m here on behalf of your daughter.”
Her green eyes widen. “Is Emory all right?”
“She’s pregnant.”
“What?” Helena looks shocked. “With whose child?”
Lost and Found
+25 BONUS
Kane
It’s been some time since I visited Moon Grove. The ancestral land of the Moonraker Pack is lush with trees and farmlands. My car drives by people tilling the fields and picking fresh fruit from trees. It’s harvest season, and the land is bountiful.
Bernard tried to hide his deal with me, and he never invited me to come visit. The last time I set foot in Moon Grove was when my father was king. We came on a diplomatic visit to meet with Emory’s grandfather, Colton. That was a long time ago, and I have seen the scars of war on this land. We drive past plenty of abandoned houses and graveyards.
I sent word of my trip ahead of time to Emory’s young brother, Colt Moonraker. The young shifter is suspicious but can’t say no to me. I promised to come unarmed and only with a handful of
my men for protection. If they decide to attack me, I won’t be going down without a fight, and I’ll take a few of them with me.
The Moonraker ancestral home is a large four–story house. It’s modest compared to Castle Graystone but nothing to scoff at. The town car stops, and one of my guards opens the car door for me. Coit and his mother, along with a few of their pack members, are waiting in front of the house.
“Coit, pleasure to see you again,” to the young man.
Coit visibly swallows before nodding. “Welcome to Moon’s Grove, King Kane.”
I recognize some of the pack members. They were with Bernard when he attacked Emory. I ignore them and look directly to the former Luna of the Moonraker pack. Helena Moonraker stands tall, the only indication she’s nervous is the slight tremble in her hands.
“I would like to speak with you privately,” I tell her.
The shifters around us exchange worried looks, but no one protests. Coit leads us inside the house and what looks to be a study. I can smell his scent in the room and the faint lingering stench of Bernard. This must’ve been the former Alpha’s office that Colt has taken over.
“I’ll be nearby if you need me,” he declares more for his mother’s comfort than mine. “Please don’t hesitate to call for me.”
Helena gives him a reassuring smile. “I’m sure I’ll be fine, son.”
He hesitates before finally leaving us. The door shuts quietly behind him with a faint click.
Helena gestures toward the sofa in the room. “Would you like to take a seat? Do you prefer coffee or tea?”
“I would prefer to stand,” I reply. “I’m going to cut to the chase if that’s all right with you.”
Helēna stiffens, worry creasing her brow, and she nods “What did you want to talk about?”
“I’m here on behalf of your daughter.”
Her green eyes widen. “Is Emory all right?”
“She’s pregnant.
“What?” Helena looks shocked. “With whose child?”
Lost and Found
+25 BONUS
“Mine.”
“That’s not possible. Vampires and shifters can’t have children.”
“Nature has its exceptions. Emory and I are one of them. She’s pregnant with your grandchild.”
The shock has overcome her, and she takes a seat on the sofa. “Why didn’t she tell me?”
“She tried. You won’t speak to her.”
“… I had no idea.” She covers her mouth. “Is she all right? Is she feeling well?”
“She’s been having a difficult time with the pregnancy. Vampire pregnancies are risky, and I heard it’s the same for shifters.”
Helena nods. “There’s a higher chance of miscarriages than for humans.”
“That’s why I’m here. Your daughter needs you. She’s terrified of becoming a mother, and she just wants you there to support her,” I declare. “You’re punishing her for the mistakes your husband made. It was him that caused all of these problems when he went to war for no reason, and then tried to kill his own daughter for exposing the truth. He’s imprisoned in the dungeon of my castle for all the damage he’s
caused.”
The woman sighs. She looks smaller and frailer. “I know Bernard has made mistakes, but he is my mate. And I can’t abandon him when everyone else has.”
“You’re going to abandon your daughter because of him? You’re going to give up being able to know your own grandchild for him?”
She shakes her head. “You don’t understand. I never had a choice in my mate. I’ve stood by him through so much. Even when he was unfaithful to me, through every humiliation and cruel word, I held on. For the sake of my children, my pack, I’ve done my duty.”
“Your duty is fulfilled. Your pack has a new Alpha now. And your Alpha needs you.”
Tears fall from Helena’s green eyes. “Has she said that?”
“Yes,” I confirm. “She wants her mom. Be her mom.”
Emory
Kane has been gone the whole day. He’s not in any meetings in the castle. He left me a note saying he’s off on business and should be back by dinner. Rainer has decided to keep Lola and I entertained by teaching us how to play poker.
I’m not sure if Lola is too young to learn how to play, but she’s taken to it quickly. The card game passes the time, and by tnightfall, Rainer leaves us in better spirits. Lola goes with Helga to clean up before dinner. I’m talking to Nellie about some castle gossip she’s heard when Kane enters the room.
I smile. “Hey.”
“Hi.” He nods to Nellie who immediately leaves us alone. “I have a surprise for you.”
“Is it a good surprise?”
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Lost and Found
He steps away from the doorway to show the person standing behind him. It’s my mom. She smiles softy and says, “Hello, Emory.”
I let out a cry like a child and run to her. I wrap my arms around her, and there’s the familiar comforting scent of gardenias. She soothes me by running herh ands down my back the same way she used to do when I was small. I can’t help but sob in relief and joy because my mom is finally with me again.
“I’m sorry,” she murmurs in my ear. “I’m so sorry.”
“How?” I pull back. “I thought you were angry at me.”
She wipes at my tears. “I am angry at your father. I’m sorry I took it out on you.”
“It’s okay.” I laugh through my sobs. “I’m just happy you’re here.”
I look past her toward Kane. He did this. He brought me my mother because I needed her. I mouth to him, “Thank you.”
This beautiful, wonderful man–what have I done to deserve him? He only smiles and steps out the door to give us privacy.
