SWNOVELS Chapter The Best of Us
But downstairs, Elsabet interrogated Alazareth. Moments before she’d have given up, frustration overwhelming, Alazar interrupted her.
“When we were young it was always I that took care of him. He was ceaselessly in trouble and too reckless to care.” He gave a self-deprecating smile.
“That sounds like him.” She murmured, calming.
“Looking at us now, most would be surprised to realize how often I seek advice from him. I’ve learned he’s of purest spirit.” Alazar scooted closer to her to confide. “This is why creatures flock to him, be they animal or man. It’s why his presence is nearly joy itself, to most. There is no one that crosses his path, that he doesn’t take into his heart. Sometimes in the smallest way, sometimes the largest. Once he’s become loyal to you, you’re his. Forever.” Alazar’s words were ominous.
“What do you mean?” She gave him a quizzical look. Leaning back.
“Everyone becomes his brother, sister or mate.”
She scowled at that.
“He’d give all he is for anyone that asked it of him.” Alazar rose with a sigh. “Take a little advice. Give him what he wants, Elsabet. It’ll be easier on you. He’ll not stop until he gets it.” He headed for the door.
She squawked in objection. “Do you mean becoming his ally or becoming his?”
Giving her a soft smile, he’d say nothing more on the subject. As he continued walking away, she began shrieking threats at his back.
She quieted when Alazar tossed one of his unflappable glances over his shoulder. “He’s the best of us, you know?”
“Who?” She asked.
“You know who.” He peered reprimandingly down his nose.
She blinked at him.
“Bast.” He explained. “Aside from our Captain, he’s given the most.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve seen what he sacrifices every time he leaves this castle.”
“What do you mean?”
He shook his head, lips tight and walked to the stairs. Heading up despite her shouted epithets for him to stop and explain.
Upstairs, Bast’s golden eyes glinted with the reflection of firelight and his lips turned up with amusement as he heard her screeching, even from his seat in the window slit watching the bailey below.