Chapter 573: The Lies That Cut Deepest
Stryg awoke to the smell of bloodwine, tickling his nostrils. His eyes snapped open, his pupils narrowing to slits, a sudden hunger itching at the back of his throat. He was back in the Noir’s parlor. Melantha and Holo were at a table, pouring over an old yellowed map. Unalla and her parents were sipping tea and talking amongst each other, all the while eyeing Gale who sat across from them, a goblet of bloodwine in her hand.
Stryg tried to move, but a soft hand kept his head still. He was lying on someone’s lap. He glanced up to find a human woman looking down at him, gently playing with his hair. At least she looked human, save for her silver eyes. Stryg recognized those eyes anywhere.
“Mother Moon,” Stryg gasped and sat up with a jolt. “I’m sorry, I don’t… I don’t remember how I got here.”
Stryg wasn’t sure, but he could have sworn he saw a pang of pain in Lunae’s eyes, but it was gone in a flash.
“It’s alright,” she said softly. “I put you to sleep so I could have a talk with your sisters.”
“You did what?” he blinked and glanced at the two women in question. He knew their ears were as sharp as his if not sharper, but Melantha and Holo seemed too preoccupied to pay attention.
“Welcome back, my lord,” said Gale with an inclination of her head.
Stryg ran his hand across his face and yawned. “What is happening?”
“Nothing, really. We’ve been chatting for the last hour or so,” said Gale.