“Brows.” Molly brushed on some brow control gel and pronounced me ready to go
“Okay. That's more like me,” I muttered, meeting her gaze in the mirror. “I don’t know who I am if I don’t look like Sebastian Keye.”
“Your looks defined you from such a young age, it makes me sad sometimes.”
“I own my image. Clothes aren't important but I'm still a little bit vain about the face.”
I made sure I had my billfold, although that was more habit than anything. I’d done nothing that needed a wallet for weeks. Molly still had my phone on lockdown.
Before we stepped out the door, I asked, “Am I making a mistake, attending this thing?”
She frowned. “Define mistake?”
“Will my being at Artemis's be more of a distraction than a benefit to the people who matter?”
“The people who matter—Ariel and Taggart—specifically invited you. Stone could probably use your support in such a social setting because he’s none too comfortable around people.”
“You don’t think he’ll be the target of rumors or—”
“Didn’t he tell you to come?” she asked bluntly.
“Yes, but—”
“Why don’t you trust him to know what he wants?”
“Well.” I bit my lip. “When you put it that way…”
“Come on. We don’t want to be late.”
Molly and I walked to Ariel and Taggart’s place. We arrived with five minutes to spare.
Far more people had shown up than I expected. Ariel and Taggart obviously had a large and eclectic group of friends.
They’d erected a white-painted arch in a clearing behind their home and covered it with greenery and late summer flowers. In front of that they’d placed an altar. I wasn’t familiar with the naming ritual, but I recognized some of the artifacts of pagan worship, items representing the four elements along with candles, a goblet, an athame, and oil.
I’d never been to such a ceremony before, though I’d never been to a Christening either.
I didn’t have a clue what to expect.
The officiant, Ridley anointed us as we formed a circle. She consecrated the circle itself and invoked the cardinal points: north, south, east, and west. She referenced the four elements. Taggart and Ariel presented items representing each element to Artemis and called on them to bless her with things like strength and passion and creativity and determination.
The ritual was gorgeous and meaningful, even to me, especially when the guardians were called.
“You stand beside us for the love of this child, will you tell us who you are?” asked Taggart.
Stone cleared his throat. “I am Stone Wilder, chosen to be a guardian of this child.”
“I am Serena McPherson, chosen to be a guardian of this child.” She smiled at the baby.
“Do you know what it means to be a child’s guardian?” asked Taggart.
In unison, Stone and Serena said, “It is to love and nurture.”
Separately, they listed several attributes, guidance, assistance in decision-making, and taking the role of second mother or father when needed. They pledged to be there for Artemis whenever called upon.
This, especially, seemed painful for Stone.
The guilt he felt over his relationship with his own children had etched deep shadows onto his face. Making this promise for his niece was a double-edged sword. On the one hand, he longed for the chance to serve. On the other, he was aware the children he’d deserted were looking on as he answered. How must he be grieving over the past?
I wished I could stand beside him and offer support, but I had to watch from a distance.
Serena’s answers were calm and measured, and at one point, I even caught a hint of reassurance pass from her to Stone.
I didn’t know if what they’d talked about earlier would lead to a softening of hearts and new understanding between them, but from what I saw right then, it seemed like a fresh start might be possible.
I forced myself to do a gut check as I studied Stone’s kids. Sadie had given up glaring at her dad and instead, glanced covertly my way. Her resentment toward her father seemed the deepest and most painful. The boys showed only casual interest in him, as if Stone was a stranger they were told to call Dad. I found it interesting, and telling, that they snuck curious, almost longing glances at him when they believed no one was watching.
Stone looked handsome and rugged and vibrantly male. He still had military bearing and a granite-hewn confidence that came from rigorous training and hard-won experience.
The scars on his face and his eye patch only enhanced the perception that he was a battle-tested survivor. I know he believed he’d been too volatile, too angry for his family to forgive him, but like this—calm and controlled—he would be any kid’s idea of an awesome dad, any woman’s ideal mate.
Rome was not built in a day, nor would Stone be able to rebuild his relationship with his kids in one. But it would happen. I told myself I was thrilled for him, even if I didn’t know what that might mean for me.
Was I a kind of surrogate for the family he desired to reconnect with?
What did I want?
At the conclusion of the naming ceremony, everyone enjoyed a lavish buffet. Ariel's friends had laid out wheels of cheese and charcuterie, salads, and soups, along with a selection of beer and wine. A table with juice and festive, handmade treats and toys had been laid out for the many children present.
Ariel, Taggart, Stone and Serena took turns holding baby Artemis in a makeshift receiving line. All too aware that I was an outsider, I greeted each person I passed as pleasantly as possible. As I left, I Stone sent me an exaggerated, almost playful wink. I held out my hand to Morrigan, who nudged my palm, though she stayed beside Stone.
The afternoon was sunny, but crisp with a snappy wind. Physically, I still couldn’t feed myself very well. Due to the meds, alcohol was restricted. I spent my time people watching and talking when I had something to say.
Eventually, Molly took pity on me. She made a small plate of finger foods like grapes, berries, bites of cheese, ham, and salami. They were salty, though. Soon I was thirsty. That’s how I found myself at the table with soft drinks and bottled water and bowls of gummy bears and cookies. I glanced toward the wine table before choosing a bottled water.
I turned to find Sadie standing next to me.
“Hello,” I said. “You’re Sadie, right? We met briefly earlier.”
She gulped. “You're Sebastian Keye.”
“That’s me.” I shrugged.
“My friends and I binged Beyond the Night like, a hundred times. Is it true you got fired from Blood Academy?”
“I think we’re still in negotiations at this time. It’s possible they’re only writing me out of the show for a couple months.”
“You met, um, Hades and Persephone in California?”
“Your Dad introduced us.” I almost smiled at the obvious omission. “You must have met the newest Blood Academy celebrities here at the Sanctuary. Do you follow their Insta?”
“Yes. They’re cool, but actually, this is the first time I’ve been here. We don’t come because—” She broke off and glanced around furtively. “We don’t come here.”