I’m smiling but cautious. Taking a step back, I scan Wes from head to toe.
Absolutely no sign of the dark essence.Thank Gods.
Exhausted, I flop down into the nearest chair and send out a group message
—Guys?—
—Pulu, where are you? Are you safe? I’ve got Willow and Naomi with me, I’m taking them outside—
Thank Gods for Alexis. —I’m OK, safe. Have you seen Donovan? Cosmo saw him with a head injury—
—No, didn’t see him, but I’ll go back once the girls are safe—
—I’VE GOT HIM—Cosmo’s thoughts shout at us. —In the rotunda, medics are in here—
Phew. —MAX?—
—Can’t stop…two…three…staying alive, staying alive…—
What?
“Theo?”
Wes suddenly kneels in front of me, looking puzzled.
“Theo,” he says again, nodding slowly. “I think I’ve been hurt.” His eyes are unfocused. Concussion?
“Your head?” I ask.
Wes frowns again and brings up a hand in front of his face.
“Can I hold your hand?” he asks. “Please?”
I immediately nod and link our fingers. Instantly, I push my Lumina into him, but it acts sluggishly, not responding correctly. —Wes? Can you hear me?—
Nothing.
There’s a strange sensation that Wes’s brain is covered in some kind of protective shield. I can’t get inside, nor can the Lumina. I push some more, searching for cracks.
“Theo! Wait.” He winces and sucks in a breath. “What’s happening?”
“What do you feel?” I ask.
“I, I, I’m beginning to remember something. Something…” He pauses, then looks at me with large, soulful eyes. “Theo, I’m beginning to remember you. Not a lot, but I have a sense that I do know you. Fuck.”
My whole body feels weak at the news, and my eyes brim with tears. “That’s great,” I croak.
Shit. It is great, but now isnotthe time for this reunion. “Let’s put a pin in this and get out of here.” Suddenly, a flash of dread runs through me. “Wait, is Ludo here too?” —Lu?—
No reply.
Wes winces and rubs his head.
“Did Ludo come with you?” I ask again.
“Who? Fuck, my head hurts.”
I’m desperate to help, to keep working on renewing our connection, but I also need to get us out of here. And I need to know Ludo is safe.
