Chapter 35

                                    

                                          
                                                                      Reece
It has been weeks since Sylvia passed through here on her way back to Heartgrove. She had not told him what she had gone to Latherket to do. Reece knew it was a mission the High Lord didn't want everyone to know about, but he was still irritated that she didn't even hint at what she was supposed to do. He didn't blame her, especially because he saw how tight and upset she was when she arrived here before leaving for her assignment. Perhaps she clashed with her unit back in Heartgrove. If he knew his sister, she had a quarrel with the wrong person before leaving. 
He still expected to see her on the training grounds, shouting profanities at the soldiers who would not listen to her. He misses everything about her. He missed her laughter, despite the fact that she picked fights with him and broke every rule she could find. As unusual as it may seem, she had a great laugh and was always up for whatever wicked plots he devised out of boredom.
"Son, are you listening?" Jasper mused from behind his desk, clutching the most recent Heartgrove reports in one hand. His father must have called his name multiple times, based on the knit in his brow.

"Sorry, father. I was thinking about Syl." Reece admitted, shifting in the armchair he was sitting in to place one ankle on his knee. Jasper's face softened as he heard her name, and a small part of him ached because his father was always soft for her. It was natural to desire to be a parent's favorite, but he never despised Sylvia for it. He adored her as much as any sister, since that is who she was from now till his death. His sister. His partner in crime.
"I'm sure she's alright, Reece." Jasper volunteered, setting the files on the large oak desk in front of him. His father always emanated elegance. Even the smallest action like that appears deliberate and graceful. It scared him at times to think of having to fill Jasper's shoes one day. At least Ariel didn't have to worry about such things; she had it easier than others, and the fact that she was courting Lord Howell's son only boosted her chances. But, lord or not, Cole will have hell to pay if he harms Reece's sister, and Sylvia will be at the vanguard of the torrent of misery aimed at him. That's another reason he adored his adopted sister. He could always rely on her to safeguard those she cared about. Even if she hadn't spoken or declared those three much-anticipated words. Even Jasper has not heard those words in all the years she has been a member of the family.
"She just seemed so lost and conflicted the last time she came home." Reece groaned and leaned back onto the soft, velvet cushion, while Jasper nodded briefly, gazing out the arched window behind his desk into the dark world beyond.
"Do not let her hear you say that. She might simply thrash you to the ground over it. You know how much she values her ability to regulate her emotions." Jasper teased, and a small grin formed across his father's face. Jasper understood Sylvia's rage better than Reece. His father had to drag his sister away from him more times than the grains of sand in the Pyronix desert. Reece enjoyed tormenting her and eliciting a reaction from her. She always had such a fire in her gorgeous green eyes that even the bowels of hell would balk at them, and he admired her for it, for it was that spark that kept her alive all those years alone. That desire propelled her through the ranks like a cyclone. The infamous Red Bandit.
"Did the reports say anything about her?" Reece asked, nearly holding his breath. The traitor from Yellowseed died around two weeks ago. Jasper did not have the heart to attend the execution and instead wrote a letter of condolence to the families.
"Nothing new since the last report; it would seem she's doing well as one of the High Lord's top commanders." Jasper replied, his gaze remaining locked on the dark sky. Reece was confident that his sister had earned a seat in Xander's unit. She made waves wherever she went, and she deserved no less than that honor. He still wished she was here, commanding his father's troops instead. Jasmine and Felix were performing well but lacked Sylvia's aura. She was powerful and unwavering. She was a force in her own right, but Jasmine did an excellent job filling in for his sister.