Wolves and Wild Roses Finale

Well, it was a fun ride, but here's the end. This last little bit closes things up and acts almost as an epilogue. I think it puts a nice little bow on things and, really, what's more appropriate for this time of year?

In any case, I had a blast. Normal updates will continue starting tomorrow. I really, really hope you enjoyed the story. I should have it moved over to the bonus section tomorrow to read in its entirety. Thanks so much for sticking with me. Now, here is the finale to Wolves and Wild Roses.

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Bloody wraps fell into the steel wash bowl, crimson clouds billowing into the water as they settled. Sonia winced as her servant, Grant, laid fresh gauze across her back and began the slow, tender process of re-wrapping her wound. "I trust it was worth it, Madam?" he asked with slight grin.
    "If you ask that again, Grant, I will show you exactly what I did to those foul creatures."
    Grant nodded and smiled, finishing up before handing his mistress a dark blouse. She stood gingerly, taking her time to pull the garment over her scarred and bruised body. As she dressed, Grant moved to the doorway. "I believe Master Richter should be done with his supper by now. I will escort him to bed."
    "No, Grant... I'll do it."

                                                        ****


    "Are you really staying home now, Mother?"
    Sonia smiled as she caressed her son's cheek and moved a long strand of hair over his ear. "Yes, my child," she replied, seated at his bedside. "I don't think your mother will be going anywhere for sometime." She paused to shift her posture, the pain of her wounds stinging. "Even if she wanted."
    "I'm glad, Mother," he replied, laying back into his pillow, eyes closing. "It's been so scary since Father..."
    The boy paused, unable to finish his thought. Sonia shook her head and leaned in, bearing the pain to place a gentle kiss on his forehead. "You have nothing to fear, my little Richter. No monster can ever touch you while your Mother is here."
    "Is that true? What about the really scary ones?" he asked.
    Sonia merely smiled. "Richter, I am far scarier than any of them. Now, sleep well."
    
    Sonia limped down the stairs and into her study, making her way to her plush, red chair. She settled in with a sigh as her servant approached. In his hands he held a small package, rectangular in shape. "This came for you today, Madam."
    "Thank you, Grant," she replied, taking the package and opening it. As she expected, inside was a leather book, though to her surprise, it seemed to be old and worn. She ran her thumb over the pages and the smell of age wafted into the air. She grinned as she turned the book over to the cover. In faint ink, smudged by time, were written the words " The Observations of RJ Thompson on the Magus Device." She leaned back in the chair and opened it, scanning over the first page. Intriguing as it was, something wasn't right. She paused.
    "Grant?"
    "Yes, Madam?"
    "Could you please turn on some music?"
    "Of course, Madam."