Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Standing Together

“What do you mean, Rhea?” Arras asked, frowning. "My family is coming home?"

“The studies are done, I guess. The bodies are being returned for reburial…unless you want them buried at the cathedral?” Rhea looked from brother to brother.

“No, bring them home,” Taigh nodded firmly. “They belong here.

Arras stood still, a distant look in his eyes. Without a word, he turned and walked away.

Rhea followed, “Arras?”

“Please, Rhea,” he said over his shoulder, in a voice harsh and dry. “I need to be alone.”

“You were alone for centuries,” Rhea said. “You don’t have to be alone.”

Arras paused before climbing the stairs to the hallway above.

“Come along then, I’m going to my study,” Arras looked back at Rhea, his face relaxed but his eyes still troubled.

Once in the study, Arras shut the door, reaching into a cabinet and pouring a small glass of amber liquid.