Zachary felt a huge slap in his face. "And are you saying that it is Mara's coven who tried to harrow him?"
Sebastian did not speak. He didn't have to be. Zachary scoffed, laughed, and looked at him dead in the eyes.
"Look, man, I know you are trying to help, but you don't know Mara. She could never hurt a fly."
"Not her. Her mother."
"What?"
"Her blood mother was the one who harrowed Logan."
"Wait, before we go further along, how did this Accords find Logan?"
"They found him near the Tanesab border," Sebastian said quietly, his voice heavy. "I didn't understand it then… but they dragged him back to Iwarim."
Benjamin's face slowly paled.
Sebastian swallowed hard before continuing.
"They accused him of violating the rules… said he had formed a mating bond with an enemy."
Timothy frowned. "That alone warrants execution? "
Benjamin didn't answer.
Sebastian continued, though now his eyes had grown distant, as though watching the memory unfold again before him.
"They tied him to the stake in front of everyone. The Crimson Accords announced his sentence publicly… treason against vampire law. They said he had tainted his bloodline."
His fingers curled tightly at his side. "The fire started at his feet."
Zachary's jaw tensed. He looked away, still not forgetting the former ordeal, but this one hurt too much; his heart hurt for the dead vampire.
"I remember waiting for him to scream."
The room had become unbearably still.
"But he didn't."
Sebastian's voice cracked. Eyes shut tight, as if memorizing the story he had never told anyone before.
"He didn't beg. Didn't curse them. Didn't ask for forgiveness."
He closed his eyes, forcing himself through the memory.
"The flames were climbing higher, burning through his skin, his clothes… the entire square smelled like flesh being cooked alive."
Benjamin looked sick.
"But Logan…" Sebastian whispered, "…he just smiled."
Sebastian looked toward them, eyes haunted by something he had carried alone for years.
"It wasn't a smile of fear. It wasn't surrender either. It was more of a relief."
He paused. His heavy voice was still lingering through the quiet porch.
"And what about Mara? You just admitted witches hate vampires. You know what happened to Logan. You know what Mara's mother did to him. You know damn well they could do the same thing to you the second you step into Tanesab."
Sebastian remained quiet.
Benjamin looked between the two of them, clearly understanding now where this conversation was heading.
"You are not getting it," Sebastian finally said.
"No, I get it perfectly," Zachary snapped back. "You think my brother is in danger because he is with witches."
"I never said Elijah was in danger."
That made Zachary pause. Sebastian looked him straight in the eyes.
"Your brother is a wolf."
"…So?"
"So he belongs there more than I ever will."
The porch fell quiet.
Timothy slowly crossed his arms. Shane, who had stopped understanding the conversation ten minutes ago, simply looked back and forth between everyone.
Sebastian continued.
"If I go to Tanesab, I know what will happen."
Zachary frowned.
"I know I won't be welcomed. I know what witches think of vampires. I know exactly what they are capable of doing once they think I am a threat."
Benjamin shifted uncomfortably. Zachary laughed again, this time louder.
"You are unbelievable."
"Maybe."
"You just admitted witches hate vampires."
"Yes."
"You know they may attack you."
"Yes."
"You know Mara's coven may see you as a threat."
"Yes."
"And you still want to go?"
Sebastian stared at him without hesitation.
"Yes."
Zachary threw both hands in the air.
"Why?"
Sebastian looked away for a second before laughing bitterly. He remembered the last words Logan mouthed before he was ashes.
"Because I stood there once and watched someone burn alive for loving the wrong person."
Nobody spoke. He looked back at Zachary.
"And if I have to burn the same way just to make sure Elijah gets out safely…"
His expression hardened.
"…then so be it."
Zachary stared at him, his brows slowly furrowing.
"You are insane."
Sebastian shrugged.
"Maybe."
"No. Not maybe." Zachary shook his head. "Definitely insane."
Sebastian smirked faintly. "Probably."
"Alright, adults. Now that's all sorted out. Can we go eat? I am starving!" Shane exclaimed in exasperation. Pouting his way to Timothy, with his puppy eyes, quietly begging him to agree.
Timothy looked at the pup and smiled. "Of course, sorry that took so long, Shane. I guess we can eat for now before planning on what to do next."
"Wazzuh!"
Sebastian chuckled, his first one for such a long time. "Go home for now, Seb. I bet your family is worried about you. Tell them what you found out, and if they have any solutions to your inevitable death, we could use some suggestions."
Sebastian glared at Zachary with no malice. Zachary only laughed it off and followed Timothy towards the cabin to get dinner. Benjamin watched the group disperse before stopping Sebastian.
"Kid," he called to him.
Sebastian looked back and watched Benjamin jog in his direction and wrap his arms around Sebastian.
Sebastian stood still, like a mannequin, not breathing, or he didn't dare to.
"Thank you. Thank you for being here for Lucas. Thank you for choosing him."
Benjamin heaved a deep sigh, unwrapping his arms around Sebastian and taking a step back.
"I will give you my full blessing once you get him back. Is that understood, son?"
Sebastian felt his dying heart skip a beat. He could only nod at what just happened. Benjamin showed him a small satisfied smile against his greying beard.
"Now, go home. I will tell the boys to call you once everything has been sorted out."
Benjamin turned around and walked back to his home. Sebastian watched the door open and close, Benjamin's back disappearing into view.
Sebastian walked back on his own. Benjamin's warmth around his body lingered for a while. When he was nearing the ridge line, he stopped, looked back, and smiled.
"Yes," Sebastian whispered quietly. "I will bring him back. That's a promise I will be dying to keep."