“So what’s the plan?” she asked.
“I have no idea. Talitha set up another session for me and Nell later today.”I supposed there was no harm in exploring the grounds.
For the first time, I took stock of Scarlett’s clothing, which was different from what she’d been provided yesterday.Instead of a tunic and trousers, she wore a loose dress of the same material, which flowed around her ankles, and exposed her shoulders from the halter that crossed over her collarbones. Simple yet elegant. Usually, Scarlett made it a point to be striking in her style, but she suited the more relaxed look, especially with her deep red waves coiling freely down her sides.
“Freedom looks good on you, Scar.”I smiled before I bit my lip to suppress my laughter.
“Thanks,” she said, tossing her hair over one shoulder. “I wonder if the men here are celibate.”
I cocked an eyebrow at her.“Dude. They’re probably happily taken with the large population of women here. Didn’t you hear anything Talitha said last night?”
With a lift of her shoulder, she said, “I did. But they all seem like the magic version of monks and shit. I just can’t imagine Mystics having kinky sex. They seem too pure.”
“I wouldn’t be quick to judge. It’s always the quiet ones that surprise you.”I ran my hands over my face at her logic.“Let’s just take a walk, yeah?”
“Sure.”
We clasped hands, ready to set off on our stroll through the courtyard before venturing off into the rest of their territory.
Nell came sprinting down the pathway, barefoot and wearing a dress similar to Scarlett’s. We had to jump out of the way before she plowed through us. Her eyes were locked on Valik, who still stared at his flower, seeming completely oblivious to everything around him.
I snatched Scarlett to a halt, watching as Nell slammed her hands into Valik’s shoulder. “Did you not hear me, you flighty imbecile?”
As if he were frozen in place, Valik said, “Yes. I’m locating them.” His voice was monotone, holding zero emotion or inflection.
Nell pressed her hands over her face, exhaling through her fingers. “Hurry, Valik. It’s almost too late. The window to open the portal is closing.”
“I’m working.”
“Why must you lot be so damned difficult?” Nell appeared to be on the verge of an aneurysm. Whatever was happening was vital. “I’ve never worked with anyone of your kind who was simple.”
Scarlett watched the scene transpire with tense shoulders, alert as if we were about to be ambushed. Unfortunately, we had no weapons, so magic would have to be our best form of protection if a threat came our way. I could only assume that the Mystics’ territory was under attack, and they were depending on Valik to open a portal.
At last, Valik straightened from his awkward position with the flowers. His eyes were clear, sharp, and focused. “Found them.” The beautiful courtyard suddenly didn’t seem large enough for Valik’s presence as he took two steps back, spreading his arms wide.
Pure white light of the most blinding magnitude emanated from his body as he ripped open a seam in the universe with his abilities. He gripped one side as if it were an elevator door and began to pry it open.
“What’s happening?”I asked Nell as we all watched and waited for Valik to finish opening the portal.
“The Angels sent Ari a vision of the leading Elemental Hollow. They have been trekking on foot in search of the Celestial Castle. But they’re in trouble, and if we don’t get them here now, then all hope is lost. They won’t be able to withstand the attack that comes for them.”
“So we’re bringing an entire Hollow of Elementals…here?”
“Yes. It’s the only way.”
I nodded and relayed the information to Scarlett. We stood impatiently waiting as Valik stepped through the portal to the other side. Seconds later, he reemerged. Directly behind him, a muscular man with thick black locs stepped through, his deep umber skin shimmering gold. His gaze was vacant with irises lined with two silver rings. He paused, going preternaturally still for several moments before turning around, ushering in a large group of strangers through the halo of blinding light.
At first, I thought everyone was fine. Signs of haggard exhaustion clung to their energies like a wet blanket, but aside from that, they allseemed in decent condition. Then the injured began to pour through. Some staggered with the help of a friend, while others were carried in on cots made from tree limbs and sticks. As the courtyard grew overcrowded, Scarlett and I backed up further to make room for the incoming Elementals.
Just when I thought everyone had come through, a shock of blue hair that I thought I’d never see again flashed amidst the crowd. I gripped Scarlett’s wrist, squeezing it. No fucking way.
“What the fuck is she doing here?” Scarlett hissed.
I narrowed my eyes, trying to discern what the deal with her was.“She’s a prisoner being escorted.”
“Good. I hope they kill her.”
So did I. Not only was she a close confidant to Forest, she had been a nightmare as a teen when I had been part of the insurgency. The way she had used Onyx to obtain insider information to gain favor with the king…
