Page 27 of The Ties That Bind
“I am ashamed to say,radost moya.”
Sir squeezed Brie’s hand in reassurance, telling Rytsar, “It is important we know.”
Rytsar hesitated for a moment before granting his request. “She has continually cornered the Reverend Mother when she finds her alone and begs her to…” His voice trailed away.
“Go on,” Sir insisted.
“To penetrate her with a stick.”
“Dear God.” Sir closed his eyes, shaking his head.
“It’s gotten to the point where the Reverend Mother fears for the creature’s safety.”
Brie was confused. “Why was she afraid for Lilly?”
Rytsar let out a disgusted sigh. “When the Reverend Mother refused to do the act, Lilly attempted to do it herself while the venerable woman was watching.”
“Oh, hell,” Sir said with revulsion. “The poor Reverend Mother.”
Brie felt physically ill. She could only imagine how horrifying it must be for the godly woman to be confronted with that. But it also upset Brie to know Lilly wasthatunhinged.
“It is unfortunate that I cannot take the creature off her hands immediately. However, the Reverend Mother and I agree securing the best facility is crucial and she is willing to wait it out.”
“I should have anticipated it would only get worse,” Sir muttered.
“One good thing has come of it.”
“What’s that?” Brie asked, needing to hear something hopeful.
“The effect it has had on the Wolf Pup. After hearing the Mother Reverend’s story and seeing Lilly for himself, he is as driven as I am to extinguish the threat.”
“We’re just talking about finding a suitable facility, right?” Brie pressed.
“Naturally,radost moya. I will do nothing against the creature until you give the word.”
Brie shivered, noting he’d saiduntilrather thanif. She sincerely hoped that day would never come.
“So, would you say Wallace is improving?” Sir asked him.
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Rytsar answered bluntly. “However, this situation has given him something to focus on, which is crucial right now. The boy needs time to process through the loss. In his current state, time is not his friend—but it will be.”
“So, Faelan’s not any better?” Brie whimpered.
“Not yet,radost moya. It will take time. However, there is a fire in his eye when he talks about the creature. It is not only you and Hope he is concerned about protecting, but his own child. His wish to help will serve well enough for now.”
Brie was relieved to hear there was still fight left in Faelan, but the world was a truly twisted place when Lilly could inspire something positive.
“Now that you’ve had time to assess the situation, how long do you think it will take to build the facility?” Sir asked.
“Honestly,moy droog, I don’t foresee any of this going quickly.”
Brie could hear the defeat in Sir’s voice. “I’m afraid I agree. But I am sorry, old friend.”
Rytsar laughed. “For what? I have the power to build an environment that is guaranteed to eliminate the threat. That is priceless to me. As far as Wallace, I welcome the challenge he presents.”
Sir’s voice was tinged with regret. “I have had to lean on you too many times in the last few years.”
Rytsar’s tone became deadly serious. “Moy droog, you and I both have jobs to do. You must take care ofradost moyauntil the birth of the child, and I must deal with this creature.”
