Page 51 of The Other Omega

DARIUS STORMFORGE

AGE: 33

BIRTH PACK: FROSTMERE PACK

CAREER: DIRECTOR OF STORMFORGE SECURITY

My eyes stopped on his career. “Internal security for the Pack?”

“Yes,” Eleanor said. “Stormforge is not an ordinary Pack, sweetling. Their security requirements are considerable.” She gave a small laugh. “Keeping my own daughters safe is demanding enough. I can only imagine the extent of Darius’s responsibilities.”

Fair point. Another line caught my attention.

INTERESTS: MECHANICAL PUZZLES · PUZZLE BOXES · LOGIC & DISENTANGLEMENT PUZZLES

“And he likes puzzles?”

“Of every kind,” Eleanor said. “Mechanical puzzles, logic problems, puzzle boxes, interlocking pieces. I’ve been told it’s remarkably difficult to find one that occupies him for long.”

“I like that.”

“Would you call that cute?” Ivy teased.

“No.” I studied Darius. “That’s actually strangely attractive.”

Nora groaned. “Mother, she’s becoming quite impossible.”

Chapter 12

Elowen

“Come, sweetling. It’s time to rise.”

My eyes flew open to find Eleanor moving around the room, throwing open every curtain she passed. I shielded my eyes as morning sunlight flooded in.

“Good morning,” I mumbled, slowly sitting up among the books and notes I’d fallen asleep in.

Her hair was already arranged in an elegant twist, not a strand out of place, and she had her pad in one hand. She sent one maid to the changing room and another to the bathroom without slowing.

“Sweetling, did you manage any rest?” Her gaze travelled over the mess I’d made of the bed.

“I did.” I finally got to my feet. “I just⁠—”

“Wished to learn a little more.” She smiled and came towards me, wrapping me in a hug so tight I could barely breathe. “I’m so proud of you, Elowen. I know how frightened you are, yet you’ve shown such courage in facing all of this.”

She drew back and cupped my cheek. “I am very proud to have raised you.”

My eyes blurred. I tried to hold it in, but a sob escaped, and just like that, I was back in her arms.

My mum had never had the chance to say something like that to me. I’d been so little when she died, and I wasn’t ready to hear those words in Eleanor’s voice.

“Oh, dear. I’ve brought you to tears.” Eleanor laughed softly, her own eyes glistening. She took a small cloth and dabbed beneath her eyes, then wiped mine with the same care one would use on a porcelain doll. “We cannot have you crying before we’ve even begun.”

I gave a watery laugh. “You’re right. It’s too early for anything but coffee.”

She kissed my forehead and went straight back to organising everyone. “Fortunately, I’ve arranged for the very best to prepare you. Now, to the bathroom, sweetling. We have a great deal to do, and we must be ready to depart on time.”

“Right. Bathroom.” I started towards it.