What’s going on? Do you know something?Catriona spoke into her mind, using her mental magic to hold the connection steady so that Celina could not only hear her mental voice but could respond.
I really hope not.She directed her words into the channel Cat had opened between them. Her sister’s magic was so strong that the words flew easily away from Celina’s mind, as if pulled toward a beacon.
But you suspect something. Come on, Cela, I know you’ve been avoiding me lately! The messenger they sent ahead was wearing an official uniform. It’s something big.
The observation made her insides tremble with trepidation, refusing to acknowledge what was likely about to happen.We’ll find out soon enough.
To think that less than an hour ago she’d been enjoying a blessed reprieve from the ever-present worry. Commanding presence drawing her tohim. Strong arms wrapped around her, sheltering her as they swayed in the shadowed courtyard. Dark green eyes holding her captive as the world stilled around them. Was it a dream? She tried to hold on to that feeling now, let it fill and strengthen her heart for what she feared was coming.
Finally, Commander Varice entered the room, his hurried steps ringing loud. The sight of his full uniform made Celina blanch, the knowledge that this was an official visit hitting home hard. Cat was right. A full uniform this late at night was a bad sign. The tension ratcheting up in the room sucked up most of the oxygen.
“Matriarch Blackwood, I’m afraid I have some unfortunate news to share with you and your family tonight.” Commander Varice spoke directly to Celina as the head of the family. Her last hope sank fast and hard.
Cat’s hands bunched into fists where they gripped the sofa edge.Healer, matriarch, leader.She couldn’t be the sister right now. Couldn’t lose it until they were done with this official meeting. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply to make sure she could hold her composure, before nodding at him to continue.
“As you know, Warrior Connor Blackwood is a member of our elite warrior division. For the past several years, he has been assigned to Team Onyx, one of our Lightning Force teams.” He turned to address Cat, who wasn’t privy to as much sensitive information. “These elite teams do our most dangerous work, often in foreign realms. Utmost secrecy is a natural consequence of that. What I can share with you is that Team Onyx was sent out this summer on a classified mission.
“Long periods of communication silence are expected with this kind of work, but we have procedures in place for the teams to check in, relay information, so we’re aware of the mission status. After Team Onyx failed to check in, we sent a second team to investigate and offer assistance if needed. That team successfully made contact with Team Onyx in the field and will soon be returning with the remaining members of the team.”
“Remaining members…” Celina repeated, shocked.
“Wait, where’s Alison—Commander Mekray?” Cat asked. “Shouldn’t she be here telling us this?”
“Commander Mekray left with haste to join the returning team and escort them home. She was devastated to learn what had happened, and didn’t want them returning alone. Otherwise, she would be here with you, especially given her closeness with your family…” Varice trailed off when his statement turned too personal at reference to Connor being Alison’s soul-son.
Celina closed her eyes again, trying to keep the heat of tears at bay. Unable to face burying one of the two family members she had left.
The commander bowed his head slightly. “I’m sorry to have to inform you that Warrior Blackwood was not among the members of the team who were found alive.”
“You’re certain? You have proof that he was…” Celina couldn’t finish the sentence, couldn’t voice the word.
“He was killed on the mission, yes. I’m so sorry.”
“What about his body?” Celina asked.
He hesitated, glancing toward Catriona before continuing. “There was enough evidence to suggest that the remains were destroyed during the altercation that compromised the team’s original mission.”
A well-worded statement that told her absolutely nothing useful about what had occurred.
“So, there’s still a chance he’s alive.” Catriona pounced on the sliver of possibility his words left open.
“No, there’s not.” The sharp finality of the commander’s words rang harshly as it invaded every corner of the silent room.
Dread, pain, and fear filled Celina’s chest, stealing her oxygen. She swallowed, trying desperately to control the emotions tearing through her, but failed.
I don’t believe him.Cat sat frozen; her gaze glued to the commander. Studying him like he was a puzzle to be taken apart piece by piece until all his secrets were revealed.
Cat, I don’t want to believe him either, but—Even her mental voice broke, the thought of her brother’s death nearly crippling.
You’re not listening. He’s hiding something, Cela.Her sister’s eyes flicked to hers in a narrowed challenge before turning back to the commander, taking on an icy glaze of coldness.
Leave it until we’re alone.Celina’s magic tugged within her, keeping the flame of hope from dying.
“I’m sorry, but he’s gone.” The commander gave her a look of sympathy, but his words were harshly adamant. “Warrior Blackwood was lost in combat. He was an exemplary warrior, one of our best. He’ll be honored as befitting the esteemed officer he was.”
Celina needed to end the conversation before Cat decided to pounce on her suspicions. “Commander Varice, thank you for coming in person. We’re devastated by the news. I’m sure you understand our desire to be alone.”
“Yes, of course. Again, I’m so sorry for your loss.” The commander rose and bowed slightly to her. “Stay with your family, I’ll see myself out.”
