The first couple of days with their new ward installed in a sleepout seemed to go well enough. While he arrived with the name he’d been dubbed with, changed only to John Smith for the records, it was clear he hated it.

To the point that on wandering around the kitchen, he’d seen a loaf of rye bread in their kitchen, had decided that Rye was going to be his new name.

Although Sorrel was pleased that ... Rye had made a positive decision, it was still clear to him that nothing resonated with Rye with one exception. He seemed fascinated by their pool. His family had ensured that the lily pads had everything they needed to flourish, and the koi carp were Darius’s pride and joy. Rye like to sit and stare at them, but it wasn’t moving him any further forward.

Sorrel visited him periodically, to make sure he had all he needed, and to try and help him make progress. When there was no answer at Rye’s unit, Sorrel ambled toward the lily pond.

“Hi.” Sorrel approached Rye slowly. The man didn’t like unexpected movements. “I just wanted to check how you were doing?”

“I’m not.” Rye glared at Sorrel who could feel frustration pouring off the man in waves. “As beautiful as it is here, I can’t stay forever. I’m not regaining any of my memories. I’m just left with the terrifying feeling that time is slipping away.”

“Sorrel, is everything all right?” Darius’s voice rang out before he came into view, and Sorrel guessed his mate was reacting to Sorrel’s own building frustration in empathy with his client.

“Yes, we’re fine.” Sorrel shouted, but it only served to annoy Rye even more.

“You may be, but I am not.” Rye rounded on Sorrel, glaring down at him.

“Get the fuck away from my mate!” Darius bellowed the warning as he charged forward.

“Darius, no! I’m all right.” Sorrel cried out, wanting to defuse the situation, but it was already too late.

While it may have been apparent to Sorrel that the man’s aggression was born of fear and frustration. Darius, a protective husband at the best of times, was reacting to an implied threat to his mate.

Darius barrelled forward, tearing off his shirt with already clawed hands, his husband didn’t even flinch as his own skin was scratched. He fully extended his wings and gave a loud blood-chilling shriek and Rye stopped dead.

Then Rye dropped to his knees, his eyes wide but unseeing. “Wings and claws. Wings and claws.” He continued to chant the words and Sorrel’s heart ached for him.

“It’s okay, Darius. I don’t think he was ever really going to hurt me.” Sorrel glanced over his shoulder, but his husband had already shifted back, his expression changing from anger to concern.

“Is he having a fit of some kind?” Darius asked.

“No.” Sorrel took a couple of cautious steps toward Rye. “I think you triggered a memory. One that’s been forcibly buried.”

“Forcibly? That implies brainwashing of some kind. And it would explain him appearing with no clothes, no fingerprints and so forth.” Darius scrubbed a hand through his hair. “Jeez, regaining his memories could be really traumatic for him.”

Slowly, Rye lowered his hands and his gaze flitted from Darius to Sorrel as if expecting some kind of retribution.

“I’m sorry. I got so ... so ...”

“Frustrated? Angry with yourself?” Darius shrugged. “No harm done. I’ll go back to the main house and make some tea. If you’re sure you’re okay?” He looked hard at Sorrel, who nodded.

“I’m sure. Rye and I need to talk. To find a way of dealing with his frustration without lashing out.” Sorrel added a hint of censure to his tone and Rye hung his head.

“I was very much out of order. I’m sorry. And I apologise to you, too, Darius.” Rye glanced up and Darius nodded.

“Apology accepted. I won’t be far away.” With a last look at Sorrel, Darius walked away, and Rye sighed.