Author's Pov:
Silence as heavy as a blanket falls. No one dared to move... or breathe.
Something didn't feel right, yet it also felt comforting. How can a stranger's presence bring reassurance to both sisters?
Myst tenses with uneasiness, her lips pursed in a thin line. Kylan senses this, and squeezes her shoulders lightly. To reassure her of his presence.
The master's eyes linger on the both of them for a minute too long, making the tension grow thicker. Then his ice cold gaze locks back on a similar pair of eyes which seemed to mirror his expression.
It was Mystic and she didn't seem like she would back out of their seemingly staring competition anytime soon. Her gaze was as cold as his, perhaps even colder. It was as though an ice berg and an ice storm had both collided, still battling over which would overcome the other.
Eventually, the master sighs, then looks away. Breaking eye contact as he shakes his head with a small grin. Mystic scrowls, "I had asked you a question, I didn't crack a joke."
As soon as those words leave her mouth, everyone sucks in a breath, including Holden who stood by her side like an unmoving pillar. "Here we go again..." Kylan murmurs, Myst jabs him gently with her elbow. Before giving him a playful glare. He makes a sulking face with a pout, but hides a smile the moment she looks away.
Still, it didn't soften the hostility rolling off Mystic in waves. Jax whistles, as he floats around her, then gently rests on her shoulders. The master sees this, his eyes narrowing slightly before he finally opens his mouth to speak.
"You're more fierce than I thought." Mystic rolls her eyes, "I didn't ask for a compliment. Who are you?" She asks, hands fraying in the air. The master locks eyes with hers, before surveying the environment. Then, finally he speaks, "I came to help defeat Trigon." Was all he said.
Mystic inhales sharply, and Holden does his best not to flinch at the sound. "How do we know we are not working with a spy or an enemy?" Myst asks, narrowing her eyes at him. The master stiffens, but the calm mask on his face doesn't slip off.
"My sister is right, how do we know we can trust you? You just appeared out of nowhere and now you ask for our trust." Myst piped in from Kylan's side. And none of the guys dared speak, especially with the way Mystic's rage rose with each passing second.
Holden at last couldn't take it anymore, and placed a gentle hand on Mystic's. She stills for a second, her eyes widen slightly as she whips her head to where their hands were intertwined. But Holden doesn't flinch, or look at her when she stares up at him in shock and surprise. His eyes land on the master, and he sees the instant hostility there.
The master's eyes had grown cold, his gaze hardening and Holden surprisingly held it. "You heard the lady, prove you're an ally and we'll see about the rest." Holden's voice was cold, clipped and formal. There was something restrained in his voice.
The master's eyes narrow further as he speaks, "who are you to speak on her behalf?" He asks, voice low and threatening. This time, Mystic responds.
"He's my partner, you have a problem with that?" She asks, eyes daring him to say something wrong. To give her a reason to stirke.
Wisely, he did not. "Good. You have until tomorrow to prove your alliance to us. Until then, I need rest." Mystic said, exhaustion seeping into her voice. She turns to Myst and her mate. "Take care of Myst for me Kylan." To which he only nods, wrapping his arms around her. "No need to remind me." He said softly, before steering her in the direction of their room.
Mystic sagged and stumbled. Both the master and Holden reach for her at the same time. Causing the air to become awkward, but Holden gets to her first. A hand around her waist and a hand on her face. Gently shaking her back to consciousness.
"Can you walk?" Holden asks, eyes scanning her face. Mystic tries to open her eyes with great effort, "can't." She whispered, and without a second thought, Holden sweeped her into his arms. Taking her to her room, with Jax following behind, as she slips deeper into oblivion, with her head against his chest. Despite the master and his minions watching.
---
The next morning, Holden was the first out. He was exhausted, he had been watching over Mystic throughout the sleeping hours. And had only dozed off for a few hours.
His eyes were still a bit swollen and grim with lack of sleep. But he still proceeded to the storage to grab some water. Then wash his face afterwards.
He's almost through with his activities when he hears the uncomfortable familiar voice. "You know who I am." It wasn't a question it was a fact.
Holden stiffened for a second, then carried on like he never did. "I don't know what you're talking about." He responded to the Master's words, with unsettling calm and dismissal.
Steps sounded against the bare floor, hinting the master was coming closer. Only a few steps, and Holden didn't seem to flinch at this. "Does she know?" The master asks softly, and Holden knows who he's talking about without him saying the word.
Mystic.
Yes, he knew who the master was. But how can he bring himself to tell her that the one person she grieved and knew to be dead all her life... was alive. And now in front of her?
Yes, he knew this man. He recognized those familiar and similar cold ice blue eyes the moment they had landed on him. He couldn't forget those eyes, the very ones he had come to love and cherish along with the owner.
Mystic.
Because the master who now stood behind him, was none other than, Jonathan.
Mystic and Myst's father who had been believed to be dead for years.