“Are you kidding? Of course.” I frowned. “We need to find the Remnant and destroy it,” I said. “Where do you think it is?”
“No idea. Considering that mansion, it could be anywhere. There could be wall safes we’ve never even seen. If Lilith’s determined enough, she could summon an army of demon minions to tear apart the academy.”
“Too bad she couldn’t have done it before we did the remodel.” He shot me a dark look. “Sorry. Gallows humor.”
Ten minutes later we’d pulled the van into the garage, then entered through the kitchen. Doctor Carlton was there, looking flustered. “We were beginning to worry,” he said. “Sit. I need to check your injuries.”
“We’re fine,” I said, glancing at the zigzag of scrapes and cuts that covered all of our hands, arms, and faces.
“You were in the woods and then a cave where bacteria and parasites thrive. Now sit down and let me clean these.”
We gave in—easier than arguing—and he took care of Jared’s wounds, then ushered over Celia. “Such a pleasure to meet you,” he said to the girl as he checked her over. “We are so delighted that you are out of danger.”
“Thank you. I’m very pleased, too. May Jared and I go through? And Allie, please?” She held out her hand for Allie, who joined them with a smile.
While the doctor bandaged Allie’s thumb, Celia came over and gave me a hug. “I truly thought I was losing my mind in the room where they held me, but these last few days with Allie have helped so much. I feel grounded again. As if there’s really a future for me.”
Her speech was poised and eloquent and I had to remind myself she was much older than ten. “I guess I’m trying to say that I feel optimistic about the future. So thank you—the two of you, she added to Eric—for the gift of your daughter.”
We thanked her and gave her a hug, then she skipped back to join Allie and Jared as they moved through to the dining area.
“The rest of you are a mess,” the doctor said. “Lean against the counter, all of you, and let me fix you up.”
“This really isn’t necessary,” Eric said as the doctor moved down us like an assembly line with his package of antiseptic wipes and bandages. Legs one way, arms on the return, facial cuts on the next pass.
“No,” the doctor said. “You’re right. It’s not. Your scrapes do need tending, but it’s not urgent. The truth is the others are putting together a bit of a surprise for you. A celebration that Celia has been returned to the fold.”
“Ah,” Eliza said, as if a huge puzzle was falling into place. It was, actually. The whole triage in the kitchen thing really had been a bit odd.
“Promise me you’ll act surprised. I wasn’t supposed to say a thing.”
We all agreed, of course, then moved through to the dining area and on to the entryway. I stumbled, feeling lightheaded, and Eric caught my arm.
I shook myself. It had been quite a morning.
But with the next step, I felt lighter still. Then dizzy. And then, suddenly, the room was spinning. Doctor Carlton took my arm and let me across the room. I tried to look for Eric, but the room was turning flips.
“Forgive me,” the doctor said. “They have taken my daughter.”
The words made no sense. They seemed to be spinning with my head. Nothing made sense. Not the words, not this room.
The entry hall was full of chairs, and all of our staff, students, and instructors were sitting down, their feet flat on the floor. Other people I’d never seen before mingled about, chatting as if they were at a party.
Was this supposed to be a party?
I looked up and saw Celia sitting on a chair as well. This one was facing the room, and she was tapping her feet.
Jared was there, too, pacing in front of her, his face contorted. Or was it my vision?
Beside me, Eric looked like he was having trouble keeping his head on. And I didn’t see Allie anywhere.
“Alleeee?” I managed, but I’m not even sure Eric heard the word.
It didn’t matter, I saw her next. Doctor Carlton carried her in with Bruce. She wore a thin white nightgown, and they put her on the ground in front of me and Eric. Then they lifted our feet, and pushed her closer so that when they put our feet back down, they were on her body.
I felt her heartbeat and wanted to weep with relief.
I tried to lift my feet, but they were stuck fast.
