EIGHTY SIX

EIGHTY SIX
DIMITRI'S POV

Camille immediately went for her phone to call someone for help, and I turned to the sentinels inside the room.

"I want you to gather any experienced witch versed in locator spells, delicates, and even Druids."

The mention of Druids caused the sentinels to exchange puzzled glances, their brows furrowing in confusion. One of them, a young sentinel with sharp eyes, finally voiced the question on everyone's mind.

"Your Majesty, did you mean Druids?" he asked, skepticism coloring his tone. "You do realize they are sworn enemies of the Lycans?"

I met his gaze squarely, and my jaw clenched with determination. "I don't care if the numinous I mentioned are sworn enemies, allies, or something in between," I declared firmly. "If there's even a chance they can help me find my son, then I'll do whatever it takes."

The room fell silent, the weight of my words settling over us all. I could see the uncertainty in their eyes, the unspoken questions lingering in the air. But no one voiced any further objections.

"As I mentioned before, find capable individuals with offensive locator spells or enchantments capable of sniffing people out," I continued, addressing the sentinels. "I want every available resource dedicated to finding Collins and bringing him home safely. And that includes seeking help from the Druids if necessary."

The sentinels nodded, their expressions resolute as they acknowledged my orders. I could see the determination in their eyes, a shared commitment to finding Collins at any cost.

As they hurriedly left the room to carry out my instructions, I turned to Camille, who looked distressed.

"What is going on?" I asked, approaching her.

"I don't know why Ophelia isn't picking up," Camille replied, clearly panicking. "She always answers my calls."

"Maybe something is up," I tried to ease that knot in her soul. I then placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I know you are scared. But you don't have to be. Collins will be fine. I promise you."

She reached for my hand and pressed it. But I could tell she was only doing it for my sake. "Every second counts for Collins. He and his sister just watched their babysitter die protecting them. I can't even begin to think about how messed up their psyche is, right now. This isn't stuff I can fix with my touch. Collins is somewhere in the world with that crazy woman. I can't be at rest. I am not allowed."

"Witches of every caliber will soon flock to the castle. Delicates, too, and Druids if the need be. Collins would be found today."

"I trust Ophelia more. She is a powerful witch. A Begonia witch. Not to mention that she is my friend. This won't be just a job for her. Collins means something to her." She paused for some time before speaking again. "The witches of every caliber can come. The delicates, too. But I'll take my chances with Ophelia."

A moment of tense silence passed between us.

Neal waltzed back in, carrying a crying Sophia in his arms.

"I'm going to Ophelia's house with Neal," Camille declared, determination lighting up her eyes.

"No," I countered firmly. "I'm coming with you. Collins is my son too, Camille."

Camille looked at me, her expression softening for a moment. "I know he is, Dimitri. But it's dangerous. You just had a health scare. I don't think wearing yourself out is the right thing to do. I don't want to risk losing you as well."

"I appreciate your concern," I replied, "but you cannot expect me to stand by and wait, wondering if you and Collins are safe. I need to be there, Camille. We'll face this together."

Neal, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. "Dimitri's right, Camille. You should go with him. Strength in union. You need each other at trying times like this."

Camille sighed, realizing she wasn't going to change our minds. "Alright, but you don't do anything stupid. Ophelia is wary of other species."

"Understood," I nodded, my resolve hardening. "We'll tread carefully. The priority is finding Collins and ensuring his safety."

Camille gave a reluctant nod, still worried but realizing that we were all in this together. "Okay, let's go."

Camille approached Sophia and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Mommy has to go bring Collins back home."

Sophia looked up at her mother, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and understanding. "Bring him back, Mommy," she whispered, clutching onto Camille's hand tightly. "And... please, don't die."

"I promise, sweetie," Camille replied, her voice breaking slightly. "I'll bring him back, no matter what it takes, and nothing will happen to me. I pinky promise."

I turned my attention to Neal and got right to business. "When the witches, delicates, and druids I requested arrive, put them to work. I don't care how much it costs. The materials are there. Eva's room is untouched, so they should have her personal materials at their disposal."

Neal nodded. "Understood."

Upon hearing what I had said, Camille reached into one of her bedroom drawers and picked out two small tops

Camille pointed one of the clothes in my direction, her fingers trembling slightly from the shock she was still recovering from. "This is Collins'. It will help in a locator spell, right?"

I took the top from her, feeling the fabric between my fingers. "Yes, it will. The more personal the item, the stronger the connection for the locator spell."

Camille nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek before she turned to Neal. "I want you to have this. He really loved this one. Wouldn't let me even wash it on some days because he believed the fucking dinosaur print would tear."

Neal took it.

"I just want him back," she sobbed.

"We will get him back," Neal assured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "No matter what it takes."

Neal cleared his throat, looking between us. "I'll make sure the experts get everything they need. We'll do everything we can from our end to bring Collins home."

Camille gave a weak smile, grateful for the support. "Thank you, Neal."

I turned to Camille, holding her gaze. "We should get ready. Time is of the essence."

She nodded, wiping away her tears. "Let's go."

As Camille and I descended the grand staircase, the enormity of our situation seemed to echo in the silence of the castle's opulent halls. The ornate chandeliers above cast flickering shadows as we made our way towards the entrance.

The hot afternoon air greeted us as we stepped outside, a stark contrast to the chill inside. I walked Camille to the car, holding the door open for her.

She slid into the passenger seat, her hands folded tightly in her lap. I rounded the car and settled into the driver's seat, starting the engine with a low rumble that seemed to fill the quiet night.

I glanced over at Camille, her face drawn and pale in the dim light. "Where does Ophelia live?" I asked, breaking the silence.

Camille took a deep breath, steadying herself. "She owns a house on the outskirts of Marblefay. It's secluded. She likes it that way."

I nodded, focusing on the road as we drove through the castle gates, the massive iron structures creaking ominously behind us.

"Please put your mind to rest," I reassured Camille, sensing her growing apprehension. "We'll bring Collins home."

Camille looked at me, and perhaps for the first time since I had been telling her Collins would be found safe and sound, she actually believed me. "I know we will," she whispered. "We have to."

It took a while, but we eventually arrived in front of Ophelia's residence.

Sliding out of the car, I glanced up at the dramatic evening sky, painted in fiery shades of orange and red. Towering clouds stretched across the horizon, their edges tinged with streaks of deep purple from the setting sun.

There was no time to admire the celestial display because our clock was ticking.

With a sharp inhale, I tore my gaze away from the vivid sunset and strode forward to the house erected before us.

"Ophelia Cottonwood holistic," I muttered before turning to face Camille. "She specifies in medicine and healing?"

"Yes," Camille confirmed.

We approached the unassuming house, but as Camille took a step closer, an invisible force slammed into her, violently repelling her backward. She cried out in surprise as her body hurtled through the air before hitting the ground with a harsh thud.

"Camille!" I rushed to her side, panic seizing my chest. "Are you alright?"

She blinked dazedly, clearly shaken. "What...what happened?"

Realization slowly dawned on me as I studied the undisturbed property line. "It was probably a ward," I murmured, extending a hand to help her up. "But...it didn't affect me."

"I'm confused. A ward?"

"Yes," I replied, staring at the property. "I thought you said Ophelia was your friend."

Camille's brow furrowed as the implication sank in. "Of course she is."

"Then why is she trying to keep you out?"