Bellatrix remained standing next to the desk, as though sitting in Tiberon’s chair would mean accepting it.
"Let me be very clear," she clipped. "Reporting to me means nothing. You will continue training. You will not come to me with questions, problems, or anything that requires me to pretend I care about your wellbeing."
True to her brand, she gave a pointed look at Serena on the wellbeing part of that statement.
"I am not your mentor or your friend. I am a woman who has been given a task she did not want and does not intend to do well."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Elara and Serena answered.
She flicked her hand towards the door, not looking at either of them. The dismissal was identical to how Serena had seen her treat her omega servants.
"Well?" she snapped. "Why are you still standing in my study? Do you need a written invitation to leave? Shall I have it calligraphed?"
Neither answered. They didn’t need to be told twice.
They walked in silence through the castle corridors. Neither of them spoke until they were safely in Dexmon’s chambers with the door closed behind them.
"Tiberon himself is going after them," Elara whispered.
"We aren’t being told all the information. Shocker." Serena sank onto the edge of the bed, her mind racing. "It means something has gone very wrong."
"Or," Elara countered. "They found out where they are and need him to negotiate."
Serena gave her a flat look.
✦✦✦
The next day, after training, Serena and Elara made their way to the healing wing per usual. They’d been trying to corner Alaric for weeks. And finally, they got him.
He looked up, jumping when he saw them, papers flying out of his hands like startled birds.
For a man who’d been successfully avoiding them, he looked remarkably unprepared for the moment his luck ran out.
He straightened, clearing his throat. As if the last five seconds didn’t happen.
"I don’t have any updates. And even if I did, I wouldn’t be authorized to share them with you. Save your breath."
✦✦✦
Another four days went by. Serena’s closet still smelled like Dex, but her sheets didn’t anymore.
Elara let herself in after training, took one look at Serena’s face, and sat down without being invited.
Serena poured two glasses of wine, filled to the rim.
Elara gladly took hers. "Talk to me, Frostborne."
Serena began pacing, wine in hand.
"I can’t believe Dex and Hale left us, without word. I mean gods, did they think we wouldn’t notice?"
Elara snorted. "You are back in the denial stage of grief. I’ve accepted it. Though, can you imagine if we did that to them?"
"I mean, we’ve been here for what, two and a half months? I guess we haven’t been mates for that long. Maybe..." Serena’s voice trailed off, eyes reddening.
Elara gave her a knowing look. "Serena, just because Shadowclaw ghosted you doesn’t mean Dex is ghosting you too."
"Shadowclaw is in Orosia," Serena snapped.
Elara put both her hands in the air. "Fine. But it doesn’t change the fact he left without saying anything."
Her words landed where it hurt. Serena took a large sip of her wine.
"Clearly. I must be that ghostable that my two fated mates left without saying a goddamn word."
"Oh, I’m with you. Hale is not going to have sexy time when he comes back. At least not for a day." Elara lifted her chin. "He’s going to earn it."
"Same," Serena fumed. "Though Dex and I have only had sex four times so not much would change. And two of those times were the day before he left. He marked me. Then I wake up and he’s gone."
"Oof. That timing is terrible," Elara said. "That last time must’ve been so bad that he decided to bail."
Serena gave her a flat look. "I was just getting over everything and he leaves."
Elara sighed. "Three months ago, we didn’t know them And now we’re worried sick."
"Right?" Serena stopped pacing. "I’m so fucking worried."
Elara took a gulp of wine. "Serena, we’re not allowed to leave Drakenfell."
"I know."
"He gave us a direct order."
"I heard him, El."
"So you’re not going to do anything stupid, right?"
Serena didn’t answer.
"Serena."
"I’m thinking."
Serena spun on her heels and faced Elara. Her face was pale, her jaw tight. She was scared too. Scared for Hale, for Dex, for all of them.
"I’m done waiting."
Serena and Elara made their way to the library. Halvek and Alaric had already proven themselves unhelpful. Blockers who would shut this down on Tiberon’s order.
Mage Portal Creation: Theory and Practice.
The Geography of Orosia: A Comprehensive Survey.

Fae Portal Magic: Methods and Applications.

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