The Return of the Order: Act 25

Act 26: Blood and Sex

Sebastian pulled Louisa into his arms and kissed her, smearing more of Grell’s blood across them both. Breaking the kiss, he said, “it is not quite the same when it isn’t the blood of our enemies.”

Louisa laughed, “no, being covered in the blood of one of our own doesn’t have the same effect. I think a bath might be in order, my love.”

Sebastian drew a bath and helped Louisa in before sliding down into the water behind her. The warm water worked to remove the bloodstains and the aches from the previous day's events. Louisa leant back into Sebastian as his arms snaked around her and his mouth once again found her neck. As the two relaxed the need to be together overtook the strains of the previous day and it wasn’t long before they left the comfort of the water for the bedroom.

***

Sebastian returned downstairs and took over the watch from Undertaker just a few hours later. Undertaker stood in the middle of the entrance hall, eyes closed and leaning on his death scythe. If Sebastian hadn’t known better, he would have sworn the ex-reaper was asleep. He raised an eyebrow and approached Undertaker.

“I hear you demon, I am merely resting my tired eyes and trying to see beyond the obvious.”

Sebastian shook his head, “then maybe it is time for the rest of you to rest.” He sighed; he was even started to sound like the mad old reaper now.

Undertaker giggled, "catching, isn't it. But no, first I must secure the books I have hidden in my shop. I'm not sure how long my enchantments will hold them back, and we know what can happen if those books fall into the wrong hands, don’t we.”

Sebastian knew all too well what could happen if they gained access to his family’s books. It was through Louisa’s book that he had been able to bring her back with Undertaker’s help. If they learned how the books could be used, the same power could be used to destroy his entire family.

“They don’t know yet, do they, how the books can be changed?”

“No, but if they were to access Louisa’s records, then they may learn, and whoever is leading them may be powerful enough to do what you fear.”

With that, Undertaker swung his scythe, cutting through reality and disappeared. Sebastian stood for a moment, before taking a deep breath and making his way around the manor until he was content that everything was as it should be. He then swiftly moved upstairs to check on the two reapers. Sebastian was ill-prepared for the sight that greeted him as he entered his son's room.

Grell lay in the bed, precisely as Sebastian had left him; however, Raven now lay next to him, fully dressed and above the covers, but it was still almost too much for Sebastian. He opened his mouth to reiterate any one of countless warnings, only for Grell to raise a finger to his lips and utter a whispered, “quiet.”

Sebastian walked over to Grell intent on whispering said warnings if need be but was stopped again by Grell.

“My dear Sebastian, I could hardly take advantage of your young man in this state even if I wanted to, could I?” Grell scrunched his eyes as pain ran through his chest. He stopped, waiting for it to pass before continuing, “besides, I, never mind, you would never believe me anyway.”

Sebastian was lost for words. Grell never used his full name, not without drawing it out with his uniquely annoying whine. He certainly never gave up on a point without a fight. Recovering his senses, Sebastian moved closer, “shall we focus on the immediate issue and see to your wound.”

Grell nodded, allowing Sebastian to move the covers and access his heavily bandaged ribs. Sebastian’s brow furrowed. Blood was already seeping through and judging by the colour of the wrappings it was more than a little trickle. Sebastian looked across at Raven, While he was far from happy to find him asleep this close to the reaper, he was loath to wake him; however, he would need his help to change the poultices and rewrap the bandages without causing Grell unnecessary pain.

Grell saw the dilemma in Sebastian’s eyes, “leave him a little longer. Check on William first, then wake him if you must.”

Sebastian nodded and replaced the covers. He left for Lilith’s room, all thoughts of the warning he had ready for Grell already slipping from his mind. Seeing his daughter asleep, laid with her arm across the other reaper did little to lighten Sebastian’s mood. He may have been more prepared for this, but it didn’t mean he liked it anymore. Lilith stirred as he entered the room, as she opened her eyes, she shot her father a look warning him not to wake the still sleeping William.

"Daughter, I must see to his injuries." He kept his voice light, knowing that part of her blamed him for William being taken. Perhaps she was right, if he hadn't made William feel so uncomfortable on the roof, maybe he would have been more aware, and perhaps he wouldn't have been taken. However, it was just as possible, given that this was done by reapers, that his actions played no part in it at all. He shook his head to clear his thoughts, either way, he was the twins’ father, and he would have some say in how they conducted themselves.

Guilt plagued the back of his mind as he checked William's progress. The smaller scraps and cuts were all but gone. The hole in his shoulder and the mess that remained of his right hand would take much longer. "Has he woken at all yet?" Sebastian asked.

“No, he was fitful at times but never woke completely.”

Sebastian smiled, attempting to calm his worried daughter, “that is a good sign, at least he is in this world. They are both showing amazing resilience.”

“Grell is recovering?”

"He is awake, but keeping him that way will be hard work if I cannot stop the bleeding."

“The effects of the enchanted blades?”

"Yes, I must wake Margaret and see if she can do any more, I'm afraid this may be beyond my abilities, and without access to the library I am at a loss."