Tomorrow's Shadow: Part III - Full Circle

By Marcus Kruger

The ebb and flow of love is as sure as the tide. Whether rising or waning, its movement is sure and reliable. And sometimes, sometimes, it sticks around.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MB Krueger
• Release date: Feb 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311946096

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Tomorrow’s Shadow

Part III

Full Circle

Copyright 2016 Marcus Kruger

Published by Marcus Kruger at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Prologue

An Agonizing Farewell

Seeking Truth

Uninvited

Rebuffed

Regarding the Heart

Trouble in Paradise

Divide and Conquer

Closing In

Springing the Trap

Goodbyes and Farewells

Season of Change

Words of Wrath

Time Waits for No One

Aftermath

Resolution

~ Prologue ~

He is wolven. You can have nothing to do with him. Vargon glared at his chylde, his eyes ablaze with anger. By the Fates, you are Prince!

Stefano fought to contain his kindred anger. You have a friend that is wolven. You stated it yourself. She was your friend even while you were Prince. Stefano sipped his bloodwyne, watching Vargon over the rim of his glass with hooded eyes. How is that so different?

She maintains her mortal form except during wolfmoon. You told me yourself that your past love gave himself over to the night fully.

I hardly see how…

I will not debate this with you.

"Nor I with you, Lord Vargon. I do, however, suggest you remember who is Prince now and speak with the respect due to such. Or, to quote my predecessor, I shall take the actions allowed me by convention, by tradition – indeed, by law."

Against your own sire.

Who taught me that the duties of a Prince outweigh the bonds of sire and chylde?

Vargon paused, then bowed his head. As you wish, my Lord Prince. May you find the strength to live by your own convictions. He turned and walked out the front door.

Gerik stood beside his mate, his eyes wide. I have never seen your sire in such a state.

Nor I, my heart.

Viktor looked up from his ledger. You realize, m’Lord, he only wants what is best in his eyes.

Stefano sighed as he regarded his manservant. I know, Viktor. But he oversteps himself, which is very much unlike him.

Which should tell you how concerned he is.

Mayhaps. It is still uncalled for.

Of course, m’Lord. If you will excuse me.

Stefano watched his friend and manservant disappear through the door to the kitchens. As the door closed, he turend to Gerik. Am I so in the wrong? All I stated was that I wished I knew where Nikolos was so I could speak with him.

I do not believe you are wrong in wishing so, Stef. I won’t say that I am pleased with the prospect of you being with him. But only because I do not know him as you do, and he is wolven. He stepped behind the bar to freshen their drinks. Do you have any way of contacting him?

No. Of course not. I did not even say I was planning on searching for him. Only that I wish I had a chance to talk to him. To learn for myself what happened the day he disappeared.

Is that not somewhat obvious, my heart?

Stefano sighed again. I suppose it is, Gerik. I suppose it is.

Gerik idly tapped the side of his glass.

What is it, Gerik? You only do that when there is something on your mind..

I was wondering if you still planned on going to House Verenthal tomorrow eve.

I had forgotten. Yes, of course. I gave my word, we have no choice..

My thoughts as well, beloved, though I am beginning to understand your hesitance in spending time with mortal-kind.

----

Early the following evening, Viktor watched as the sun slipped below the horizon in a blaze of gold and crimson. He stood at the balcony rail, sipping a mug of an herbal mixture of his own creation. Though his eyes watched the splendor of shifting colors, his mind was on other matters. Should I tell Lord Stefano that his sire no longer responds to my reaches? I doubt Lord Vargon would wish it, but without the ability to speak with him I am left to my own judgement. If I spoke it, what purpose would it serve? I am not truly concerned over it - I do not sense anything has happened to my old friend - but that he avoids responding troubles me nonetheless. As the sky faded to a dark violet he finished his brew and stepped back into the Keep.

Once inside, Viktor nodded to lords Stefano and Gerik as they descended the grand staircase and crossed to the bar. Stefano stood quietly, exercising his patience as Gerik fussed over his sire’s cravat and the creases of his shirt. When Stefano reached for his snifter of brandy, Gerik smacked his hand away.

Hold still. I’ll be done in a moment. As the younger kindred began tugging at the sides of the waistcoat, Stefano finally brushed him away.

Enough. I am not some debutante about to be presented at court.

Lord and Lady Verenthal are prominent within the houses of Atterstock and close acquaintances to my parents. I only wish to make the best of impressions on them.

You think they will get your parents to accept us? After all your father has said against our relationship?

No. But I’d rather they not report badly.

Does that mean I am not to touch you?

No. Of course not. Just …

Just don’t be you?

Gerik swatted Stefano’s shoulder. I am not that bad.

Stefano smiled as lust burned in his dark eyes. "No, love. You are that good."

Viktor cleared his throat and headed for the bar. Are ye ready to depart for your evening’s engagement? I can send for a carriage to be ready when you reach the mainland.

Gerik gasped. I had forgotten. Thank you, Viktor. We’d be lost without you.

Viktor bowed his head. Happy to be of assistance, Lord Gerik.

Stefano rolled his eyes and grabbed his drink, taking it in one gulp.

Viktor started to step away but stopped. Master Stefano, I have need to tell ye I heard from the workmen. They shall be here to replace the balcony doors on the morrow.

Excellent. Thank you for tending to that, my friend.

As always, it is my pleasure to serve, m’Lord.

Stefano checked the time before pouring himself a refill and sighed. I suppose we best get to the stables and head for the ferry. Viktor, if you would release a bird for the ferryman he can probably send for the carriage before he heads across.

Viktor nodded and disappeared into the kitchens.

Later, as they rode in the carriage, Gerik prattled on about the Lord and Lady, how his parents and the Verenthals would get together for various functions, how the ladies held teas for the women of the district, and how the lords would hunt quail and pheasant. Stefano answered from time to time with a noncommittal grunt as he gazed out the window at the passing scenery. 

The road circled around a small lake bordered by different types of tree and undergrowth. Being late in the seasons, leaves were turning to a brilliant cacophony of reds and browns, golds and oranges, interlaced with various intensities of green. The air was crisp with the clean smell of autumn; the only sound was the gentle rhythm of horse hooves on cobblestone. Stefano was relaxed into the atmosphere of the pleasant surroundings when he heard Gerik repeatedly said his name, each time in rising frustration.

"Stefano. Are you even listening to