Andrew swallowed, knowing the truth in Edmund’s words, and watched as the god-of-thunder figure strode from the pool, the woman he loved cocooned in Edmund’s unyielding strength.
Sighing, Andrew held out his hand to the pool, a soft blue glow sparking in his palm. The water stirred beneath the surface where chunks of fractured ice drifted like jagged rafts and, pushing up between them, rose, cradling his glasses, and placed them smoothly into his grasp. Shivering from the cold, his vision still blurred, he slid them onto his face.
The world came back into focus just in time for him to see Edmund rounding the corner with Isla in his arms. Andrew stood rooted, his chest tightening as they disappeared from view.
Chapter Eleven
October 28th
Isla lay burrowed in layers of blankets, the warmth pressing gently against her chilled skin. A mug of steaming drink sat between her hands, tendrils of steam curling upward to meet the soft morning light spilling through the window. She had slept the night away, exhausted after her ordeal. The panic of the pool, the terror, the ice—they were receding slightly, leaving only the quiet, steady hum of the hospital wing. A Terra doctor had recently left.
“Okay, Edmund ... please tell me you know who’s attacking Isla.”
Andrew ran a hand through his dark hair, agitation clear in every movement. He had rushed into the hospital wing last night, her eyes opening briefly to see his usually neat, slicked-back hair disheveled, his glasses sitting askew on his nose. She didn’t know what to think of Juliette informing her that Andrew had sat by her bedside all night or that he had burnt his arm on Juliette’s flame as he’d tried to help her break the ice. Her retelling had touched Isla’s heart.
“I mean ...” He didn’t wait for Edmund’s answer before continuing, his voice firm. “You took all our statements but said nothing. This ... this cannot happen again. I won’t let Isla be hurt like that—not again.”
He looked over at her, his eyes holding a depth she had never noticed before. For a moment, she wished she could readwhat thoughts and feelings flickered in that mind she had long competed with. It was the same sharp intellect, the same intensity, but now there was something new in his gaze, something that made her heart flutter in a way she hadn’t expected.
She looked away, her eyes landing on Edmund.
“Detective ... thank you. All of you,” she said, glancing back at Andrew and then at Juliette, who perched on the edge of her bed. “For rescuing me. But I agree with Andrew—I’d rather not be attacked again. If you know who’s behind this, please tell us. And if you don’t ... I would like to help so we can find out.”
“As would I ...” Juliette began, then caught Andrew’s glance and corrected herself with a small smile. “As would we ... we would like to help.” She made a gentle encompassing motion with her fingers, indicating the room and everyone in it.
Edmund exhaled a breath, his expression tired. “I don’t usually let civilians involve themselves in cases.”
“We’re not just civilians—we’re working on our superhero status,” Juliette chimed, her tone cheerful but just as firm.
Edmund’s face was stern as he raised a skeptical eyebrow, but Juliette didn’t falter. “These two are undeniable geniuses,” she said, nodding to Andrew and Isla. “And though I cannot claim that title myself, Iamthe librarian. I meet countless people across the university. I’m good at being quiet and people-watching.”
At Edmund’s look of disbelief that Juliette claimed such a skill as being quiet, Isla smiled to herself. It seemed that Juliette had already made an impression on the detective. And Isla had to agree, Juliette did not fit the quiet-librarian stereotype.
Juliette stood, her petite frame almost dwarfed by the giant before her. Even with her hands on her hips, she did not look any fiercer. “Together, we can all help,” she insisted.
Running a hand down his face, the detective sighed, his posture softening. Apparently, it seemed, her friend was going to get her wish.
Edmund groaned. “I must be going barmy, even considering dragging you lot into this. Still, I can’t deny I could use the help. The AEX operatives are few and far between. What I’m about to tell you isn’t exactly classified, anyway. I’m starting to connect a few of the dots, but I’ve not the foggiest what’s truly going on—or who’s behind these attacks. All I’ve got are a few hints about the possible reasons.”
“Wait, before you explain—who are the AEX?” Isla asked.
“Aetheric Executive Directorate,” Edmund said. “Think MI5 or MI6, but on the Aetherian side. They work under the government. Though the general public don’t know they exist, Aetherians are generally aware of them.”
Isla blinked. “So, they’re official, but secret?”
“The ones high up know,” Edmund replied. “Everyone else is kept in the dark.”
“Okay, go on,” Isla said, her mind whirling with all she had yet to learn.
“Have you heard of Alexander Flemming?”
“Of course,” Isla said. “He’s the Scottish bacteriologist who discovered penicillin in 1928. I read some of his research journals.”
Edmund nodded. “Well, a month ago, I was called back from the front lines of the war to take up an investigation that bore the trademarks of Aetheric interference.”
Isla looked at the man, her heart going out to him, grateful for his service to their country.
“What does that have to do with what’s happening here?” Andrew asked.
