CHAPTER 265: GOOD MATE

*******

"You’re back."

Esme shot up from the bed the moment Donovan stepped through the door. She rushed to him, her hands fluttering anxiously as her eyes swept over him from head to toe. She turned his face to the side to check for any bruises, cuts, anything.

"Esme–"

"They hurt you, didn’t they?"

Even though she found nothing, her heart refused to believe it. Something in his eyes, something unspoken, told her otherwise. It made the anger and the frustration she had been holding explode.

"What exactly do they even want from us?" she demanded. "We already told them the truth, didn’t we? So why keep doing this– Why hurt you behind closed doors like that? If they were so righteous, they’d do it in front of everyone with convincing reasons. But that’s not going to happen because all kings of today are the same— mad, hypocritical fools drunk on the power of their own crowns. Just wait till I–"

"Esme, hold on."

Donovan caught her arm before she could storm past him. He knew she was going to go to them and he couldn’t afford to let them place their attention on her. Her glare softened only slightly when she saw how serious he looked.

"No."

He shook his head.

"They didn’t hurt me. I’m fine. Really."

Esme stared at him for a moment longer, as if searching for any hints of lie before releasing a sigh. In replacement of anger, exhaustion and anxiety took over.

"What do we do?" Her voice trembled despite how softly she spoke. The worry in her tone clung to every word.

"This is just... not going well for us. He’s saying the witches are dead, Leonardo and Cora are nowhere to be seen– it’s just... too much. Some days I just want to close my eyes and wake up to find everything fixed. I want everyone to be free again. I’m so tired of all of this back and forth."

"It’s okay," Donovan murmured, his tone low and steady. "I’ll handle the rest. As for Leonardo and Cora, you don’t have to worry about them either... they vanished because I told them to."

Esme’s eyes widened at his words.

"What?"

He gave a small nod. "While Lennox was talking, Leo used his curse to make sure no one would notice him. Then he slipped away and took Cora with him."

"What? Why would they–"

"To find the witches’ hideout," he cut in gently.

Esme frowned. "But isn’t that too dangerous? How are they supposed to find it by themselves? Plus, it’s raining heavily outside– what if they can’t find any shelter or somewhere to stay for the night? I think we could have gone about this a different way. They’re new here too, just like the rest of us. What if they get lost?"

"I did consider that." Donovan sat down on the bed, dragging his fingers through his hair with a weary sigh. "But nothing will get done if we keep worrying like this. Leo and I already traced a map. Look, the High Magus doesn’t even believe they’re still alive. This might be our only chance to prove that they’re hiding somewhere within reach."

There was silence for a moment.

Esme crossed the room to the nightstand and poured a glass of water for Donovan. She returned to his side, offering it to him.

"Here."

He met her gaze for a brief moment before accepting it, but he didn’t drink.

Esme hesitated for a moment before crouching in front of him, and she made him drink it. She received the cup after he was done and set it down on the carpeted floor beside her before facing him again.

"It’s fine if you don’t want to tell me everything," she began softly. "I already said this before and I do mean it. But stop shutting me out. I can feel you pulling away, and I don’t like it. You’re always so lost in thoughts for the past few days and it’s... scaring me. I’m scared because I don’t understand why. Did I do something wrong? If I did then I’m—"

"It’s not you."

He interjected before she could complete the apology, taking both her hands in his. His grip was firm and reassuring, but his eyes told a different story.

"I’m the one who should be sorry," his voice dropped, quiet and rough around the edges. "I’m not being much of a good mate right now, am I? I dragged you into this."

Esme shook her head immediately.

"That’s not it. With everything going on, I understand our responsibilities come first. But... I just don’t want to feel like I’m talking to a stranger. I won’t force you to say anything if you aren’t ready, but please remember that you’re not alone, okay? You can always vent if you want to, you can cry out, you can scream at the top of your lungs until you’re satisfied. But don’t distance yourself from me, from everyone."

His lips curved into a faint, fleeting smile before he pulled her into his arms. Esme hugged him back, and he held her tight— maybe a little too tight, as though something inside him refused to let go.

There was a quiet ache behind his eyes, a sadness he didn’t bother to hide this time, but also one he couldn’t bring himself to openly say. But this... holding her like this, was already enough for him.

******

The pale light of dawn spilled through the cracks in the shutters, painting the room in soft gold. The fire had died sometime during the night, leaving behind only a few dull embers and the lingering warmth that clung to the air.

Leonardo stirred first with a groan. His head felt heavy, his limbs stiff, but at least the bone-deep cold from the night had been eased. For a blissful second, he forgot where he was and didn’t question it. But that was until he felt something soft brushing against his arm. He opened his eyes, turning his head only to find himself staring at a tumble of dark hair resting against his shoulder.

His entire body went rigid. No... no, no, no.

Cora was asleep beside him.

Her breathing was slow and even, a stray lock of hair falling over her cheek. The blanket was drawn up to her shoulders, and beneath it, her hand rested casually against his chest. The sight might have been peaceful, comforting, even, if not for one horrifying realization that struck him all at once.

He looked down.

His clothes were gone.