Dad was right. It was only a matter of time until our enemies showed up. Hours, if we were lucky, minutes if they forced Professor Tittelbaum to warp.
We had to leave. Fast.
Hunter slammed his fist on one of the many tables dotting the room. “People are already assembling in Wandstown. What’s stopping us from joining them?”
“It’s true,” Headmistress Cristala said. “I sent the fae army there yesterday. Already, more fae and other magicals have been arriving too.”
“Do they have room for the patients?” Alex asked. “A lot of them can’t move, and we can’t transport them more than once. They might not survive it.”
Hunter rubbed at his neck, clearly having forgotten about all the people in Dracula Hall. “I doubt it. Some homes are empty, but Wandstown is small. And if something major happens, we won’t be able to get them to a hospital in time. Driving past Spellcasters is out of the question.”
“It’s not an ideal location anyway,” Dad said, and all eyes in the room snapped to him.
He might have left the spy community years ago, but every time he spoke up, people listened right away.
“I agree that we have to leave, but I think that means splitting up.” Dad’s gaze scanned the crowd. “Is Tiberius here?”
Alex shook his head. “He’s still with the patients. What do you need?”
“The healers won’t be able to come with us. We’ll need them, but those freed prisoners should take priority. They need to go with Thorn. How much room does he have in his home office?”
Alex furrowed his eyebrows. “Ten beds. Not enough for how many people need help.”
Mom moved next to Dad. “Perhaps the other healers can take some prisoners to their homes?”
Alex mulled this over and finally nodded. “It’ll stretch the healers, but it could work.” His eyes drifted to me. “One warper, preferably Odie, can focus on getting our fighters to Wandstown. From there, we can start gathering the army and making a plan. Andre can deal with healer logistics.”
I gulped. “Minus you. You’re not going with them.”
Alex looked torn. Healing was his life’s calling. He’d always excelled at it, he was the best in our year. I had no doubt that one day, he’d be one of the best in the world. Still, I couldn’t let him leave my side. Not now.
“Alex, you have to go with Odette.” Alex’s father grabbed his son by the shoulder. Although he was trying to be strong, his voice was thick with emotion. “The royals want you both, which means you two have a lot of power and leverage. Use it wisely.”
“We’ll take care of your patients, baby.” Alex’s mother laid a hand on her son’s arm. “We’ve never been great fighters, anyway.”
At that, my boyfriend’s shoulders lowered in relief. “Thank you. That means a lot, knowing that you’ll watch over them. And that you’ll be safe—”
“Safer,” Hunter said. “I doubt any of us are safe. No matter where we are. Particularly if we fail.”
A hush fell over the room. Hunter was spot on.
When Dad began speaking again, giving orders and sending people to fetch items, Alex left to help prepare the patients for extraction.
I stood back to let my parents and Headmistress Wake take care of the details. I didn’t have anything of value besides my hell blade, and I kept that on my person at all times, so I was all set. It was a relief to let those with more experience lead.
Once Dad finished giving commands, we moved to the entryway. It was closer to Dracula Hall, which allowed us to move the patients a shorter distance. It also offered the beneficial view of the surrounding mountains. We’d know right away if our enemies arrived.
“You’re not going to be able to warp straight into Wandstown, honey,” Mom said. “The town has wards. Due to its proximity to the school it always has, but there are woods outside the town that we can land in.”
Diana stepped forward. “There’s a cottage not too far out of the village that would be a solid landmark for you to warp to. Butcher Cottage.”
“Do you have a photo?” I asked. Considering we had little room for error, I wanted to be precise.
“No, but Tabitha has been there with me before. You should ask her to show it to you.”
My spine straightened.Freaking brilliant!“I’ll try it.”
Hey, Tabitha. Did you hear that?
