Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Gallowglass’s boots thudded on the wooden floorboards of the emptied out building, once a well-loved homestead, but now a construct of ruin. Sharp, arctic-blue, eyes taking in the long, lean, and slender frame of the great beast across from him. His tension cleared as he roamed a wary gaze over the massive, small-horse sized, ebony colored Irish Wolfhound that lay tiredly on its stomach.

Cú Sidhe, is what stretched out before him. A great creature of Gaelic lore and myth.

Fairy dogs, who were known to protect hallowed grounds and hybrids of different supernatural races. The main reason for why he was even in the state of New York, hidden within the thicket of its forests, in a small town of Belpre, New York. A once tiny village where he’d first met the giant beast before him, where they’d become friends.

“Deirdre?” His Scottish brogue was careful and held a tone of caution. “It’s me, lass. Gallowglass.”

Blue eyes narrowed as he carefully stepped closer to the collapsed form on the floor. It was rare to see the powerful canine so weak and collapsed, and he found a worry welling up inside of him. Concern for the mythical dog he’d become friends with several years ago. His steps remained wary and slow, boots echoing as he came over to where the canine lay, his gaze sweeping over her body, looking for signs of injury or illness. His boots stopped inches from the giant beast as his eyes took in her form. Her sides heaving with each heavy breath that puffed from her nose, her black coat wet with sweat, as she laid upon the rough hewn floorboards. Her eyes were closed, her teeth bared in discomfort, and an odd tension about her.

“Ach Christ…” Gallowglass murmured as he knelt down on one knee, his voice a soft rumble of worry. He reached out with his calloused hand, gently laying it upon her forehead.

At the gentle touch upon her head, eyes of crimson-orange fire, which seemed to glow, shuddered open. A low, stiff, growl of warning and caution rumbles from her chest as her maw lifted from the rotten floorboards to pull the muscles of her snout back, revealing a flashing set of lengthy fangs.

“I thought I told you to go away. To stay away.” A woman’s voice, soft, raspy, and of American origin huffs in the back of his mind - telepathy was the only way Deirdre could communicate while in this form. “Sixty years ago.”

Arctic eyes of blue were wide at the growl that rumbled from the beast. His own instincts roared to life as he felt the hair on the back of his neck prickle at the sudden threat. It took his brain a moment before he remembered that Deirdre had the ability to communicate telepathically, and it was her voice within his mind. He winced at the words and his eyes softened somewhat.

“Christ, Deirdre.” He muttered, his brogue thicker as his adrenaline faded, leaving in its place a hint of guilt.

His hand remained upon her forehead, gentle, as if he could soothe away her pain or discomfort with just the brush of his fingers. He looked down at her, taking in the sight of her tired yet fierce gaze. The sight of her fangs and claws, the tenseness of her body. He could not help the hint of guilt that washed over him.

“I know.” He murmured, his thumb beginning to brush against her skin in soft, gentle, circles. “Time is different for me. Sixty years is not long…”

At this, she gave a brief rumble, sighing tiredly against his words and sunk her head back onto her paws, giving an exhausted sigh.

“You vampires. This is why my kind went extinct- never could keep your word.” She gripes in the depths of his head, casting a lone fiery glare up at his crouched form. “You don’t belong out here in the woods. I told you to go back to your duties as I would mine. There’s no reason for you to be here on the church grounds. Friend or no.”

He gave a wince at her words, the sharp edge within them not lost upon him. He knew what he’d promised all those years ago, and he had kept his word for a time. But eventually, he had sought out the old church, and for a reason that he was reluctant to admit.

“Maybe yer right.” He murmured back as he continued to run his hand gently through her fur. Blue eyes glanced around the abandoned church that the beast lay in. “But I cannae simply leave ye here like this.”

Deirdre’s sharp gaze narrowed even more and then she groaned in his mind, huffing lowly.

“You are still on that foolish promise you made to me?” She growled in frustration at his solemn stare. “That was another thing I told you to forget, you big oaf. Cú Sidhe are bound by ancient laws to churches, their burial sites, and to brightborn children- the latter having been a possible source of miscommunication among the faithful’s old texts.”

She cuts off with a curt tone and blunt look as her snout pulls back to growl again at him.

“I cannot leave these grounds, I have not been able to for 274 years. There’s no out for me.… I am eternal in my duty here. Alone.”

Gallowglass suddenly leaned forward a little more, his eyes never breaking from her fiery stare. Bright, firm, and unyielding with clear determination. His voice was a solemn rumble as his fingers continued the gentle petting of her head.

“I’ve got a way to help ye.” He states strongly, his voice and gaze steady. An edge of a promise ran through his tone. “I can set ye free from the church, lass.”

Gallowglass watched as she grumbled and growled at his stubbornness. He kept his face calm and even despite her irritation at his stubbornness. At his words, her muzzle wrinkled with a frown and she began to make a move of protest, a sharp bark beginning to leave her throat.

”No.” He cut her off, his tone deep with the conviction of his words. His hand moved from her forehead, still against her skin but now resting against the side of her neck to stop her movement.

“Just listen.”

His fingers gently ran across the ruff of fur on her neck, his touch soft, as he kept her from speaking further. He looked into the fiery, orange depth of her eyes, his own hardened in determination as he held her gaze.

“I know yer bound to the church and its grounds. Bound to the children of light.” He murmured, his eyes taking another glance around the abandoned building. “… that’s the loophole. An escape. I know a way to break yer bounds. By swearing new ones to my wee cousins- brightborn twins, they are. Born from my uncle, a vampire, and their witch mother.”

Deirdre’s eyes went wide in surprise and her ears perked up at his words.

Her head tilted to the side as she stared up at him.

A brief glimmer of hope and confusion flickered within the orange fire of her eyes. She gave an almost hesitant growl, her gaze suspicious as she attempted to read his intent and emotions. She knew he was stubborn, but this was unusual, even for Gallowglass. The tone he used was near soft and vulnerable sounding to her ears. And as long as she’d known the giant Viking. He was neither of those two things. A gentle man he could be, yes. But not soft, nor vulnerable. It was nearly a laughable thought. But she didn’t laugh. Nor did she wish too - not when the prospect of being able to leave this place was on the table, right before her.

He felt a hint of a smile pull at his lips as he noted her hesitation, her confusion. He’d known this might surprise her. He was offering to set her free. Something she’d not had the chance to experience in many years, even if it meant new bindings. He could imagine the thought of having a new master and duties was a rather daunting one to her. For a moment, he remained silent. His eyes were still and fixed, and his hand never moved from the side of her neck.

Gallowglass held her gaze, waiting for a response.

Deirdre was quiet for a time, her thoughts and feelings hidden. For a minute, he worried that she would simply refuse or grow more hostile. But then her expression softened and she gave a low rumble as she finally spoke again.

“…what would your plan be?” Her voice was a low rumble in his thoughts. Not the firm tone it usually took, but one filled with a hint of curiosity and resignation.

“Matthew and Diana. They’re afraid for the twins' safety. Being hybrids of a time-traveling, weaver, of a witch and an ancient vampire has put them on a collision course towards inevitable consequences.” Gallowglass says with a grim expression, knowing his sired uncle’s, and that of Matthew’s mate, Diana’s concerns. Their entire coven of vampires and their few witches alike felt the same daunting feeling. “They're searching for more protection for the twins.”

Deirdre’s eyes slowly narrowed as he spoke, a low growl building from her chest at the thought of the twins being forced into some unknown threat. Her mind was thinking back to her own charge and the duties that she herself was bound to. Something she would not wish upon those children. She then focused back on him, shifting her weight to move her head higher. Still resting her snout on her crossed paws, she fixed him with a steady, determined, gaze.

“And where do I come into this?”

Gallowglass gives a small smirk at her tone, noting the shift in her behavior and expression.

A hint of pride flared within him, knowing that she had become intrigued enough to listen to him.

“If ye were to swear an oath to protect the twins, their brightborn-status would be able to override yer current bonds.” He paused, giving her a moment to think before he continued, knowing that the transition would not be simple, or easy for the canine. “It would mean giving up yer current duties.”

Deirdre’s eyes widened at his words; her mind mulling over the idea of no longer being bound to the church. Her shoulders tensed at the mention of leaving her duty, her gaze sharpening as a small grumble escaped her. But deep within, the thought of being freed was tempting. After almost 274 years of being stuck on the church’s grounds, the idea of being able to leave…it was a dream that she’d given up long ago. The idea had been a torturous wish that had plagued her in the worst of nights, after a bad skirmish against the demons that sought to abandon these grounds. It teased and poked at her wounded heart as she lay injured on the church’s altar, licking at her newly formed scars, grieving and yearning.

He could sense her inner conflict, her mind working over the idea. He knew it would be difficult for her; leaving the only home she’d had for most of her life. The thought even made him feel a small pang of guilt for bringing up the idea. But it was this one big break she could gain for her actual freedom. To be rid of this lonesome place and its wandering ghosts. To live in the present and gain a chance at peace. True peace.

Gallowglass was quiet for a moment, waiting for a response, his eyes still steady as they held her gaze. His hand, once again, gently continued to pet her fur.

A silent attempt of comfort.

After several moments, she finally huffed heavily, her chin lowering back down to its natural position as she seemed to release some of the tension within her body.

Her fiery eyes fixed upon him again, resignation now clear within her gaze.

“Fine.” She grumbled in his mind, her voice sounding resigned and begrudging. Despite her clear reluctance she still agreed to his idea. “I’ll swear an oath to the children, if it’ll get me out of here. Away from these damned grounds.”

He smiles at her gruff agreement, a hint of victory clear in his expression. He was glad that he had managed to convince her. But also, he felt some sense of relief that she would no longer be bound to the tiny, little, church in the middle of a small town. That she would be able to leave these haunted grounds for a new home. One that was protected by his own coven, his family. And that he had seen his promise through all those years ago. Sixty years of searching for a way to get her out of this mess had come to a close after the birth of his uncle’s own children, whose arrival christened the first day of freedom for the lone Cú Sidhe.

Gallowglass then nods in response to her acceptance of his plan, a silent gesture that he heard from her.

His eyes still held the same steady, determined look as he continued to run his hand through the fur on her neck. It was a moment of relief for both the vampire and woman turned beast.

The hope she’d longed for finally made its way to her.

As they sat there in the silence, his hands brushed through her thick fur, it was apparent that she’d gained new scars atop the jagged old ones. It seemed she had been into more alterations than from what he remembered.

The memory of her struggling to keep a herd of snarling, screeching, twisted looking demonic spirits at bay had ingrained itself into his mind - reminding him that she must have been fighting against more evil and wilder ones, judging by the new scars she gained. His gaze roamed over her as he continued to gently pet through her fur, his concern growing as he noted the new scarring on her body.

His expression darkened, eyebrows lowering and jaw clenching.

“Dierdre…what happened?” He asked her, his voice low and serious. He had a feeling he already knew the answer, but the sight of even more scars was…troubling.

She chuffs heavily in response to his question, her eyes closing for a moment. Her expression was tired and weary, the years of being alone and having to fight off creatures that sought to destroy the very grounds she was bound to…had taken its toll on the ancient canine. Her fiery eyes blinked back open to wander over her rib cage as he had done. And with a grimness in her gaze, she looked back towards the tombstones that laid ahead of them in their burial grounds.

“More of them.” She said tersely. Her muzzle wrinkled in distaste as her orange gaze opened again. ”Demons and dark spirits. Other creatures.”

His hand froze its movement as he listened to her speak. His muscles tensed at the thought of her having to endure the onslaught of so many malevolent beings. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt at having left her alone all these years. He was silent for a time, his expression serious and his eyes darkened as his thoughts whirled. He let out an almost silent, frustrated sigh and his hand began to move through her fur once more, calming both her and himself.

“Why didn’t ye ask for help?”

She tenses at his question, growing stiff under such soothing actions. The question brought forth a wave of emotions as she thought about it. It was what kept her up at night. Her body was worn and heavy. Stretched out. Tight and scrunched in. Trapped in the form of a hound for months and months, which had bled into years. The painful memories caused her ears to flicker as her canine features winced. But soon she manages to answer, if not gruffly.

“I’ve … struggled… to take my mortal form for a while now.” Her tone is one of brief panic and fear, that is masked behind a hardened voice. “The last shift was two years ago… at most?”

His expression furrowed into a frown at her words. Another wave of regret washed over him as he realized that she had also had trouble even shifting between forms. Trapped in the body of a dog for a lot longer than usual.

“No wonder ye’ve gotten more battle-worn…” he murmured, his grip tightening on her fur as he tried to swallow down a hint of anger that was quickly blooming within him. “Ach…”

The Norse born Scotsman grits his teeth and takes a deep breath. Gallowglass worked to quell the emotions of anger and frustration that were attempting to surface, to calm the rush of protectiveness that was suddenly coursing through his veins. After a few moments, he slowly released it with another heavy sigh and forced himself to relax his muscles, his hand continuing to gently move through her fur. He could tell that she had grown weak and tired over the years, fighting off attack after attack from creatures and having little rest in the decades that had passed.

“You’ve fought without a real moment to rest…” He murmured, his tone laced with a hint of pain and regret. He continued to run his fingers gently against her coat, brushing over her roughened fur with a gentle touch.

Gallowglass was silent for a moment as he considered the canine in front of him. Her tired form and exhaustion was very clear.

He notes the exhaustion and wonders solemnly.

“…can you even shift, now?”

Her eyes closed as she shook her head.

“My body is too worn. Too exhausted and weak… the demons have drained my magic.” A whine escapes her muzzle, soft and somber. “It’s not what it once was. I fear I won’t be able to if I don’t get the proper amount of recovery my body and magical core need…”

He felt a wave of anger and worry wash over him at her words, his hands clenching at the thought of the demons and other creatures that had taken a toll on her form. His expression hardened as his gaze softened, and a hint of determination glimmered in his blue irises. This had gone on for too long. She shouldn’t have been forced to deal with this kind of torture and loneliness all by herself.

It angered the vampire. She had endured too much.

“Aye, bloody Christ…” he muttered, his voice a deep rumble, as he ran his hand once more through her fur. His touch was still gentle, but he gripped the coarse fur more tightly than before.

“How long would it take to recover from such a thing?” He asked, his gaze fixed upon her weary frame.

Gallowglass watched as she gave another huff and a low grumble, her eyes closing with tiredness. He could see that her energy was depleted.

It was apparent that her magic had grown weaker, that she wouldn’t be able to shift unless her magic restored some of its energy. If a Cú Sidhe’s magic didn’t recover, they could grow ill, or even die. And it worried him even more. Deirdre had become a close friend and companion to him over these years that they met. He had taken a liking to her fierce personality and deep affection for children and innocent people. Her loyalty to those she felt deserved it. Those attributes were evident in himself. They shared a lot in common. A bit too much, he grimly thought. Duty had worn him down too after a few centuries. And seeing his friend in the shape she was now. It was clear her own duty had begun to do the exact same to her.

It sickened him.

He hadn’t forgotten about her when she forced him off the church’s doorstep and away from its property.

When she demanded he leave and go back to being the proper soldier that was a knight of Lazarus, back to being the guardian and mercenary of his coven, the de Clermont’s. It remained in his memory. She had been in her mortal form then. A short woman she made. 5 '0 in totality. Shapely and curvy to the eyes. With sun gold colored locks that rested in a long braid, hiding glacial blue irises that knew and saw all. She had forced him out of the abandoned church and pushed him back to the main road towards the small town beyond the forest of Belpre. With a growling tone that demanded he forget her and the foolish promise he’d made.

In-between his duties to his family, guarding Diana for his uncle, aiding the recently sired (technically grandson - though adopted by his uncle and Diana) vampire son of Matthew, Jack, in his control of his accursed Bloodrage. And the missions he had as a member of the knight of Lazarus. He still sought for a way to relinquish the oath that held Deirdre so tightly to the hallowed property of the small church she defended each and every night.

He looked high and low for any information that regarded some knowledge on brightborns and what those even were, not knowing the true meaning of the term, as she hadn’t explained it enough.

Until Diana became pregnant by his uncle.

A vampire with known bloodrage coupling with a witch, whose body inherited the knowledge of the book of life. One who was also a time-spinner and a weaver. Their relationship had made for a great discovery in the true nature of their supernatural existence, of their very genetics. It had been their love that brought forth the two creatures he’d sought endlessly for in honor of Deirdre. Brightborns, he discovered, were children born of two separate species. Specifically a witch and a vampire couple. The two’s mixed genetics brought a wave of new generations of supernatural beings that would continue to ensure their kind's survival, of all creatures to be exact.

At the realization, he left his family's ancestral chateau of Sept-Tours, came to Oxford, England to explain some of the context of his and Deirdre’s prior meeting to his uncle and Diana, before he came here to the United States. With the intent of bringing forth such news to the one woman who had so desperately wished for a way out of her lonesome duty.

Now he was here, sitting beside that same woman who hadn’t been able to shift back into a human, trapped in her bestial one for two years.

“Days? Weeks…? Months?” He asks grimly, his tone firm but still gentle.

The solemn faced vampire looked down at the weary beast, his blue eyes fixed on her orange gaze. Her weariness was evident, and clearly the constant attacks had taken their toll. His grip on her fur tightened once more, a hint of urgency in his expression. Gallowglass didn’t want to let her suffer under the burden of her weakened state for another moment longer.

Not after all these years of fighting alone.

Deirdre gave a low exhale as she opened her eyes and tried to turn her head so that she could look up at him. A quiet, tired grumble escaped her throat as she grumbled. “Weeks. Potentially months….”

He couldn’t mask the wince at her mumbled response. Weeks, if she was lucky… But months were more likely. And with the rate at which she’d been attacked by the creatures that sought to destroy the church…he knew she would barely be able to rest, let alone heal.

For a moment, Gallowglass was silent as he considered the situation. A sense of frustration and anger was starting to well up within him. He didn’t want to let her stay here. Not when her magic was so low and her body was so weak. It was far too risky. She had been fighting for too long, enough where her own body was beginning to even rebel against her now. If she managed to get into a fight now? He feared the demons and twisted creatures she fought so fiercely would inevitably overpower and destroy her in that moment of weakness.

She couldn’t stay any longer than she had already.

His mind made up, Gallowglass removed his hand from the frail side of her scarred rib cage and pulled out his iPhone to begin setting up a flight back to Oxford, England. It was easy enough to get a private jet set up. His family, coven, the de Clermont’s were well off in regards to money. Getting a jet prepared for an overnight emergency flight back to England wasn’t an issue. But he knows convincing a 274-year-old woman, who was currently trapped in the form she took as a fairy-dog of a massive size, was another story.

Deirdre watched him with a weary expression.

She could see his mind work as he picked up his phone and began tapping at its screen. Her eyes narrowed in mild confusion, trying to figure out what the hell he was doing until she noted the determined expression on his face. She grumbled at the look, knowing that the stubborn side of him wouldn’t be an easy one to deal with. She had a feeling that she knew what he was planning, and she could already predict what her response would be.

As he quickly made the arrangements, ordering a private jet to be set for an overnight flight back to Oxford, Gallowglass could feel the canine’s eyes watching him. There wasn’t a doubt that she was probably able to figure out what he was doing.

The look on her face gave him a brief hint of guilt, as well as the low grumble that rumbled from her chest.
But, he made up his mind that he wasn’t going to allow her to stay behind.

He couldn’t let her stay wounded and exhausted in this place.

He looked down at her, blue eyes fixing on her orange gaze. His expression hardened and he took a breath to ready himself. He knew that this wasn’t going to be an easy argument, and that she was going to fight him on this. Not after he’d come all this way to give her the news and a chance out of this hell. Even if he had to drag the woman in her dog form back to England, he would do so without a struggle.

“You’re comin’ home with me.” Gallowglass said then, his voice firm and a hint of determination ringing through his tone.

He knew that he was about to be met by resistance. That she wasn’t going to agree to his plans.

Sure enough, Deirdre’s eyes narrowed at his words and a growl rumbled in her chest. Her hackles raised as she tensed on the tiled floor of the church. Her expression grew more tense and bestial, almost as if she was ready for a fight.

“I can’t. I’m not able to leave the grounds while the moon is out.” She said, her gruff voice taking on a familiar, dry tone.

He gave an exasperated huff in response to her words.

“Ach, to hell with that. You’re weak, worn out, and so low on magic ye could drop at any moment. I’m not going to let ye stay here and let some dark creature finish you off.” His voice came out in a low but serious tone. “Stop being bloody stubborn.”

“You’re going to sit here and watch the night pass till the sun hits the ground.” She grits out roughly towards the giant Norseman that’d been born in the highlands of Scotland. “Until that happens. I’m on duty.”

Gallowglass was beginning to feel a hint of irritation at her words. His muscles tensed and he gritted his teeth in a frown. He could barely restrain the growl that was slowly rising from within his chest at her stubbornness. He knew that it would take hours, and hours, before the sun would rise to chase the night away. He leaned closer, his voice coming out in a low, slightly dangerous, growl.

“Dammit, Deirdre. You won’t be able to hold them off and you know it. You’re too weak at the moment to-“

“I’ve patrolled the grounds thrice before your undead scent stunk up the property. No demons have breached the boundaries. They won’t tonight, anyways.” She barks at him, in his mind and physically, baring fangs at him in a display of frustration. “It’s a Sunday night. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. They never appear on Sundays.”

He was about to protest, to fight back against her stubborn stance on the matter, but he paused as the realization of her words sunk in.

With a growling exhale, he slowly stood back, crossing his arms with a frustrated sigh. She had a point. It was a Sunday. And for some reason, those infernal fiends, and the other dark creatures, never appeared on Sundays. It was as if they were afraid of the Lord’s Day. He grumbled under his breath in annoyance at the realization, but didn’t argue back against her words. He was silently frustrated with the fact that he was forced to wait until the morning. But he also knew that there was no arguing against the fact that the darkness of the night did, in fact, scare away the evil creatures that sought to harm her and the grounds.

For now, he was at a standstill with her.

He sighed heavily, his gaze fixated on the weary canine in front of him. His blue eyes seemed to study her for a moment. He could tell that she was still tense, still ready for a fight, and still on edge.

The stress and anxiety of her duties were weighing down on both of them.

A tense silence filled the space between them, only the sounds of the night outside and their own breathing broken by the awkward, strained, atmosphere.

It was several moments before Gallowglass let out a heavy groan and leaned against the side of the pews, taking a seat on the wood. His muscles relaxed somewhat from their previous tense state, as he resigned himself to waiting until the sun rose the following morning.

“Bloody hell,” he muttered under his breath, his gaze still fixed on her as he spoke. “Stubborn damn dog.”

Deirdre’s hackles raised at his mutterings, and her ears twitched in annoyance as she heard him settle into the pews. Her nose wrinkled in distaste and a low grumble rumbled from her chest. “Damn vampire. Always trying to overstep his boundaries….” She retorts, her voice dry and sarcastic. Despite her annoyance at his insistence to have her leave this place, she still had a hint of a fond expression in her orange eyes as she watched him sit and brood.

At her retort, Gallowglass gave an amused grunt in response. His eyes narrowed slightly, but there was still a hint of a smirk on his face. Despite their minor argument, there was still an undercurrent of comfortable familiarity between the two.

They had known each other, and had been through a lot together, after all.

“Come morning we can leave. I can finally go beyond the property lines and have a chance at living.” She says then, with a wispy voice. Cautious and nervous of the thought, but relieved all the same.

Suddenly, she falls silent, her scent giving off a warm and fond smell that was tinged with grief.

“I’m thankful for your kindness, your stubbornness. This would have been a wishful thought if you hadn’t come to my church that night, bleeding.” Her eyes grow misty. “Thank you, my friend.”

He felt his face soften at her words, a hint of a smile pulling at the corners of his lips. His broad shoulders relaxed even more, along with the rest of his muscles, as he chuckled lightly at her response. Gallowglass gave a gentle shake of his head before replying slowly, his voice still holding a touch of a soft hint of seriousness and affection. “You don’t ‘ave to thank me, lass. I wouldn’t ‘ave left you here alone…”

She softly, cautiously, moves her head to her left leg and rests it quietly beside him with a gentle sigh.

Both she and the massive Scottish blond giant fall into a peaceful silence, taking in the air that echoed with the sounds of the forest's nocturnal life. A sense of relief and hope has settled into the woman’s heart, though it didn’t show on her face- the bestial form she was in at the present had removed that chance to weep or smile with emotion. But she felt it all the same. And held onto this new feeling with emotional intensity.

Come morning, she would be able to leave behind the abandoned church and it’s haunting memories. For a new life that offered a place of comfort and peace. That offered a chance at gaining friends or a family, something she’d longed to have, since her own had died off 182 years ago.

Her heart pangs at the thought, but it fades as she feels the solemn Scotsman run a hand over her head in quiet comfort, scenting her sorrow once more.

The quiet air between them was a comfortable one.

A gentle sort of calm, with both taking a moment to settle themselves in the silence. The gentle sounds of the forest outside echoed gently through the church, creating a peaceful, soothing atmosphere. After a few moments, Gallowglass shifted a bit on the pews, trying to get more comfortable in his seat. His long legs curved a bit, letting her chin rest on one, as he leaned back on the seat, gazing up at the ceiling above them with a tired sigh. His gaze wandered along the arched ceiling, taking in the gothic architecture of the building around them. The soft moonlight that filtered in through the windows cast long shadows against the pale stone walls. He could hear the gentle stirring and the soft sounds of creatures of the night that lived among the forests beyond the church.

Gallowglass closed his eyes with a weary huff, silently praying to whatever god was out there that nothing would disturb their moment of quiet.

Time passes then in the quiet.

Both vampire and Cú Sidhe remain silent and calm in their own unspoken vigil over the landscape that laid out before them both, listening for any sign of a disturbance or change, but having heard none.

His body relaxed further, becoming more comfortable as they remained in the quiet of the evening. For a while, all was well and quiet. There wasn’t any sign of the creatures of the night that prowled outside the church's grounds, nor demons waiting to pounce on the two weary beings inside its ancient stone walls. His eyes remained closed, his muscles loose and tension free. Gallowglass’ mind began to slowly drift into a light sense of calm, as his breathing began to deepen slightly. Vampires had no need for sleep, though on occasion they could, if they needed the rest enough. But he didn't want it nor want it. He simply wanted to relax in the brief moments of peace and calm. And judging by the slight snuffling beside him, Deirdre’s weary frame had lost that battle.

Her great head slumped onto her paws as she slipped into the unconscious land of slumber.

A soft huff passed through his lips as he heard her breathing soften, a sign that she had succumbed to the need for rest. A small smile pulled at the corners of his mouth as he opened his eyes once more and looked over at the sleepy form that lay beside him.

His expression softened in the dimly lit aisle.

Despite the circumstances, he was silently glad to see that she was finally able to have a few moments of peace and rest. That weary woman had fought enough on her own for so long…

He kept his eyes open, keeping guard as Deirdre slept on beside him, snoring ever so softly as her legs twitched against his left one.

The sound of her light snoring and the slight movement of her legs pulled a quiet chuckle from his lips. He would have teased her if she was awake, but for now he simply let her sleep.

The poor woman needed it more than he.

He continued to keep guard over the area, his eyes narrowed to keep watch over the church and the space outside of its old stone walls. Quietly, he sat, watching and waiting for anything to disturb the peaceful air. His senses tuned to the air and the noises and scents he could hear, see, and smell. Soon the peaceful hours of his vigilant watch over the church’s shadowy grounds came to an end as morning began to approach. The first bit of its bright gold-pinkish glow blanketed the abandoned church (former home to its pastor) and rolled across the rest of its land.

The light of dawn soon began to stream in through the stained glass windows of the church, casting a soft, warm glow and color against the stone walls. Gallowglass felt the first bit of tension and stress that had been weighing on him start to ease as the sun slowly rose into the sky. He continued to keep watch over the church for a few more moments, just to be safe. But when he was certain that the night was finally over, he turned his gaze down toward the canine form sleeping at his side.

Gallowglass shifted in his seat, leaning forward to gently poke at her side with his elbow as he spoke in a low tone, not wishing to spook the great beast.

”Mornin’ to you…” he muttered. His voice was soft, but held a hint of affection and humor, as he waited to see if his words would rouse her sleepy mind into the reality of the day.

Deirdre’s ear twitched slightly as she slowly stirred at the light poke from Gallowglass’ elbow. Her eyes slowly opened, bleary with sleep and tiredness. Her head lifted off of her paws and she let out a sleepy, gruff grumble in response before turning her orange gaze up at him.

“I fell asleep?” Her telepathic voice sounded disgusted and confused. “When?”

He gave a soft chuckle in amusement as her voice echoed in his mind. His expression was soft and relaxed as he nodded and gave a low hum of agreement in response.

”You did, Lass. Slept like the dead, too….”

A hint of annoyance passed through her expression, as well as embarrassment at the news. It was obvious that she wasn’t happy that he had seen her in a moment of weakness, her defenses of the night lowered as she slept

A low, grumpy grumble emitted from her chest as she growled at him. “What if some creature other than a demon had breached the grounds?”

He waves her growling tone away.

“I would’ve handled ‘em.”

She gave another growl at his easygoing expression.

He chuckled once more at her grumble, thoroughly amused and secretly happy to see the irritation that was beginning to show through her tired exterior.

“Ah, don’t be like that, Lass…” he said, holding back a smirk, patting the thick fur along her ribs gently as he began to rise from his slouched state. His body stretched to his massive height as he fixed his leather jacket and the rings along his fingers, giving her an easy smile as he looked around the landscape. “You were tired and exhausted. I doubt you’ve slept properly in a while.”

Deirdre rolls her eyes and rocks to her feet, stretching her stiff limbs as her shoulders brush against the middle of his abdomen.

“Lead the way,” she grunts with exasperation.

Gallowglass’s smirk widens.

“Follow me lass.”

Chapter Text

Leaving the church wasn’t the worst thing Deirdre had expected, after she’d slowly meandered behind the Scottish Vampire towards the sleek black Range Rover that was parked at the edge of the gravel trail, that led the once visitors to the church and its graveyard. It’s path was overgrown with weeds and grass. Large bushes at the end of the old trial had nearly covered the entrance entirely - cloaking the grounds in its forestry, hiding what remained beyond its borders. Gallowglass had to assist her into entering his vehicle, sliding her into the backseat, so she could stretch out and get enough room. She’d huffed at being lifted like some sort of dog. But made do with what her circumstances brought, even if the vampire had smirked at her and gave a sarcastic comment about her being a ‘good dog’. She made sure to lunge at him, startling the blond giant to where he jerked back, which had gained his reaction a laugh from her, chuffing at his furrowed expression.

Gallowglass had grimaced slightly, grunting at her after she’d lunged at him.

The look on his face had been slightly annoyed, his eyes narrowing. But yet, a hint of a smirk had pulled at the corner of his lips. It wasn’t the first time she had startled him in her canine form, and she couldn’t lie and say it wouldn’t be the last. She could scent that he was secretly happy to see some of her old humor shine through the exhaustion and weariness.

Deirdre had soon tried to relax in the backseat after Gallowglass had shut the door to make his way to the front seat.

He’d entered the car before turning the nice and modern vehicle on with a simple turn of his key in its ignition. The silent rumble of the engine had startled her a bit, as she wasn’t used to the cars of this century. But with a reassuring set of arctic blue eyes in the rear view mirror, she forced herself to settle back onto the leather seats as he’d began to pull the vehicle out of the abandoned pathway, reversing gently before he put it in drive and pulled onto the paved cement of the backroad.

Gallowglass’s gaze had kept flicking back to her in the rear view mirror as he carefully drove his way back to the long, winding road. It was apparent he could see her tense slightly at the starting of the engine, clearly not used to the luxury of 21st century automobiles.

He’d made sure to keep sending her reassuring looks through the mirror, hoping to help her settle back into the seats and get more comfortable as he continued to drive down the back road that led them to the highway.

And at first, as the distance had been put between her and the church, there hadn’t seemed to be any existing pain or discomfort from the bonds between herself and its grounds. Until the woods, the forestry landscape soon began to become one with the backdrop as the car drove smoothly along the road.

The first thing she’d noticed was a strange sensation within her chest, particularly within her sternum. It seemed as if it was heating up. She hadn’t put any thought to it as Gallowglass drove closer and closer to the small town of Belpre. But as his vehicle approached its rusted over sign. The feeling blossomed even more, becoming even hotter and stronger as her body began to heave and shudder, whining at the force of the heat that’d become intense within her chest. As if a hand of pure fire was clutching at her very heart, squeezing it brutally and without remorse as her body seized and dropped limply to the seats, shaking uncontrollably.

Gallowglass had slammed on his brakes, just outside of the town, pulling to the side of the road and hurried to her side of the car. He’d thrown the door wide open and launched into the backseat with his hands grappling over her trembling frame.

Questions had been thrown as his worry and concern was clear.

His eyes assessing her quaking body as she growled and whined in pain, curling in on herself as the fire started to spread out inside her very veins.

His eyes had widened in alarm as her body suddenly began to seize and shake. His hands reached for her with a panicked sense of urgency. Gallowglass was clearly bombarded with concern, his eyes flicking over her quivering form, trying to take-in the situation. His questions, though, went unanswered as his hands hovered over her, unsure of what to do as he watched the fire spread through her.

She’d tried to explain what was happening.

Tried to inform him that it was the bond between her and the church’s very grounds that was causing her this nearly unbearable pain. But her telepathy was useless as she only snarled and cried in a canine fashion against the seats, pressing her great maw to his leather jacket, trying to ignore the fiery chasm that’d opened within her very body.

His eyes had widened with realization after she finally managed to telepathically explain what was happening, realization, and a flash of anger passing through his features. His hands hovered over her quivering form once more, still unsure of what to do as he felt her press herself to his jacket.

“Bloody hell…” he cursed under his breath, his voice sharp with anger.

A sense of helplessness at her pain seemed to fill him, as he struggled with trying to figure-out what to do to help her.

They were there for seemed to be like hours, though it’d only been a total of ten-eleven minutes, until the pain eventually faded into a faint thrumming sensation. Her limbs twitching against her will as the pain dulled to a mere ache. A reminder that the worst of it hadn’t yet occurred. And with worn and weary crimson-orange eyes, she’d gritted out a plea for him to get her further away from the church that wished to haunt her. That was punishing her for trying, attempting, to leave its hallowed lands behind. And Gallowglass had done that. He’d situated her to the front of the Range Rover then, pushing the seat back and laying it down for her to at least rest on, as he climbed back into his own seat behind the wheel.

After the ordeal, they had flown through the near empty town, passing its few residents quickly as Gallowglass’s main priority was to get to the local airfield that was half an hour from Belpre’s small village.

Those eleven minutes felt like an eternity.

The sight of her quaking, and the sound of her guttural whines and whimpers, had set his nerves on-end. It felt wrong to see her struggle like that. Like he was watching something that wasn’t meant to happen. Gallowglass had forced himself to hold himself together as he quickly switched the seats around, helping her into the front seat before crawling into the driver’s side. And soon, he was ripping through the streets of the small town, the engine revving as he pushed the vehicle as fast as he dared.

They reached the airfield quickly. The place was fairly empty, save for a few other aircraft that had been parked. Gallowglass parked the Range Rover a good distance away from the few planes that were sitting out on the tarmac.

He glanced over at her, still seeing signs of pain and discomfort showing in her face. He gave a soft exhale before he spoke.

“Are you going to be alright…?” The question was spoken softly, low in an almost quiet, intimate way.

His arctic blue eyes were narrowed at her, his expression still holding concern and worry over what had just happened. He sat there for a few more moments, watching her as several long seconds of silence passed between them, before Gallowglass let out a low sigh of decision. His hand came up to the keys, the keys giving a soft jingle as he pulled them out of the ignition, before he opened the driver's side door, climbing out into the night.

With no answer from her, he quickly walked to the other side of the vehicle then, opening the passenger's side door and moving to carefully lift her out of the seat. He was far gentler, now, making sure to take into account the earlier pain she had undergone. The giant blond vampire carefully lifted her into his arms, one hand slipping under her hind legs and the other under her neck, pressing against her furry chest to support her weight (as she was the height of a small horse standing up, and even longer while laying down in her canine form).

He adjusted her weight as he spoke.

“Just a little bit longer… There’s a private plane not too far from here that will get us to Oxford… Far away from that bloody old church….” His voice was soft yet gruff, as he began to walk slowly through the airfield tarmac, being mindful of her weight in his arms.

A few of the morning staff workers and pilots glanced up to stare at the unusual sight of the giant blond vampire carrying what appeared to be a massive Irish wolfhound.

Soft, hushed voices could be heard speculating, but he paid them no mind.

He continued walking through the tarmac at a steady pace, making his way to the private plane he knew was stationed here.

The private jet came into view after a few more minutes of slow, steady walking.

It was a sleek, silver and gray aircraft with the de Clermont family symbol clearly painted upon the side. Gallowglass let out a relieved breath that it was still there, exactly where he’d left it. He picked up his pace a bit, making his way up the short set of stairs that lead into the cabin of the plane.

He was forced to lower his head as he stepped through the doorway, gently maneuvering her massive form through into the cabin.

The interior of the plane was spacious.

There was a long, wide couch on one side, a few arm chairs on the other. There were windows above the seats on either side, allowing a view out of the plane's exterior. A small kitchen area was set up near the back of the cabin. Everything still looked just as he’d left it. Gallowglass moved deeper into the cabin and laid her on the wide couch that was at the center of the plane. It was soft and plush, and he was sure that it would be at least comfortable enough for her to rest on.

He stood there for a moment, watching her as she relaxed into the cushions and the plush interior of the couch, before he spoke.

“Rest if ye can…” he said, his voice firm. “I’ll go get the pilots up and moving. We’ll be taking off in a few more minutes…”

With that, he stepped out of the cabin into the main cockpit of the plane. He began to speak with the few pilots inside, who had been sleeping since his original arrival here. They got the engines started and began to prepare to take off.

After a few more minutes, Gallowglass made his way back into the cabin. He paused for a moment, taking in her form on the couch.

The large, plush interior seemed to hold her frame well, as she had relaxed back into the cushions.

Gallowglass let out a sigh as he made his way over to her and bent down to be eye level with her, his voice was quiet and gruff as he spoke. “Get some rest, Lass… I’ll wake up when we’ve landed in Oxford.”

He sat there for a few more moments in silence, observing her, taking in her tired features and heavy-lidded, dazed eyes. He could smell the mix of exhaustion and pain that was wafting off her, the scent of the fire that had burned inside her from the earlier spell. Slowly, gently, Gallowglass lifted his hand and rested it against her furry head, his fingers gently scratching at the fur of her neck. His eyes searched hers, his jaw clenching at the thought of the pain she had endured, of the anguish that was still lingering inside her body. His touch was tender, his large, calloused fingers caressing over her fur, in a soothing, massaging way.

The scratching became a soft rubbing, moving in slow, methodical swipes over the tension that was built up in her muscles. Gallowglass knew that she was exhausted, and in pain. But, maybe she’d rest a little easier with this small amount of comfort.

Deirdre seems to relax at the soothing, massaging touch of his fingers, trying to ease her tension as best he could. Gallowglass knew it wasn’t enough. He could see the slight tenseness in her form, the twitch of her muscles as the spell continued to bother her. He let out a soft huff through his nose, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to think of anything else to help. But, he only continued the gentle massage, hoping it would at least help a little bit as the private plane lurched forward and began to taxi down the runway.

The aircraft slowly gained speed as the giant vehicle started to pick up velocity, Gallowglass keeping the comforting rubbing of his fingers as he watched the plane pick-up speed on the tarmac. A few long seconds passed as the plane finally took off, the engines revving in a loud, mechanical roar before the plane finally left the ground. And the vampire and the Cú Sidhe were left alone in the privacy of the cabin, as the plane began its long journey across the sea.

Once they’d taken-off into the sky, and the plane had leveled itself, Gallowglass’s gaze flicked back down to her. His hand was still massaging her head, the strong, caressing touch still rubbing and kneading his fingers over her furry neck.

“I’ll be just over there, if ye need me…” he said, his voice quiet in the relative privacy of the cabin.

He gave her one more look before he stood and made his way to a chair that was a few feet away from her, on the opposite side of the couch.

A part of him felt hesitant about leaving her on her own, the feeling telling him he should stay by her side. But, he pushed back the thought and settled into the chair, shifting until he was comfortable. He would keep an eye on her from his seat. Just in case something happened.

Gallowglass leaned back, crossing one leg over the other as he settled in and prepared himself for the long flight ahead.

The vampire and Cú Sidhe were left alone, with only the sound of the plane’s engines providing any noise in the relative silence of the cabin. But Gallowglass’s sharp, immortal hearing could pick-up the soft and shallow huffs of her breathing, each inhale and exhale in time with the thrumming of the engines within the plane. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of worry as he listened. But, he tried to ignore it as he leaned back in his chair, forcing himself to focus on the quiet morning sky outside the cabin windows.

A few long seconds passed, before Gallowglass let out a soft, resigned sigh, his eyes flicking back over to her.

He watched the steady rise and fall of the sleeping Cú Sidhe. The large, plush cushions of the couch still held her massive form as she slept, the soft fur of her coat lifting and dropping with each breath she took. His eyes narrowed slightly as he continued to keep an eye on her, taking in her every movement and expression with keen attention as the time passed.

The hours ticked by, and Gallowglass continued to stay in his seat, keeping his gaze fixed on her. Her breathing and expressions seemed to remain steady while she slept. But after a few more hours, he noticed just the slightest bit of movement in her face. Her nose scrunched up ever so slightly, her ears flicked and jerked, twitching with a soft tremble.

Her body tensed and shifted, letting out a soft whine as her form twitched and flinched in her sleep.

Gallowglass’s eyes narrowed at the soft whine that escaped from her, his jaw clenching at the sight of her twitching, and shifting. A wave of worry passed over him as he continued to watch. Was it the spell? Was it a bad dream? He didn’t know, either answer only serving to increase the sense of concern that was beginning to gnaw at his gut. He sat there for a few moments, continuing to keep his sharp eyes fixed on her as he listened to the sound of her breathing and her shifting on the couch.

Overtime she soon settled and gave herself back to the land of unconsciousness, allowing Gallowglass to relax his building tension, which briefly surprises him. But he turns his focus to another matter that had to be dealt with, and quickly.

He fishes his phone from the back of his jean’s pockets and swipes a thumb across its lit screen, accessing his contacts and scrolling till his thumb-pad landed on the name and number of whom he had to call. With a simple tap, the phone began to ring as he lifted it to his ear and propped his elbow on the armrest of his secured seat by the lone window on the left side of the private jet. The sound of the phone ringing filled Gallowglass’s ear, the soft hum and buzz filling his ear as he listened intently, waiting for the other line to pick-up. His sharp ears could pick-up the sound of her deep breaths, the steady huffing coming from her as she slept, but he forced himself to focus on the ringing of the phone as he waited.

After a few more moments, the ringing stopped, and a low, deep English accent, with a bit of a French lilt, answered.

“Nephew?” His uncle Matthew’s voice is of concern and clear confusion as to why the younger vampire was calling him at this time of night in England. But he had answered. “What is it?”

Gallowglass’s shoulders relaxed slightly at the sound of his uncle’s voice coming through the receiver, a sigh escaping him. He was relieved to hear his uncle’s gravelly tone.

“Uncle…” he said, his own voice low and quiet in the cabin of the private jet. “I… have a situation and a… solution.”

There was a soft hum from the phone speaker in response, a low, gravelly sound that passed through the line, signaling his uncle was listening intently to his words. Gallowglass could picture his uncle sitting in his armchair by the fire in the Great Room, a glass of wine in one hand, his attention fully focused on whatever Gallowglass had to say.

Gallowglass paused for a moment, his eyes flicking back over to her, still laying upon the couch.

His expression narrowed slightly as he observed her for a few breaths.

He was hesitant to speak the words that he was about to say. He was worried about the reaction his uncle would have. But he pushed through the hesitation, letting out a breath as he continued quietly into the phone. “I’m bringing a Cú Sidhe back to Oxford...”

A beat of total silence passed through the line. Gallowglass couldn’t even hear his uncle breathing through the phone at that. He knew his uncle’s mind was working at top speed at this moment, trying to process and analyze the words that Gallowglass had just spoken.

When he finally did answer, his voice was low and full of shock. “You’re doing what?”

Another beat of silence passed between the two of them, Gallowglass’s shoulders were tense and his jaw was clenched, almost anticipating his uncle’s questions on the matter. His eyes continued to glance between her sleeping form on the couch and the window he was sitting next to, watching as the ocean flew by far below in the morning sky.

“She needs… help,” he found himself saying, his voice soft and quiet in the relative privacy of the cabin. “And can help.”

There was a sharp exhale of air from the other end of the line, followed by another beat of silence. Finally, the sound of his uncle’s low grumble came through the receiver, his voice thick with disbelief and confusion.

“Help, Nephew?” Matthew’s voice questioned, his tone was thick with skepticism. “Help with what, exactly?”

“The protection of you and Diana’s twins. Cú Sidhe protects Brightborn children. Have for centuries.” He explains honestly and truthfully to the elder vampire, who would notably be defensive when his hybrid children were brought into the conversation. “She’d be by their sides day and night, uncle. A guardian that would keep them safe as she had the church she protected for 200+ centuries.”

On the other line, there was a long pause.

Gallowglass could practically hear the wheels turning in his uncle’s head, analyzing, calculating, trying to work out how to approach this idea. Finally, a gruff sound passed through the receiver from Matthew. His tone was questioning, but not unkind. “How can you be certain of that? How can you trust her?”

At his uncle’s tone of voice, his jaw clenched slightly at the question, his eyes returning to her massive form on the couch, her breaths slow and soft as she laid there asleep. He could remember her face in the church. The fear in her eyes, the panic and pain in her face as she tried to defend him sixty years ago. But, it had vanished just as suddenly as it appeared. And those warm, almost familiar eyes and protective attitude came back to the forefront of his mind. He exhaled through his nose before he continued speaking to his uncle.

“I trust her, Uncle.”

A low hum sounded from the other end of the line, the sound passing through the receiver as his uncle’s voice returned. His tone was a bit hesitant, but still not malicious in any way. His voice seemed to hold an undercurrent of skepticism, but it was more out of worry and caution, rather than hostility.

“There’s more to this than you’re sharing,” his uncle said, the deep, gravelly cadence to his voice was firm and questioning. Gallowglass suppressed the urge to sigh at the comment. Matthew never missed any slight detail. “We’ll speak more in person. I’ll have Jack and Fernando escort you back. I’m assuming something has happened to your companion. Diana will want to take a look at her. Afterwards, we can speak about her guardian skills of my children.”

Another sigh escaped Gallowglass at his uncle’s words. He knew what Matthew had just said was a direct order from his family’s Scion leader, there was no room for argument. He nodded to himself in the chair by the window, resigning himself to the order.

A few moments of silence passed between the two of them again, the cabin filled with the sound of the engines and the steady breaths from her sleeping forms on the couch, before he spoke again into the phone.

“Understood, Uncle…”

A low hum of an acknowledgement passed through the line. His uncle’s tone still remained stoic and careful, Gallowglass knew his uncle was still suspicious and on-edge at the whole situation. But, he would wait for the full details of what had happened before he began to jump to conclusions or assumptions. He knew his uncle well enough to understand that much.

“We’ll see you soon, Nephew.”

With that, the call ended and the line went dead. Gallowglass suppressed another sigh as he set his phone down on the small side table next to his seat. He leaned back against the seat as he ran a hand through his hair, his eyes flicking back over to her still sleeping form on the plush couch, the cabin quiet once again. He observed her from the chair, his gaze flicking over her sleeping form as she laid on the couch, her breaths deep and steady. He suppressed the urge to get up from the seat and check on her, forcing himself to stay in the chair. He knew he couldn’t do anything for her at this point. She was sleeping calmly, the spell didn’t seem to be hurting her, for now. And he knew he would just be hovering.

He let out a soft huff through his nose as he leaned back in his seat and prepared himself for the rest of the plane ride.

In total, it took a few more hours for the plane to finally land at the Oxford airfield. During the time it took, Gallowglass sat in his chair, continuing to sit vigilant watch over her as she slept on the couch. He stood from the seat, feeling the tense, restless energy of being cooped up in the plane for so long, and made his way over to her.

Carefully, gently, his fingers reached out to brush her fur.

“Hey…” he said softly, his voice still quiet in the cabin of the plane. He gave her a soft nudge, trying to wake her as he spoke, his other hand gently scratching at her neck with his large, calloused fingers in an attempt to rouse her. “Wake up, Lass… We’ve landed.”

A few moments passed, and Gallowglass continued to prod and gently scratch at her fur, rubbing his hands over the thick, silky coat around her neck, gently coaxing her awake. Then, slowly, he saw her eyes flutter open. She groaned, her body shifting as she started to wake, her muscles moving and flexing under his hands as she started to rouse from her sleep. He continued to speak to her quietly and softly the entire time, watching as she began to awaken more and more in front of him.

“Easy, Lass… That’s it…” he said quietly, continuing to stroke his hand through her fur and over her neck. “There we go…” He continued to soothe her as she came-to, speaking quietly and softly into her ear as she slowly began to sit up from her lying position on the couch.

“Where are we?” Her voice in his head was husky and exhausted, worn down. The brief confusion in where she was had Gallowglass a bit concerned, until he realized she was still waking from her second deep slumber.

Gallowglass gave her a soft smile as he continued to gently rub his fingers through her fur. He could hear the exhaustion and confusion in her voice as she spoke, even through the mental link that they were temporarily sharing. He spoke to her quietly and soothingly, being mindful of her current state of tiredness and disorientation.

“Oxford. We’re at the airfield.”

A soft noise of acknowledgement passed through her throat as she slowly sat up on the couch. Her form was still somewhat groggy from the deep sleep she had been in, but she was still waking up. Gallowglass continued to gently rub her neck and shoulders as he watched her begin to wake from her sleep, the strong, comforting touch helping to stir her body and clear the last of the lingering tiredness from her waking brain.

“Can ye walk?” He asked quietly, his voice low and soft in the cabin of the plane.

He continued to watch as she sat there on the couch, her mind still a little hazy and her eyes droopy, but he needed to know she was functional after her sleeping spell. If she wasn’t, he would need to carry her into the airfield. Not that he would mind, but he’d like to avoid the hassle, if he could.

She lifted her head to look up at him more fully.

Her bleary eyes fixed themselves on his face as he watched her, her gaze still somewhat unfocused and disoriented. But, she exhaled softly through her nose as a nod passed over her. A small, silent sign that she could, in fact, walk. Her mind was still a bit groggy, but she was aware of her surroundings enough to be able to move her body to get up from the couch.

Gallowglass exhaled a sigh of relief as she nodded. That was one thing he was glad about, it seemed like she was coherent enough to be able to walk out of the plane on her own. But, he wasn’t going to take any chances as she started to rise from her seat.

“Okay, Lass, take yer time,” he said quietly, his hand moving to help her stand up from the couch.

He supported as much of her weight as he could as he helped her get to her feet, keeping his hands around her ribs to ensure she wouldn’t fall.

She staggered a bit as she stood on her feet, her legs and muscles still a little stiff and groggy from sleep. Gallowglass’s large, strong hands held her firmly around her rib cage and midsection, making sure she wouldn’t lose her balance. She let out a heavy exhale as she steadied herself, her breathing still a bit ragged but gradually beginning to even out.

“There we go…” he said quietly, his voice still holding a soft, soothing tone as continued to keep his hands around her, supporting her weight as much as he could.

He made sure she was steady on her feet and her balance was even, before he slowly released his hands and began to follow behind her sluggish stalk towards the exit of the plane, his hands still ahead of him in the air in case her canine form showed signs of collapsing. She trudged slowly to the door of the plane, her strong, lean body moving sluggishly as she walked, Gallowglass following along behind her, ready to catch her if she stumbled in her movements. He could see the exhaustion clearly on her, her large form moving slowly and heavily as she continued to walk. She was still waking up in her groggy, lethargic state, but she was moving.

Even if it was at a snail's pace.

A few moments later, the large, heavy exit door opened and the outside air hit her.

It was cool and crisp this early in the midday, but the cold air seemed to help clear her haze a bit as she stumbled out of the plane. Gallowglass followed close behind her, his hands hovering near her to catch her if she collapsed, but not touching her right now. He was letting her get her bearings as her mind continued to try and process the waking world around her after her deep slumber in the spell. Her nose twitched immediately as her senses were assaulted with the smell of the city. Exhaust, fumes, fuel, and people. Lots of people. Her nose took it all in and her head began to spin as she inhaled the scents, her feet staggering as they moved along the tarmac on the airfield. Her body swayed a bit as she moved, her mind still trying to clear the sleeping dust from her brain.

She quivered as the bond between her and the church she’d left began to flare once more. It hadn’t yet begun to send a fiery wave through her very veins or limbs. She could feel it begin to flicker with each step. But stubbornly, she wouldn’t let the pain nor its effects break her stride. Not when she was out in the public eye, even if there wasn’t anyone in sight, except a lone black SUV that was parked across from their jet. She’d rather fall apart to the bond’s punishing effects within the vehicle than appear weak in front of eyes.

Gallowglass was still following behind her, just a few short steps behind, as she stumbled along the tarmac through the airfield. His sharp, predatory eyes were watching her every movement, his hands still hovering near her massive form just in case her body showed any sign of buckling. His eyes quickly flicked to the lone black SUV that was parked nearby, and recognition came to him.

Jack and Fernando. His uncles adopted (though through vampire genetics, his grandson through a siring) son and his own deceased sire’s mate.

He saw their heads turn towards the plane as they walked out into the open air and across the tarmac.

Deirdre let out a soft wince, seemingly from the bond that had flared up again between her and the church she had left behind to fly across the ocean. It was only in the first few steps, but he had noticed.

He knew it was causing her pain, he could practically feel it through the bond. His eyes continued to follow their movement across the tarmac to the waiting vehicle. As she got closer to the car, Gallowglass saw Jack and Fernando get out from the front of the vehicle to greet them. Jack’s eyes widened as he saw the massive, black Irish wolfhound walking towards them, his jaw almost going slack from shock. But, he composed himself a moment later as he stepped out from the open driver's side door and stood near it, his eyes still fixed on her form as they approached.

Fernando stepped out from the other seat of the car as well, his eyes fixed on her form as she stumbled a bit in her movement, his sharp brown eyes flicking between her and Gallowglass behind her.

A moment later, Gallowglass stepped up behind her, his hands hovering just a few short steps behind her body in case she showed any signs of collapsing or unsteadiness in her movements.

“I’m sure you can both guess who’s with me…” he said to the two men.

Both men’s eyes remained fixed on her enormous form as she continued to walk through the tarmac and towards them, stumbling every now and then, her large canine legs moving sluggishly. They were both in a bit of a state of shock at the sight of her. A massive, giant wolfhound with jet-black fur, her body the size of a small compact car. Jack’s jaw was still somewhat slack as he continued to watch her movement, the tall, slim vampire’s eyes looking almost mesmerized for a moment as he watched her walk. Fernando, the shorter and more stoic vampire of the two, was staring at her form from the other side of the vehicle.

Deirdre flicked tired and intense crimson-orange irises over the two vampires across from her.

The taller one of the duo was slim and lean. With blond hair that rested at his shoulders, she’d imagined, if his locks were held back by a hair-tie. His green-blue eyes traced over her in disbelief. Next to him, the somewhat shorter, though much more stockier vampire clothed in a suit abandons his post by the driver side of the SUV to approach them. His skin was a dark mocha color, whereas his companion’s was a pale complexion. He swept a lone hand over his neatly combed afro, by way of tension or something, she couldn’t distinguish. His eyes were a deep brown and stern as they roamed over her and Gallowglass’s figures, nearing them.

The stockier man, Fernando, continued to sweep his sharp gaze over her as he approached her and Gallowglass, his dark eyes fixated on her form and his thick, firm brow furrowed in thought as he looked her up and down.

He was clearly inspecting her, taking in her shape and size, looking for any injuries or dangers about her.

“Gallowglass,” a deep baritone accent of English, with a lingering lilt of Spanish, greets. Fernando’s voice held a sharp and steady tone as he clasped his hand in a warrior’s grasp.

Gallowglass returned the greeting, his voice holding a similar strength and firmness to it as he clasped his hand around the others, his own large, calloused fingers wrapping around Fernando’s hand with a strong, familiar grip.

“Fernando…” he said, giving his late sire’s former mate a small, polite nod as they shook hands.

Fernando continued to clasp his hand in a firm, strong grasp for a moment as he looked at Gallowglass, then looked back over past his shoulder, his eyes going back to the massive, black wolfhound next to the huge man.He continued to study her, taking in her features and shape. Even while in canine form, he could see how strong and powerful her body was. She was large and strong with powerful muscles in every limb, her massive form towering just below the height of both men.

“This is your Cú Sidhe companion?” he finally asked, his voice still firm and sharp, but still holding a polite tone. His eyes remained fixed on her, watching her form as he continued to regard her in her canine state with a keen, inspecting eye.

Gallowglass nodded in response, his eyes going over her also as he looked at her canine form, her jet black coat gleaming in the natural sunlight as she walked.

“Aye. She is…” he said, his voice firm and even, a note of defensiveness in his voice as his eyes watched her every move.

Jack, who had stood quietly by the car up until now, finally spoke for the first time since they arrived.

“Bloody hell…” Jack said under his breath, his voice quiet and hushed as he stared at her in amazement.

Both Fernando and Gallowglass turned their heads to look back at him, both sets of eyes fixated on the young, tall vampires’ shocked expression. Jack was still staring at her, his eyes wide and his jaw still slightly open as he looked in awe at her canine form. Gallowglass suppressed the urge to laugh at the younger vampire’s reaction, while Fernando closed his eyes.

The GonÇlaves let out a long, tired sigh before he opened his eyes again, pinning Jack with a hard, stern stare. “Call your mother and father. Inform them of our return.”

Jack was still slightly stunned at the sight in front of him, his wide eyes flicking between the massive black dog and the imposing vampire next to him, but he eventually seemed to snap out of it as Fernando spoke.

He snapped his jaw shut and nodded.

“Right…” he said, delayed a bit as he reached inside his pocket and pulled out his cell phone.

Gallowglass still looked between the two of them for a moment, watching as Jack pulled out his phone and began dialing numbers on the screen. Then, he turned back to focus on her again, walking closer so he was by her side again, a hand nearby in case she stumbled once more. Deirdre stopped by the passenger’s side of the backseat, leaning against the door to ease some of the weight that seemed to be laying on her weary body. Her snout flicks to them. “Open the door,” her voice in its telepathic state has the two newcomer vampire’s stifling in clear surprise. “It’s becoming… too much…”

The giant blond Scot registered that she meant the tension of the bond that was affecting her. He hurried to her side and quickly opened the door, crouching down to aid her into climbing up the seat, where she flopped down. His hands released her sweat covered fur, worry growing for her as she shivered from another fiery wave of pain from the slowly severing bond between herself and the church’s grounds.

Both Fernando and Jack’s head turned at the sound of her voice in their minds, wide eyed in surprise from the telepathic sound for a moment.

They quickly recovered, their expressions turning more calm and stoic as they began to understand what it meant. Gallowglass’s head quickly turned her and he walked up to the car door, opening it for her to get in. He helped her in carefully, his eyes watching her as she sank down in the seat with a heavy exhale. He could see how tired she looked, the bond clearly taking more of a toll on her than he thought it would.

He watched as she flopped down in the seat next to the door, her canine form sprawling out as she tried to get away from the pain of the bond. Her breathing was shallow and a bit ragged, her chest rising up and down slowly as she exhaled.

Gallowglass looked back up at the two other vampires.

“She needs to sleep…” he said quietly. “To recover from the affliction of her straining bond. We need to go.”

Both Fernando and Jack nodded as they heard Gallowglass’s words. They could see the weariness in her form as she sprawled out on the seat, her breathing labored and her furry body starting to shiver from the pain of the bond. They knew she needed rest, and they needed to get her to safety quickly.

“Right,” Jack said, his voice holding a bit of urgency.

“We should get going then,” Fernando agreed, stepping over to the driver’s side of the car.

Gallowglass nodded in agreement, his own eyes filled with concern for her as he watched her form shiver on the backseat seat. He moved a bit closer to her, a hand reaching out to gently brush along her side fur, trying to soothe her as he spoke quietly to her.

“Just a little bit longer, Lass. We’re almost back home…”

She flicked her weary, red-orange gaze up to his face as he spoke to her, his hand gently brushing along her side. She gave him a slow, weak nod, her breathing still labored and her body still shivering from the pain of the weakening bond. Meanwhile, Fernando continued to walk over to the driver’s seat, getting inside and shutting the car door. Jack followed him, walking around to the other side of the car, his eyes still a little wide from the sight of her form sprawled out in the backseat. Gallowglass gently brushes his hand through her furry coat, trying to soothe her exhausted body as he leaned down so she could see his face more clearly.

He could hear the sound of the driver and passenger doors of the car closing as Fernando and Jack got inside.

“Just sleep for now. I’ll wake ye when we’ve arrived…” he said quietly, his voice still soothing and soft.

She looked up at him, her eyes tired and her body still quivering slightly. But, she nodded slowly in agreement, knowing that sleep would help her recover from the pain of the bond. “Thank you…”

Her head slowly sank down into the upholstery of the backseat, her body sprawled out in the space of the large car, her breathing labored and her eyes slowly closing. Gallowglass watches as her head slowly sunk down into the seat, her body relaxing and her breathing slowing as she began to fall asleep. He runs his hand along her soft, black fur, trying to soothe her weary body as much as he could. It was obvious that the bond had taken a big toll on her, and she needed sleep to recover from the pain.

Meanwhile, the sound of the car’s ignition started up.

Its engine purred to a steady run, and the car began to move as they made their way back to the Clairmont family estate. The de Clermont rental car began to move, silently rolling through the gravel of the tarmac and onto the paved, quiet main roads.

The silence in the air was only broken by the sound of the engine of the vehicle, and Gallowglass’s steady breathing as he sits next to her on the backseat. Jack and Fernando sat in the front, the former occasionally looking over his shoulder at the massive dog-form sitting in the backseat next to his uncle. It was still a bit of a shock to see her in her canine state, her enormous size and size taking up a majority of the backseat.

Fernando moves the car across the light, quiet road, the engine giving a steady hum as it continues through the night. Gallowglass’s eyes occasionally flickers from Deirdre to look out the window to check on their progress.

After a while, the car steadily made its way toward the busy streets of Oxford’s main downtown, heading to the suburban neighborhood of the city. Fernando kept his eyes on the road as he directed the SUV along the beaten path. Beside him, Jack ended the phone call he’d kept on whispering into (though as supernaturals they all were aware of the conversation he was having - even if they tuned it out). The two vampire’s glanced to the mirror of the rear view, catching sight of the solemn-faced Scotsman and his Cú Sidhe. The car soon made its slow approach to the sidewalk that stood before the three-story, century-old estate.

With a careful turn. Fernando slowed the car, the vehicle rolling to a stop beside the metal gates. The car slowly rolled to a stop beside the metal gates, the hum of the engine quieting down as Fernando turned it off.

They had arrived at the estate.

It was a big imposing structure of brick and mortar.

It was connected to a series of brick styled structures, lining the sidewalks on both sides. Gallowglass looked down at Deirdre, her large canine form sprawled out across the backseat, her body still quivering gently as she slept in her exhausted state. He felt a pang of concern for her as he saw her troubled form. He knew she needed the rest to recover but he couldn’t help worrying about her. Meanwhile, the sound of the car doors opening came from both the front passenger and driver’s sides of the vehicle.

Fernando and Jack both opened their doors and stepped out onto the sidewalk.

He looked up to see both Jack and Fernando standing on the sidewalk outside, waiting for him to emerge from the car.

“Give me a minute…” he said quietly, his gaze shifting back to Deirdre. He didn’t want to disturb her from her much-needed rest, even though he had to rouse her to alertness to get her into the estate. He gently touches her furry coat, his hand running softly across her black fur. “Lass…” he said softly, trying to wake her up from her sleep.

She stirred gently at his touch on her fur, her head slowly raising up as she opened her eyes, her gaze going up to look at him tiredly. “Hm…?”

He looked down at her, his gaze concerned as he spoke. He hated waking her from her much-needed rest, but they could not leave her sleeping in the car. “We’re here, Lass. I need ya ta get up for a moment…”

Deirdre slowly nodded as she heard his words, understanding that she had to get up and out of the car. She was still tired and sore from her journey and the toll the bond had taken on her, but she pushed through the weary feeling and tried to sit up. He hovered nearby as she began to sit up, watching her carefully to make sure she didn’t stumble or fall as she sat up. His gaze still carried a look of concern for her as he hovered near her canine form, a hand nearby in case she needed support. She sat upright in the backseat, her weary form starting to move and wake up from her rest. She was still exhausted and sore from the toll the bond had taken on her, but she tried to push through it and sat up in the seat.

Gallowglass hovered nearby, watching her carefully and ready to help support her if needed.

He continued to watch her as she sat upright, his eyes still filled with concern for her as she moved in the seat. He waited for a moment to make sure she was stable before he spoke again.

“Ready?” He asked, his voice still quiet and gentle.

Deirdre’s crimson-orange irises flitted from Gallowglass to the two vampire’s he was of the same coven. Her body tightened and coiled up before she gave a slow nod of her maw, dipping her snout to the cement in confirmation. “The sooner I am able to undo these bonds…” her voice was tired and worn, but insistent and stubborn. “… the better I will be.”

Gallowglass gave a slow nod in response to her words, his own expression serious and concerned as he heard the tiredness and insistence in her voice. He had known how determined she was to break the bond before, and it was clear that was still true, even through her weary state. He turned to look over at the other two vampires outside by the gate.

“Right then,” he said, directing his words to the two vampires waiting on the sidewalk.

Jack and Fernando turned their gaze toward him, their expressions still stern and stoic. They had heard her voice in their minds as well, and they understood the urgency of her words. Both waited patiently, their eyes flicking to watch the large canine form of the Cú Sidhe as she prepared to get out of the car and walk the short distance inside the estate.

Deirdre’s sigh was clear as she exited the car, hopping down with careful steps as she sidled behind Gallowglass’s towering form, where he stood with the other two vampire’s. Her gaze wandered over the home and the connecting ones around them. She could smell the blood of witchcraft inside and the scent of other creatures, vampire, daemon alike, within its interiors as well. And briefly asked herself what she was getting herself into. But shook her grim and slightly concerned thoughts away before forcing her stiff and pained body forward - trailing slowly behind the blond Scotsman as he followed the others.

Ahead of them the door to the home opened to reveal a slender blonde woman of average height, with cobalt blue eyes that looked instantly at hers, and flickered to Gallowglass’s, widening. “Gallowglass.”

Said man’s tension softens as he walks closer to the stairs of the home and extends his arms out to her. “Auntie,” he says warmly to the American woman.

They embrace, after she’d hugged onto Jack.

“We were concerned about you.” The woman says in a stern and worried tone. “Matthew said you were on an urgent errand? He didn’t mention that you had left for the states, until after I addressed him. Nor did he wish to tell me that you were bringing your companion?”

Gallowglass releases the woman and smiles genuinely down at her, amused and relieved. “Uncle was a bit taken aback by my actions… It was my idea.”

The blonde hums in response, not fully satisfied with his words or the brief explanation he’d given. “Come inside,” she tells them then, after casting a glance of tenderness and sympathy towards Deirdre’s tensing and awkwardly standing canine form. “I wasn’t told of the poor woman’s condition. She’s a mess. The enchantments on the spells that bound her… it’s a wonder she hasn’t died from the cause of them.”

Deirdre’s snort is worn and heavy as her intense gaze meets the apparent witch’s. “I’ve stabled the effect as best I could… but my own magic is weakened- barely able to dim the worst of it.”

A look of compassion settles over the blonde woman’s gentle features as she opens the door, gesturing for them. “We’ll fix that right up.”

The words bring a sense of peace that Deirdre hadn’t felt in quite some time and she believed it too.

Gallowglass smiles at the two and walks in.

“C’mon then.”

Deirdre huffs, but follows them diligently.

Chapter Text

The house, upon entering, was drastically from her last whereabouts. She was in the main foyer of the large, imposing three-story estate. A staircase leads to the next floor. The walls are plastered with pale blue paint, and the floors made of polished oak wood. The air has the faint smell of old magic, and something like spices and smoke. It almost smells of burnt sage.

Diana was a welcoming witch of maternal strength and compassion.

She displayed a sense of both respect and kindness as she spoke to the few members of the family, sending them to her materials and supplies to aid in comforting Deirdre as she lay slumped before the family’s main hearth. The woman waved the concerned, hovering, form of Gallowglass aside and towards the parlor, where her mate (his uncle awaited him). She’d stocked the fireplace with wood and cast an elemental spell of fire upon it, heating the room and allowing the chilled Deirdre to sink onto her stomach with a settled sigh of relief, relaxed at last.

It was as if the pain of the bond between herself and the church had immediately begun to dim in the time she’d spent in the witch’s presence.

She could sense an extra layer of power that lingered both within and outside of the Bishop woman’s body and soul. It almost carried a weight. It’s own presence. Akin to the lost and wandering spirits that roamed the burial grounds at night. Alive and aware.

Diana had taken notice of her alertness and smiled tenderly at her, wiping her hands on a cloth as she set a bowl of heated water next to Deirdre on the floor. Her eyes, warm, and understanding swept over matted and thick fur that was stained with mud, blood, and the debris of the ruined chapel the solemn gazed Cú Sidhe stayed within.

The woman explained that the sensation and magic she felt was from the Book of Life, itself.

Ashmole 782 had been a book that all creatures of the supernatural world searched endlessly for, throughout the years. Until Diana, unknowing as she was, checked the “lost” book out of the Bodleian library. And opened its contents to study Alchemy for her paper, unaware that her destiny was opening up before her. The book had ingrained and embedded itself into her very flesh, bringing with it, all its knowledge and wisdom. Diana had struck down the path of obtaining its true meaning and purpose, gaining all of its power as she became one with the book itself - inevitably making the Bishop witch the Book of Life.

She, like Deirdre, could see the veiled world of the afterlife and could see the weaving of spells and their very creation. A natural order had been written once she’d picked up Ashmole 782.

It explained why Deirdre felt a flicker of kinship - both having the ability to see beyond the shadows.

Guides or witnesses, they knew death’s fate.

“Here.”

Diana’s voice jerks Deirdre from her thoughts, having her eyes of dim crimson fire turn to lay upon cobalt blue. “Hmm?”

“While Gallowglass is speaking with Matthew. I can take a look at those tricky knots I see.” Diana explains, resting back on her calves as she sunk onto the rug beside her. “It’s clear that a witch tied it. Ancient and old. A weaver?”

“Yes. Maeve was a great witch of her time.” A tone of memory and reminiscing was heard. “She bound the knot of oaths to my family.”

“May I ask how?” Diana quizzes softly. ”Why?”

Deirdre huffs, shifting her stretched out canine limbs as she begins to explain. “Third great-great-grandfather. He came to America to escape the clan wars in Scotland…”

Her head lifted from her paws, gazing quietly at the blonde across from her.

“Maeve’s coven granted them safety from the hunters that scoured the lands for our kind.” The story captured Diana’s attention as she dipped one of the dishtowel into the warm water. “Her husband was also the Pastor of the Church. She’d married the one man who could have been the only person to burn her kindred and herself alive. But instead, she had fallen for the kind man. He was aware of her abilities and that of the supernatural world around him. After their son displayed his growing magic in his cradle.”

Diana’s surprise was visible as she carefully began to run the damp towel down Deirdre’s matted spine, brushing against the coarse fur as gently as she could - wiping away the dirt and dried blood.

“Liam was his name. He was deeply appreciative towards my forefather when he’d saved their only son from a demon attack.” Deirdre’s eyes closed at the soothing ministrations, laying her head back onto the warmed rug before the fire as it flickered and swayed. “After discovering our truth. He settled my kin’s worries of being burnt at the stake or hung by explaining his connection to Maeve and her family. How he was married to her.”

“A man of Faith marrying a witch? He’d be counted amongst the Heretics if his secrets had been revealed.” Diana whispers sadly. “Many people were slaughtered for less in those times. I’m afraid.”

Her voice spoke of a memory that she hadn’t wished to recall. And by her scent alone. It was a painful one.

Deirdre’s nose twitches at the grieving scent.

“My forefather made it his mission to foresee Maeve’s family’s continued protection.” She says, hoping to ease some of the witch’s solemnity. “In exchange, Liam would offer his grounds of the church as a sanctuary for him and his descendants.. We’ve been bound to Belpre Church since…”

“What causes you to wish to abandon its purpose? Your family’s ancient history?” The inquiry is asked softly and carefully.

“Death… Ghosts…” the words were heavy.

Deirdre opened a lone eye of crimson-orange and turned it to focus on the flames of the hearth across from her. She watched its light weave and sway. It was soothing, comforting to watch as her mind became lost to the darkness of her memories. The shadowy faces of her long deceased family haunted her thoughts. The scents and smells they’d used to give were a ghost that teased her snout. Their eyes staring boldly at her everytime she closed an eye or even blinked. It was never ending and relentless. Their voices had become lost amongst the years. Never would she hear her eldest twin brothers bickering, her elder sister’s sad and solemn words of yearning for a husband, or her mother and father’s affectionate and stern advice as they taught her the ways of the world.

“My family- my family was butchered.” She opens her other eye and looks to the shocked gaze of the woman beside her, having halted in cleaning the muck and guck from her fur. “Murdered during the Salem massacre. The slaughter there awoke a spree of death and suspicion in the lives of everyone in the 1690’s. No one was safe. Not even my family….”

Diana drops the towel in the bowl, forgotten now as her heart aches for the devastation written in the woman’s words. In her voice. “How?”

“The church’s ownership passed to the third generation. Marcus Willhelm, second son, gave away the property to another.” Deirdre’s chest rumbles with a growl. “He exposed the history and its significance to our family to the newly installed Pastor. They held the contract now and my father could do nothing against it. I was still young. Barely eleven years old when they came for us. We lived in the woods beyond the church, away from the township and its residents. To protect ourselves and to guard its grounds.”

Her body seemed to tense briefly as her claws dug into the soft material of the rug beneath her frame.

A concerned look came from Diana, who waited.

Gruffly, Deirdre went on to explain.

“They came in the night with torches and Flintlock muskets… we were unprepared and outnumbered…” her ears pulled back as a whine built up. “My youngest siblings were killed in the smoke and fire.”

At this, Diana’s gasp is heard.

The woman lifts a hand to her mouth in visible horror and anger. Her eyes, deep blue, watered with a sheen of emotional tears as she could feel how Deirdre’s heart broke all over again. How devastated the woman was in her retelling of the night her own family had been laid to waste by the people they’d protected for years and years. Her magic flared with her emotion. A disturbing moment of silence was broken by a low whistle of sharp wind within the house, causing the curtains and windows to shudder and whip with the force of her powers as she tried to reel in her burst of anger and grief for Deirdre’s losses in life.

“Aisling, Angus, were toddlers.” The pain in her heart grew. “Eilidh, my elder sister, was shot trying to protect our pregnant mother. They both succumbed to their injuries. And Colin, Callum, eldest of my siblings, died of bullets and pitch-fork wounds. Brutally murdered.”

The horrific images of their sprawled corpses along the ground of her family’s homestead still haunted her.

“Your father? Where was he?” Diana was confused, upset at the story and worried about why her father wasn’t mentioned in the lists of the lost.

“He was with me on patrol.” A whine escapes this time. “My first night of patrolling as a Cú Sidhe…”

This crushes the hope Diana had held.

“Oh Deirdre.” She whispers sorrowfully.

“The smoke and gunshots drew us back home. We came back to a graveyard, where a mass of murderous townsmen and women awaited.” She forced herself to finish. To be done with this tale, in hopes to forget about it all over again. “He tried to send me away. To protect me in his rage and sorrow. But they caught him. I was forced to abandon him- he’d shoved my much smaller figure into the overgrown grass, away from him as they began to rip and tear at his great body. I was witness to their corpses being burnt in the darkness of the night. Spat on and cursed before they left my destroyed home and murdered family behind.”

Diana was openly weeping, quiet as she wiped at her eyes. She laid a gentle hand over Deirdre’s head and leaned down, not caring that they’d only just met, to embrace her maw and snout entirely.

“I’m so sorry. That must have been horrific. I am so sorry.” She repeats on and on, emotional as she holds onto the canine woman’s head.

A pained, wounded noise escapes the canine’s lips as the blonde witch, the Bishop, wraps her arms around her snout.

She is rigid, tense, at first, confused at the actions of the woman. However, the comfort, the gentle words and touch, soon soothe her nerves and the tension in her large form as she exhales and closes her eyes at the sensation of being held. Never would she have thought she would find such solace and comfort. Nor would she realize how much she missed it.

The sound of a quiet conversation within the house, causes her ears to twitch and her eyes to shift open and away from the witch’s form. She lifts her head upwards and stares into the fire, trying to listen in to the voices of the two speaking.

The tones were low and quiet, but the words of the conversation were barely audible. They were discussing something- or someone. Specifically her, that much was certain.

“Looks like they’ve finished talking.” Diana’s voice is soft as she slowly pulls back from embracing the other woman, whose snout had lifted towards the doorway of the living room quarters. “I guess I should get to unknotting that spell on you. I can’t imagine what it’s doing to you right now- before I do though? The contract? Did you manage to retrieve it? It’ll be easier to undo the oath that way.”

Deirdre’s ears lift at the words as she looks at the woman.

“I’ve hidden its location.… away from the clergy’s reach.”

Her voice rasps, deep and tired.

“…it's in my chest, below the flesh. I took it from that bastard Pastor’s corpse and hid it inside my body to never be used again.”

Diana winces in sympathy at her answer, but she understood her logic. There was no telling what the new pastor would have done if he’d had access to the contract that had bound Deirdre to Belpre Church.

“Smart idea.” She nods in agreement. “However, I’m going to have to see where the knot, if anything, is located.”

Deirde huffs and looks back at the flames of the hearth, before inhaling and sighing in resignation.

“Do as you need to do, then.”

She lays her head down upon her paws, letting Diana have access to the recently washed fur of her shoulders and back.

Diana runs her hands gently across the area, stopping as Deirdre lifts her head to show the lone pale jaggedly scarred X mark that laid beyond the thick fur. Her brows furrowed, fingers brushing against the rise of flesh. It had the outline of a thin rectangular shape - where she assumed the piece of paper had been cut and sutured over. It was a disturbing idea and feeling. But she understood why the woman had done what she’d done.

“It’s here. Above your left breast, isn’t it? Between that and your collarbone.” She meant the contract that’d been sealed beneath skin and the knot of ancient magic.

Deirdre nods silently as she lays her head back down, trying to ignore the uncomfortable feeling of the woman’s fingers tracing against the marred flesh of her chest. The flesh around the incision mark was raised and pale in color. The healing had been done while she was in her canine form.

“Yes…”

She winces as Diana’s fingers pause and apply pressure against the scar.

“Sorry.”

Diana murmured apologetically as she continued to try to feel around for the knot. Magic was in everything, even the air around them. She concentrated, slowly tracing her fingers over and around the area. Trying to sense for any sort of magic she could use to free the woman of her bindings without causing her even greater pain.

Deirdre’s back muscles twitched as Diana’s fingers pressed against a sensitive part of the scarred incision. It felt uncomfortable and, if she were truly being honest, painful. The sensation of the witch’s fingertips against the sensitive flesh of her chest and the scar made her want to pull back. But she held herself still, letting the woman continue. Hoping she would find where the knot was, so that this could be over and done with as soon as possible. Though, it was hard to find it. Like looking for a needle in a haystack. But, after a few moments of feeling along the flesh, Diana could feel where the knot was. A small, subtle thing - not as large or obvious as she'd expected.

"I think I found its center. I'm going to try to untie it and it might hurt a little." Diana murmurs quietly. Her fingers moved once again, trying to pull at the invisible bonds that held Deirdre to her church.

With a slight stiff rumble, Deirdre’s shoulders hunched forward as the witch’s fingertips pressed against the sensitive knots of magic. It sent a feeling of pins and needles along her spine and the muscles of her back. But she didn’t pull back- it stung, but compared to some of the other things she’d experienced in her life… It was manageable. She merely lets out a shuddering, low exhale as her back hunched and furred shoulders trembled from the strange sensations.

Diana’s fingers move slowly and carefully, slowly pulling at the bonds of the spell. It was hard to tell if they were loosening under her careful touch. She tried to keep the pressure steady and deliberate, trying to pull just strong enough to loosen the knots yet not hurt the woman any more than necessary. A bead of sweat formed upon her brow as it was harder than expected to undo the spell, its binding power strong.

Deirdre shudders once more as she closes her eyes tight, her breath coming in sharp inhales as the spell was tampered with. The feeling of the magic being pulled at - shifted and worked around - felt painful and strange. Like a tugging sensation and an electric current flowing through her body. A sound of discomfort and displeasure emits from her closed lips and fangs. It stung a bit more, but she held still… still and hoped for the moment to pass. Diana's hands moved methodically and carefully as her fingertips continued to work away at the knots. With each pull, she felt the magic resisting - not wanting to be broken but slowly it was weakening little by little

"I think it's loosening, a little bit. I'm going to apply more pressure, it might hurt more." Her voice is low and soft, her hands moving in small, gentle but firm motions as she pulls even stronger at the bonds of the spell.

Deirdre’s jaw clenches and her eyes squeeze tight shut more - a sharp inhale as her back stiffened. It stings more than it had at first, the pulling sensation stronger and the feeling more intense. But she holds herself still, silently enduring the stinging, burning and aching feeling that flows and pulses through her flesh. Her furred ears press flat against her head as she lets out a pained growl and exhales through her clenched teeth.

Slowly, the spell began to yield and loosen under her repeated efforts. A sense of relief fluttered through Diana's chest as she felt it loosening - inch by inch, little by little.

"Almost. Almost- there." She mutters quietly, her fingers and hands continuing to pull and work on the magic with careful, but stronger motions.*l

Another few minutes passed in a tense, almost silent room. Only the crackling of the hearth, the shifting of bodies and the shuddering, shaking breaths of a large canine form could be heard. Then, there was a sudden, strange feeling - the pulling, painful sensation faded. Magic was free, but Deirdre still held herself still, her furred back hunched up and head down. Exhaling and inhaling slowly and deeply as the pain had lessened and was less intense. The feeling of strangeness was now replaced with a feeling of strange… weightlessness.

Diana paused, her hands pausing in their work as she watched with a mixture of hope and worry. Has it worked? Had she done it? She held herself perfectly still for a few tense seconds before she finally spoke, her voice slightly tentative as she gently placed her hands on the hound-woman's back.

"I think I've done it." The blonde murmured softly, her eyes watching carefully for any sign that she may need to continue.

Deirdre’s ears twitch, picking up the sound of the woman’s voice and the feeling of her hands touching her back. Slowly, a shaky exhale left her, her head lifting upwards from where it had been bowed down before. She opened her eyes, blinking a few times. That strange, burning and tugging sensation she had experienced only moments before was now gone. She felt… free. The words sink in and the realization hits her like a sudden wave of cold water. She was loose of her church, truly and completely - now unbound by the contract that had for so long been her only identity.

With a relieved exhale, Diana’s hands move across the Cú Sidhe woman's chest in soft, careful motions. Not unlike how one would pet a large animal. She smiles faintly as her hands paused. Letting the woman take in this news and what it really meant for her. They had both come a long way, a long journey. Perhaps the end of this chapter was something to celebrate.

"You're free of its bond.”

Free.

She is free, truly and completely.

No longer does she have a master, no longer is she bound to a church and its people. Her eyes fell closed once more as she let out a soft whine. The feeling of the soft and gentle touches against her chest slowly, as if it were a foreign but much needed, and longed for comfort. She lifts a shaking tail, gently wrapping the long fur around the witch and pulling her closer.

Diana is surprised, of course, at the movement. But doesn’t resist it, shifting her position and letting herself go. She slowly moves her body to be against the woman’s front, letting the tail wrap around her and hold her close. Her hands continued to pet along the woman’s chest and abdomen, her head lowered to press her face against black pelt.

“Thank you.” The words are a caress of appreciation through the telepathic bond she’d made with those near her. “I cannot express my gratitude… You’ve freed me from solitude and ghosts.”

Diana hums softly. Feeling the warmth and comfort of the other woman.

“You’re welcome. I’m glad I could.” She murmurs in response. “Gallowglass cares greatly for you. I had to pry away information about you that he stubbornly refused to give. He was devoted to finding a way for you to escape this cruel oath.”

Deirdre lets out a shaky, but amused huff. Her large ears flicker, swiveling as the sound of a familiar name reaches her. She lets out another huff before a slight growl.

“That stubborn fool…” Is all she mutters, voice raspy but with fondness. “I owe him everything…”

The witch chuckled softly. Hearing the affection and fondness in the woman’s tone when mentioning the vampire. She lets herself be held, shifting herself to get more comfortable, and resting her head against the woman’s chest.

“I know he was worried for you. Even I could tell that.” She pauses, before continuing. “And that he trusts you deeply to bring you here. I can see why. You’re a strong woman. Someone I think I will become very good friends with.”

Deirdre lets out another soft huff, her tail tightening it’s coils around the witch’s form. Comforted by the gentle touches and warm words spoken. But, at the last words she lets out a low rumble of a chuckle. The sound of a woman who didn’t get much company and conversation. Or even comfort.

“I would like that very much.”

“Come. Let’s get you up and into the kitchen. I’ll cook you some steak or do you like it raw?” Diana asks as she rises off her knees and lifts the bowl, turning towards the door that leads into the kitchen area, where the voices of both men could now be heard. “I’m sure my husband will want to speak with you about binding yourself to our children to protect them… though I’d assume you would want some time off of being bonded to an oath.”

A soft sound of agreement is heard as she lifts her large, canine body from the floor and onto all fours. Shaking herself and getting rid of the lingering and uncomfortable sensations. Her nose twitched as the scent of the men filled her nostrils, hearing the low sound of soft and quiet conversation.

“I can’t disagree. The thought of some time without any binding does sound nice.” She states with an exhausted, amused, huff, beginning to pad her way towards the kitchen door and the voices of the men. “But I made a promise to Gallowglass to protect you and your husband’s children. Brightborns were cherished by my kind. My ancestors would often save an abandoned brightborn child on the fairie roads. As we were outcasts. We understood their existence in this cruel world. So we chose to protect them as we would the churches that sheltered us.”

Diana’s eyes widened in surprise, her arms holding the bowl of water as she made her way to the kitchen, the canine woman’s soft, padding footsteps following her. Her mind quickly went over the information that the woman had just shared with her.

“You’re very protective of my twins already?” The woman acknowledges as she walks to the sink, setting the bowl down and the dish towel on the counter. “Is it because of your kind connection to them?”

Deirdre lets out a slow grunt of confirmation, following the woman with her hulking body into the kitchen and standing at her side. She nods, her ears twitching as she stares in the direction where the men could be heard, noting the taller silhouettes lingering in the dining room. Her eyes were watching and taking notice of the two’s reactions and body movements, observing.

With a shake of her head, she answered in reply to the woman’s question.

“Yes… we are naturally protective of the Brightborn. It’s a connection that goes back generations.”

“I see.” Diana hums softly, as she begins to search through a cupboard, looking for a large dish to put the steak she has to prepare soon for the canine woman. Noting how Deirdre seemed to be observing the room and the men.

“I suppose that means that you’ll be spending a lot of time with us then.” She chuckled, setting the dish down. “A new member of the de Clermont’s Scion, to be exact.”

Deirdre’s ears twitched at the words and she let out a snort. But her thoughts and her mood were mixed at the title. “A member of the de Clairemont’s scion.” She repeats the words out loud, in a raspy, amused tone of voice.

Then sighs as she lets her head rest against the countertop, her head turned to face the woman.

“How strange? A Cú Sidhe a member of one of the oldest, prestigious, vampire covens… along with a few of the most notorious witches as well. What a sight that would make in the supernatural world.”

Diana can’t help but chuckle at the amused tone, glancing over at the hound-woman. Noting how she rests against the countertop with a heavy thump, watching her now.

“It would be quite the sight.” She hums, pausing in her task. “It’d definitely turn a few heads, I can tell you that. But it’s a welcomed one. You’ll be a great addition to our family.”

Deirdre lets out a grumbling, amused grunt, her canine tail slowly flickering behind her as she continues to rest her body against the countertop. Her eyes watched the other woman silently, a sense of… content and acceptance was settling within her chest. The idea of being welcomed and the idea of being a part of the new family slowly beginning to warm. The thought of not being alone anymore. Something that had never occurred to her in the centuries of her life.

“I will strive to do my best.”

A deep resigned chuckle breaks the brief and comforting silence. It startled her, for a moment, as she hadn’t expected the masculine tone to enter their conversation so suddenly, and so soon. Deirdre’s eyes, lakes of fire, swiftly sweep away from the witch as they focus on the towering, intimidating, figure of a man clothed in black, ironed, slacks and a long-sleeve button-up with a dark belt and polished shoes to match. His eyes were a stormy-blue and intense as they checked over her massive form. His face was thin and slender, chiseled from a statue almost. And his brows, like his combed trimmed hair, was a deep onyx-brown color.

This must be Diana’s mate and vampiric husband: Matthew Clairmont of the de Clermont coven. Professor and Geneticist of the All Souls college at Oxford’s University - an academic and warrior of ancient time and tradition.

She could scent the beast that laid beneath his cool and calm mask.

This vampire was powerful and old.

His knowing gaze assessed hers with a calculated glance before he briefly smiles down at her, shooting a protective once-over towards his wife’s busy frame by the counter. “Gallowglass, my nephew, speaks highly of you. He’s also told your story and your reasons for leaving Belpre, New York.”

Deirdre turns towards the sound of the new voice as her eyes lock onto the slender and tall figure that entered the kitchen. Her eyes - like flickering flames - watch and observe the vampire’s movements as he moves closer with a calculated, cool, gaze.

She takes in his appearance and features.

She noted the deep and cool tones of his voice, a hint of French mixed in his refined British accent. He had the smell of an ancient being - but something more dangerous and predatory. He was not one to underestimate.

Matthew continued to look at her with his calculating stare, arms crossing as he steps closer until he stands just a few feet away from her bulky, canine form. His eyes continued to observe her, taking in her features and the size of her. She was obviously of great magical power - and a strong woman.

"Deirdre, I take it?” He asks in that same, deep, voice.

A hint of a smirk on his lips as he waits for confirmation that she was who his nephew had described, though he clearly knew who she was by the way he looked at her, and by his tone.

Deirdre holds herself stiff, not moving from her place in front of the counter. She lets her eyes roam over his form once more as she meets his gaze. Her ears pinning down against her head for a brief moment as she lets out a soft huff. Then nods her head once, answering his question.

“Correct.” She replies in a low, guttural, voice.

Her voice was still hoarse and raspy, though less so than it had been when they first unbound her from the church’s oath.

Diana looks over at her mate and sighs, shaking her head at the taller man.

“Matthew. Quit trying to intimidate our guest.” She scolds the vampire curtly. “She’s been through enough. Let her at least rest and eat before you try to interrogate her about the role of the twins' guardian.”

Matthew glances over at his wife, a small smirk playing at his lips as she scolds him. Then, his gaze goes back to the canine woman in front of him. One brow raised, amused at Diana’s scolding. Then he lets out a soft hum. “You’re correct, my love. As usual.” He hums in his deep voice, his tone dripping with affection for his mate. He lets out a soft exhale, as if to calm his own beast - that laid just beneath the surface.

Diana lets out another small sigh, rolling her eyes at her mate. But still smiles, not at all surprised that he would try to intimidate the other woman. She was all too familiar with how Matthew was, after all. She turns her attention back to the steak she was preparing for the canine woman in their kitchen.

“Don’t mind him too much. He’s a little protective.” She states as she continues with her task, her tone slightly amused as if this was a frequent interaction between the two.

“A wee bit? Auntie, you speak too fondly of uncle. He’s a right bastard at times.” The rolling Scottish brogue of a smirking and amused Gallowglass says as he enters the kitchen now too.

Matthew grunts in amusement, the corner of his lips twitching into a smirk at the tone and words of his nephew.

The tone of friendly mockery.

“Don’t start with me, boy.” He says coolly, eyes darting towards the younger vampire . He can’t help but be amused and fond of him. There was a deep fondness in his tone when he did speak to Gallowglass, despite what he said to the contrary at times.

Diana lets out another amused sigh, the sound of her mate’s affectionate scolding to his nephew as he enters the room. She can’t help but smile, finding it slightly entertaining to watch the two banter as they do. And can’t help but roll her eyes as she continues preparing the food.

“You two.” She exclaims, half-scolding, from where she stands near the counter. “Sit down.”

Both men do as told. Gallowglass immediately taking a seat on one of the stools at the counter, his legs spreading apart, as he lets out another amused huff. Matthew, while he seems to take some level of pride in being told what to do by a witch, still dutifully takes a seat at the kitchen table, crossing his legs and folding his hands in his lap. Even in this he was still the very image of a polite and proper old vampire. Diana then continues cooking in quiet and comfortable silence, listening to the occasional exchange between the men in the room. Her eyes checked the steak, making sure that it’s fully cooked but still raw in the middle - which she knew the canine-woman would like the most.

Once the steak is prepared and seasoned properly, she sets it on a platter. Then steps from the counter, holding the platter in her hands.

“Here we are.” She says, bringing it towards Deirdre, who sat on her haunches at the end of the table. “I cooked it a bit. Didn’t know if you liked it well done or raw. Please go ahead.”

Deirdre lets out a low grumble of appreciation as the dish of food is set in front of her, the smell of it making her nose twitch. Her eyes quickly take in the sight and scent of the food, her stomach protesting. It had been a while, after all, since she had last eaten. Even longer since she’d had a nice, fresh meal.

Her tongue quickly darts over her lips, her tail sweeping the floor behind her as she looks at the food. Then back to the witch.

She nods, looking sheepish for a moment.

Diana smiles kindly at the canine-woman. She could see the restrained excitement and hunger that the other woman was feeling at having a proper meal. And couldn’t blame her. She understood how it felt, to have to go without the normal food others had. So, seeing the woman’s tail swishing and the look of slight sheepishness, she chuckled in a comforting manner.

“Dig in, I doubt the boys will mind waiting a bit.” She states, gesturing to the two males in the room.

Matthew was watching the interaction with silent, almost curious, observation, his eyes following the movements of the canine woman. Gallowglass, while observing - and slightly amused - was simply waiting for a moment to speak with his “old friend”.

Deirdre glances around, briefly looking from the men, back to Diana. Then, with a slight twitch of her ears, looks back down at the food on the platter. She waits till the plate was set on the ground before her until she begins to dig into the meal with enthusiasm.

She was obviously hungry, devouring the steak in four bites.

Diana watches for a moment, slightly concerned that the canine-woman would get sick eating so quickly and so much. But quickly relaxed, knowing that she probably knew her own limits on how much she could eat.

Gallowglass, now that she had food in her stomach and the immediate hunger was satisfied, takes the opportunity to speak up.

“I take it that the process of breaking the bond went well enough?” He exclaims from his spot at the counter. His voice is calm and inquisitive.

Matthew’s eyes quickly move over to Gallowglass at the question. He leans back in his seat at the table, waiting for the canine woman to answer. The sound of her licking up the last of the juices from her meal in the room.

Deirdre sighs as she raises her head, looking over at the two men. Her tongue swept out to clean her muzzle and maw, instinctively.

“It was… rough for a few moments. But it was done without any major incidents.” She answers, her tone slightly weary.

Gallowglass leans further back on his stool, arms folding as his legs keep their position. His eyes now looking over at Deirdre.

“I’m sure it was.” He replies calmly, though there is that small hint of mischief in his voice that shows up at times. “You didn’t almost rip anyone’s arm off, did you?”

A growl leaves the canine-woman at the words.

Her ears flickering in mild irritation.

“Of course not. Do you think I’m as undisciplined as that?” She snaps in reply, glaring at the Scotsman.

Gallowglass lets out an amused huff, his lips twitching into a small, almost cheeky, smirk. He had expected the response - and the tone - that the woman would give. He was enjoying himself greatly.

“Of course not, Old Dog.” He retorts, though his tone is still friendly. “I was just curious.”

Diana waves a hand in the air and a sharp splash of water shoots out of the faucet and smacks against the giant blond man’s face, soaking his beard and the flannel he wore beneath his leather jacket. The sound of Gallowglass sputtering is heard as water hits his face, blinking as the liquid slides down his skin and flannel. He lets out a dramatic huff of surprise and mock-anger, a small smile on his face.

"Now that was just uncalled for-"

He starts to protest, though stops when he sees Diana's look. He quickly shuts his mouth and sighs. He was not going to win this argument. Not in her house, at least. Matthew lets out a quiet chuckle at his nephew being scolded.

Diana’s brows furrowed as she levels a stern look towards the vampire, scolding him.

“Gallowglass. Leave her alone.” She then turned to Deirdre’s snarled expression and offered her a smile. “About that. I can resolve this problem with some of my magic as well. No one deserves to be trapped in a form that they weren’t born within. I cannot imagine how much stress and strain it’s put you through.”

Matthew lets out a small chuckle as the blond male is lightly scolded. But remains silent, looking at her with a stoic face. He knew better than to say anything in response to his wife’s scolding at the moment. Though the smirk on his lips betrays his calm demeanor, an amused gleam in his eyes.

Deirdre's ears flick at the words from the witch. A flicker of hope, however small, in her mind.

"You can?" She asks in a disbelieving tone, not daring to hope.

Diana gives her a kind, understanding, smile. Her eyes are gentle and open as she looks at the canine-woman. She could see the fluttering hope in her eyes - how she didn’t want to get her hopes up. But at the same time; yearned for it to be possible.

“I can. My magic is strong enough that I can likely figure out a way to break the shape-shifting spell.” She reassures. “It might take some time to find just the right sort of spell and spell-craft. But it can be done.”

Deirdre’s eyes widen in shock, hope and a hint of relief at hearing the words. She wanted to get back to her true form. She missed being human. She was starting to forget what her real skin, real body, truly felt like, the longer she was a canine.

Alow whining sound escaped the woman, her tail slowly moving back and forth in a gesture of excitement.

“That… would be great.” She murmured, her tone soft and slightly shaky.

Diana smile slightly, her eyes watching the canine woman as she lets out a low whine. Her heart ached for her - no one should be forced away from their true form for so long. It was a cruel and unjust thing to do. So it was only fair that she was given her true form back.

She nods her head in agreement.

“I’ll get started as soon as I can.” Diana states quietly, reassuring the woman as best she can.

Matthew leans forward slightly in his seat, watching the two women in front of him. His eyes scan Deirdre - taking note of the expression and body language change at the mention of being returned to her true form - and then moving over to his mate. He could see her wanting to help the canine-woman. It was the way she was.

Always willing to help others.

"Will you be able to still go through with the oath to my children?" He asks, leaning his chin against his hand with his usual cool, and stoic, demeanor. “Or does it require you in your mortal shell?”

Deirdre is brought out of her momentary hope at the vampire’s question. Her ears flicker towards him, listening to the question carefully and seriously. Her mind goes over the possibilities - and the risks. She glances at the witch, her eyes looking for reassurance. Then, slowly, her head turns to the vampire. She nods her head once. With a strong tone she answers.

“I can still go through with the oaths.”

Matthew holds eye contact with the canine-woman for a moment more. His eyes searched her facial expressions and body language, assessing the strength behind her words. To see if she was really serious about this. Then he gives one, short, nod. Accepting her answer and deciding that she was strong enough to keep her word.

"Good." He finally replies, leaning back in his chair in his usual relaxed manner.

The edge in his voice - and the almost dangerous gleam in his eyes - gone for the moment.

“We can work on obtaining the contract afterwards. I take it that I do not need physical contact with the contract for your bonds with my children to work?”

Deirdre nods her head once more, not taking her eyes off the vampire. Despite the air of calm that was around him, there was still a sense of danger lurking just beneath the surface.

“No, you don’t need physical contact with the contract for it to bind me.” She answers in a calm, clear, low voice, but the tone is still slightly hesitant and raspy from her hound form.

Matthew leans back in his chair, still casually leaning against the table. His sharp eyes are still observing, taking in the canine-woman’s every movement. The air around him was still filled with a faint aura of danger, despite the stoic look in his eyes - but he was a vampire. Danger was something that just came with that territory.

Deirdre could see the slight hint of a smirk on his lips. Though there was no indication if it was because of her answer, or some other internal thought.

“That’s good.” He says, his voice cool and calm. “We’ll withhold the oath binding till tomorrow night. Our children will need to be introduced to you first. We’ll further the process after your introduction.”

She nods her head again. Keeping a straight, confident face as she answers him.

“Of course.” She replies in that same, low, voice. Her head lifting slightly, and her ears pricking forward at his words.

A moment of silence passes between the two as the vampire observes her. His eyes are almost hawk-like in how they keep looking at her, taking in her facial expressions and body language carefully. Then, he gives a slight smirk, satisfied with something.

He sits up in his seat, folding his hands in his lap.

“I shall leave you ladies here.” He looks to his wife and Gallowglass now. “There are phone calls I need to make with Baldwin and my mother. I’ll be in my salon. Please. Make yourself comfortable… and welcome to my home, Miss MacTavish.”

Deirdre watches quietly as the vampire gets up from his chair. His gaze still scans over her every movement for a final moment, before he gives a small slight nod to the two others in the room, and leaves. His steps are silent and precise. Diana watches her mate leave the room, a knowing smirk on her lips at the look in his eyes. And sighs, before shifting her attention back to the canine-woman in her home. Gallowglass leans back in his stool at the counter. His blue eyes glanced over Deirdre quietly, much like his uncle had a moment ago. But his gaze is softer - more curious and friendly - as he watches the woman.

Diana, meanwhile, just gives a soft, comforting, smile to Deirdre. Her eyes warm and kind.

“Are you still hungry? Thirsty?” She asks, her words sincere and soft.* “I can show you to a guest room we’ve set up for your stay. I’m sure you wish to get more sleep.”

Deirdre lets out a slight grumble.

Her stomach was still grumbling from having to gorge herself on the steak the witch had provided her. But she wasn’t sure if she should ask for more. She didn’t want to seem like a burden or intruder on the pair’s home. But at the mention of sleep, however, she lets out a sound of agreement. Her head nodded. She was quite exhausted. Everything - today, especially - had taken a lot out of her. Both physically and mentally.
Gallowglass notices the sound of the canine woman’s grumble, and lets out a quiet chuckle of amusement at her hesitancy to ask for more food. He raises one eyebrow, but decides not to say anything.

Diana also hears the grumble, but doesn’t say anything. Instead, she smiles with slight understanding and nods her head.

“Of course, I’ll show you to your room.” She says gently. Her voice is still soft and quiet. “Follow me, please.”

Deirdre nods obediently.

Slowly, she rises to her paws, shaking herself out. Her muscles stretch and adjust to the new movement after being in her hound form. Then, once she is up, she follows after the witch as she is led through the kitchen and into a hallway. Diana leads the canine woman through the halls with calm, quiet steps. Her stride is steady and sure as she walks, leading the way to a guest room that they had set up to accommodate for her arrival. Everything was meticulously cared for, but still gave a homey touch.

She pauses in front of a door, a slight smile on her lips.

“This is the guest room set for you.” She informs her quietly, her tone still gentle and calm. “We have everything set up and you’re free to make yourself as comfortable as you wish.”

The smell of the house is new to her canine-sense, though one that doesn’t overpower her or is too overwhelming. Just the right touch of scents. It smelled faintly of lavender and herbs - most likely due to Diana. Something that eases her mind, in a small way. Taking a deep breath, she pushes open the door to the guest bedroom with her nose and pads into the room.

Her eyes looking around now at the space she’ll be calling hers for quite some time.

A comfortable queen bed can be seen set in the middle of the room. Soft, warm blankets and comforters, all carefully arranged and set on top of the bed, ready for the canine-woman to settle down on.

The walls are white, but a hint of color and warmth are added by the warm, dark, browns tones of the wooden furniture. A wardrobe, a bedside table, a chair, are placed about the room. The floor is covered mostly in a dark green carpet. Soft and plush under her feet. Deirdre takes a few steps forwards into the room, her paws pressing against the deep green carpet. The fibers feel soft under her canine feet. Her ears twitch in slight appreciation at the feeling. She glances about the room, getting the lay of the space before her. Seeing the arrangement of furniture and the bed in the center. Her crimson-orange eyes move to the bed at the thought of rest. It looked very comfortable. Very inviting. She had to fight the urge to curl up right then and there on the soft blankets and pillows at the center of the room.

Diana smiles as she watches the canine-woman take in the look of the room for a moment, seeing the glance to the bed. She can see the hint of eagerness to just crawl right onto the bed and sleep - the expression and shift in body language was quite familiar to her. The witch had experienced the look herself many times, when she was heavily pregnant and had the urge to lay herself down as well.

She chuckles quietly, her voice soft.

“Feel free to lie down, if you wish.”

Deirdre’s crimson eyes shift over to the witch’s face as if pulled out of a trance from staring at the bed. Her ears flicker back in silent embarrassment at being caught, but she quickly regains her composure. She lets out a soft sigh and nods her head in agreement.

A low grunt of acknowledgment coming from her throat as she gives into the urge and pads over to the large bed and jumps easily onto the mattress.

Diana’s smile grows a hint wider as she watches the canine woman make her way over to the bed, and then jump onto it onto the mattress. Crawling right up to the center of the blankets, and snuggling into them. A low growl of contentment rumbling out of her canine throat.

She watches for a moment longer, before speaking up again. “I should leave you to get some sleep before I wake you in the morning.”

Gallowglass’s shadow peeks into the doorway and he smiles fondly, affectionately at the sight of Deirdre resting on the bed. He leans against it. “Aye, she’s pretty tired, still.” He then looks to Deirdre in question. “Lass. My room is across the way from yer’s.”

Said woman looks over the bed at the voice at the door. Her ears flickering and a slight grumble of acknowledgement coming out of her canine-throat. She nods to him once, silently thanking him for letting her know where she can find his location. Then, she snuggles herself back into the bed and blankets. Her head resting down onto the pillows as fatigue begins to set in. Her body was more worn out than she had previously thought.

He watches her snuggle herself into further into the warm and comfortable fabrics on the bed - clearly, completely exhausted even after the rest she had gotten in the morning. No doubt the physical transformation of shape-shifting - along with the added shock of everything else that had happened today - had worn her out beyond belief. The Scotsman smiles to himself as his gaze sweeps over the woman for a few more seconds as she starts to drift off into sleep.

“C’mon,” he says softly to Diana, tapping her shoulder. “Let’s let ‘er rest….” his eyes glance tenderly back towards Deirdre’s curled form. “She deserves it.”

Diana nods her head, a soft understanding smile on her lips. Her own expression soft at the sight of the woman curled up on the bed. No doubt it had been a long and difficult last few days for her.

She steps forward towards her mate’s nephew, linking her arm with Gallowglass’s offered one and allowing him to lead her out of the room. Her eyes lingering on Deirdre resting on the bed for a moment more, before the door is pulled shut silently behind them