Morgan rubbed the back of his neck in an uncharacteristic show of stress. She alerted immediately to the importance of whatever he was about to ask.
“There are some problems brewing, Celina.”
Between Morgan and Althea, they’d made sure everything was set in place for the children’s well-being, so it wasn’t that.
He finally met her gaze with a look that made her shiver, all her hair standing on end. She was caught between the desire to reach out and soothe the tension rolling off him and the urge to back away.
“Morgan. What’s wrong? Is it Connor? Commander Varice?”
“We’re sorting out some military issues.” He acknowledged what she’d already gleaned from Connor’s behavior since they’d returned. “For now, it’s safer if you aren’t involved. Connor will let you know if that situation changes.”
Celina fought back the desire to immediately seek out her brother and demand answers. “Then what’s going on?”
“They let me handle your initial debriefing, but that may change. Others may… intervene… and start asking questions, especially about your experience at the fortress.”
“Interrogate me, you mean?”
He nodded, eyes dark in contemplation again as they shifted to the group below. “I need you to lie about how many drug vials you found—and take two of them to be studied outside the military.”
Morgan was highly respectful of the protocols in place. That he felt the need to do something so deceptive was cause for grave concern. The only times she’d heard stories of him rampantly breaking rules was to save lives.
“You’re serious about this,” she assessed.
“Dangerous things are happening, Celina. I wouldn’t ask otherwise.”
She’d always known him to be steady, intuitive, and honorable. Had watched him make countless tough decisions with intelligence and heart. It was more than enough.
“Tell me what you need me to do.”
“Take the vials to someone you trust. We need to know what’s in it, how to counter it. Everything. If the time comes, it may save us.”
“And if someone comes after you for this?” she asked.
“I’ll take the hit. I take my vow of protection seriously.”
“I know you do.”
Touching his hand, she sent a soothing wave of healing light into him, continuing until she felt his lifeforce brighten. He took a deep breath and relaxed, as if finally able to fill his lungs completely. He squeezed her hand in thanks. It was a small gesture of caring, but she wished she could do more to ease his burden.
All the secrecy gave her the impression that there was more going on than she currently understood. Being a councilor would give her the ability to keep a closer eye on things, and she had a growing desire to get started.
Letting the peaceful quiet settle between them, she followed his gaze to where Sarai sat chatting animatedly with Marin. The two had only just met, but they had instantly bonded and were already developing a close friendship. Marin was quiet and kept to herself, and Sarai was becoming more vibrant each time Celina saw her. The girls reminded her much of Cass and herself in their youth.
“How’s Sarai doing?” she asked.
“Recovering steadily. Been better since I got the paperwork cleared to get her out of the orphanage and bring her home as my daughter. Fewer nightmares, which hopefully means she feels safe and protected. Still a little overwhelmed, but she’s handling it well. Knowing her home with me is permanent has helped her tremendously.”
“That’s wonderful.” Her heart warmed at hearing that Morgan’s jump into fatherhood was going well. He seemed settled and happy with the life changes, if a bit overwhelmed still.
Joyful laughter echoed from the courtyard in stark contrast to the heavy emotions charging the air around them. Celina smiled at the sound of Cass’s voice in the mix. Sev’s lighthearted personality had drawn her out during their rescue mission. She hoped the changes stuck. Cass rarely trusted people enough to let them see through her armor, tending to keep her silent and deadly Wolflumen persona firmly in place unless she was securely behind closed doors.
“Celina.” Morgan’s voice deepened with intensity, drawing her attention away from the happy scene. “About the vials… I have to admit it’s also personal. They had Sarai slated for one of the labs.”
“What? Why?”
They still didn’t really understand why certain children disappeared to the labs. Usually, it was just a general threat mentioned by the rescued youth. To her knowledge, they’d never recovered someone who they knew for certain was bound for the labs.
“Based on what Sarai remembers, it sounds to me like they’ve been looking specifically for a spirit mage with non-healing magic. Thought her dream walking would make her an easy prisoner and a good test subject.”
