Page 61 of Unbound By Shadows
Selene heard the sharp click of Brunie’s talons behind her and sat down. A platter of sausages was placed near her elbow, followed by a massive fruit salad.
“Eat up, dear,” Brunie said, patting Selene’s shoulder. Selene began to fill her plate and smiled. Although she had only known them for a day, Brunie and Eldridge made her feel like family. It was easy being with them. She could relax instead of being hyper-vigilant to avoid a fight or shrink in her chair so she wouldn’t be criticized.
"So… where’s Sam?" Selene asked, trying to sound casual. She tapped her fork against her plate. "He’s missing out.”
“He’s outside, building me a new workbench. Go call him in, Brunie,” Eldridge said.
Brunie pulled open the side door to yell, “Samael! Breakfast!” When she got no reply, she marched outside. Soon the sound of raised voices drifted in. Although the words were muffled, it was clear that Sam was refusing to come in. Brunie did not accept that answer. They argued back and forth until Brunie sailed back in the house triumphantly, with Sam glowering behind her.
“Good morning, Samael,” Eldridge chirped. Sam mumbled a greeting and slumped into his chair, glancing over at Selene before plowing a hand through his hair. Brunie began to fillhis plate with eggs. His sullen attitude made Selene feel like she needed to fill the silence with something pleasant.
“Brunie, I meant to ask last night, how did you all meet? Have you both spent time at Queen Thema’s castle?”
Brunie’s eyes lit up. “Samael didn’t tell you?”
“No,” Selene said. “But I’d love to hear about it.”
Brunie leaned back as though she were about launch into a sweeping epic, but the sound of a growl made them all turn.
“No,” Sam said. “We don’t need to discuss that.”
“Pardon?” Brunie said.
“We’re not discussing it.”
“Why?” Brunie asked.
“Because I forbid it,” Sam replied.
“Ha! You think you can tell me what I can and can’t say in my own home?” Brunie said.
Eldridge cut in, “Eh… Selene, we know Samael from long ago—a time that’s not worth mentioning. Isn’t that right, Brunie? Not worth mentioning.”
Brunie’s tail-feathers pulsed. She and Sam glared at each other until he said, “Selene, I appreciate your interest, but I don’t wish to reminisce today.”
Selene bit her lip. “I’m sorry, I was only curious about how everyone knew each other.”
Brunie leaned forward to meet Selene's eye. Then a string of words tumbled out of her mouth in one continuous sentence, “We were all held prisoner by vampires who did terrible things until Samael killed them all and burned everything!” When she finished, she sat back in her chair with a satisfied smile.
Sam’s eyes turned from soft brown to a cold red. Then he stood up so fast his chair fell to the ground with abangthat made everyone jump and stormed out of the house.
Eldridge sighed. "Brunie, my love… ”
“What? Selene asked me a question, and you know I can’t keep a secret.”
“I think he wanted to tell her in his own time.”
“It’s my story too!” Brunie said.
Selene wished there was a nearby hole she could crawl into. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”
Eldridge’s eyes were gentle. “You didn’t. Samael is just a bit… sensitive about his past. I’m sure he wanted to tell you, but… ” He stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Now that’s it’s out in the open, I suppose it would be better that you hear it from us. He would only give you half the story.”
“That’s right,” Brunie said. She ran her knuckles over the scarred side of her face. “It was the greatest day of my life when I received these scars, but you’d think it was the worst to hear it from him. Would you like a muffin?”
Selene shook her head, her appetite suddenly gone.
Eldridge crossed his arms. “Brunie and I met Samael when he was a boy. You know he was kidnapped from the Underworld and brought here, don’t you?”
