They returned to the packhouse together. The brothers disappeared downstairs to clean off the dirt and change. Tom had gone to check on the pups, an old habit. Arthur pulled Finn and Carter into the library, after a quick glance to ensure no one else was there, and closed the door without a sound. He latched the lock, something Finn had never seen anyone do before.
"When you said you freed them all, was Fionn one of them?" Arthur asked. His brows were knit together in worry.
"No, it was Elspeth and two other women. Izadore and Ramsey's mothers. There weren't any others. I checked each room. Well, I mean, there were no other animated horrors in the vault." She felt sick again, her stomach churned.
"You're sure?" He asked again.
"As sure as I can be. I don't know how to detect lingering magic other than smell and the whole place stunk. Izzy checked, that's how I know who the other two were. He didn't say anything about anyone else. I can ask him if you want."
Arthur frowned deeply. "Okay. You both stay here. I'm going to do a parameter sweep and then I'll be back."
"We can help, dad," Carter chimed in.
"I'd rather you both stayed here, okay love?"
They both nodded as Art unlocked the door and walked out in the hall, the door closed securely behind him. Finn walked over to the fireplace and threw on another log as she sat down on the wooden floor, her legs curled beneath her. She moved the timber around with her fingers, to ensure the fire took to the new wood. She hissed slightly when she lingered too long and the flames burned her fingertips.
"Hey! Be careful," Carter said, sitting down beside her. He took her hand into his and kissed her burns softly. He inspected them carefully, to ensure they were not deep.
"I'll heal soon, it's not a big deal," she said as she raised an eyebrow at him.
"Just because you'll heal doesn't mean you should carelessly hurt yourself." Finn just shrugged at his comment. Pain had been such a part of her life, she barely noticed it anymore. His concern was sweet but she had spent so many years seeking it out, she was unsure if she could change her behaviours. Old dogs and new tricks, or so the human saying went. She'd have to ask Eutus.
He held onto her hand and massages it lightly. "You heal so much quicker than we do, is that because of your enchanter side or is it a trait of hybrids?"
She considered it a moment, "I'm not really sure. There aren't many hybrids around. I met one, only once, at the council house but he wasn't part enchanter though, he was part dark elf. The ears and skin tone kinda gave it away."
"An elf and a werewolf?" He asked, eyebrows raised in surprise.
"It's a social faux pas to inquire into people's lineage, dear. Especially hybrids. We are generally unintended consequences of nonconsenting acts."
"You weren't curious?"
"Well, I was," she admitted. "But his tongue had been cut out by his elven relatives."
"Really? Why?" He asked.
"Again, I didn't pry. I also didn't know their specific sign language, which he and his partner were using to communicate. Obeus delighted in teasing me, knowing I would never ask him for a favour. Especially not at the expense of another of my kind."
They sat together in silence for some time. Carter continued to massage her hand, lost in thought. "Why did he take Fionn's body?"
"I don't know. Something perverse most likely. I hope to never find out."
"We'd better stop him, then," he said as his eyes bore into the fire.
(2)
They spent the rest of the evening in the library. Arthur had come by to let them know they had found nothing amiss. He had stayed only for a short time to converse with them, but he was too anxious to sit still for long. Eventually Rachel arrived carrying some food for them. Tom had asked to make sure they were fed. They had thanked her profusely and dug into their meal. Soft bread, meat, cheese and as well as some assorted vegetables was their feast. She had included a bottle of red wine and two stemless glasses. Carter opened the wine to let it breathe.
When they had finished most of their food, he poured them each a large glass.
The night wore on as he peppered her all the questions one generally asked on a first date. He asked about her favourite colour, what kind of music she listened to, her favourite band and so on. Finn didn't have many answers as she hadn't allowed herself to live that kind of life. He informed her of his childhood, his friends, his taste in music, even when he lost his virginity. She listened, sipped at the wine, and enjoyed his voice. He eventually turned the conversation back to the past.
"What was she like?" He asked.
"What was who like?"
"My mother."
Finn was quiet for some time. Carter thought he had pushed too far and was about to change the subject when she started. She finished the last of her wine and placed the glass down.
"Lea was a pain in my ass. She always roped me into her schemes. We got into a lot of trouble," she began. "The pack all call me pigheaded but if I learned it from anyone, it was her. She never took no for an answer. She was kind though, to everyone. She loved to swim. She taught me, actually. I had refused to learn from Anna or Amos. She turned it into a game. She hated red and white wine but she loved rosé. She made everyone celebrate her birthday, even if they didn't want to. She wanted to have at least ten babies," Finn said as a chuckle escaped.
"Really, ten?"
"Oh, yes."
"Then why was it just me?"
"She struggled with infertility, it was very hard on her and Art. Art just wanted her to be happy. She was over the moon the entire time she was pregnant with you. Even during delivery. She almost broke my hand squeezing."
