Page 68 of The Silent Mountain
“Elio, it’s probably a trauma response. Your brain has made you forget as much as possible, and that’s not a bad thing.”
“Can you remember them?”
“Yes,” I admit.
“But you never talk about them!” he exclaims. “I thought you might have forgotten, also. You hardly visit their graves, and you never mention them.
“I do visit their graves in my sleepless nights,” I admit. For a split second, I see it with my inner eye again. My youngest sister died in my arms, her little hand clinging to my shirt as if she were hoping I could save her. None of my siblings reached adulthood, which is probably why I am so protective of Elio. “I saw each of them die,” I admit quietly. “When I was in my endless sleep, I kept thinking about them and reliving their death every day. That’s why I never talk about them.”
“I didn’t know that,” Elio says, sounding shocked. “I am sorry for asking.”
“No, I think you are right. I should talk more about them, to help you remember and to have their memory live on. I haven’t told Alana much about my past, either. Maybe I should do that.”
“Did she never ask?”
“Just once,” I admit. “Then she said I can tell her at my pace.”
“She is so cool!” Elio beams. “When I am old enough, I hope I find such a cool mate too.”
“I am sure you will.” I pat his leg. My dragon has had some rest, and my senses are alert again. They have easily detected a well-known presence. “Come, let’s head back. Theodor was afraid I might beat you unconscious. If we don’t return anytime soon, he might just have a heart attack with worry.” I say the last words loud enough for anyone outside to hear us.
When Elio and I step outside, Stefan and Theodor are awaiting us. The latter looks completely flustered, avoiding looking at me, while Stefan just smirks in his amusement.
Alana wears a dark blue velvet dress for dinner, very much to my surprise. She always looks amazing, and I very much love her in her pants and loose shirts. They are more practical for the work she does outside. But there is something about her in a dress that just makes her look otherworldly. The dark blue goes so well with her red hair. My beast is very much intrigued too.
We are having dinner with Elio, Stefan, and Theodor this time. It has become a custom for us to dine with our closest allies and ranked members. Ludwig and Barbara are always invited, but today, Ludwig is looking after Barbara to make sure she is eating and recovering. Sometimes, Frederick and Cassie join us as well, but today, both of them are awaiting the new witch’s arrival.
Leaving just our small circle.
When Alana walks past me, I grab her by her waist and pull her back. “You look dangerous,” I say, making her laugh and Theodor blush slightly. “Dangerous enough that I’m contemplating removing Stefan’s eyes for even looking at you.”
“Your Highness, I am not the only man at the table,” Stefan says, chuckling slightly.
“That’s true, but the other men are my own brother and a young warrior who is too nervous to look at me, let alone my mate.”
“He is right,” Elio says, turning to Theodor. “Theo, you are being completely awkward.”
“I have insulted His Highness more than once today,” he mutters. “I want to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
“At least for tonight, right?” Stefan asks seriously.
“Yes, exactly, for tonight,” Theodor answers eagerly before frowning. “Wait a moment, I didn’t mean just tonight.”
“He is just teasing you,” Elio says. “Don’t take it too seriously.”
Without being the slightest embarrassed, Alana removes my hands from her waist and takes my head between her hands, kissing me briefly. I don’t know what changed for her, but whatever it was, I hope it stays. I love how boldly she claims me!
At her display of affection, even Stefan remains speechless, a rare sight to behold.You should do that more often,I tell her.I love how it makes the others shut up.
I didn’t know you could be so silly,she grins.But I like that side of you.
What other side do you like?I tease.
She wouldn’t be Alana, though, if she was easily embarrassed.You have a very intriguing behind.
At that, I can barely contain my amusement. “Let’s have dinner,” I say to distract myself.
Dinner is lively, as always, when Elio eats with us. He is just a cheerful, kind person and easily lightens any atmosphere. The clan loves him and, for that reason in particular, cherishes him. I am just glad he is starting to understand his role.
