Barrett’s genial mask fell away. “I knew you were hiding something from me. Who are you keeping here?”
Simone gripped Barrett’s other arm and together they dragged him away. Rowan followed behind. With the three of them, he’d think twice about trying to break away.
“Evie!” Barrett roared. “I WILL find out!”
The sky still glowed crimson. Shifters poured out of the dormitory where the flash of light occurred. Several came running toward us.
“Pick up the pace,” Rowan said tightly.
I turned away, confident in Rowan’s control of the situation, and hurried toward the dorms.
Chapter
Thirty-One
Moira was beside herself when I skidded into the shared living area of the main dormitory. Misty lay in her crib happily burbling away while glowing with an intense red light.
“She seems fine,” Moira said, her face stricken. “I—I don’t know what happened, but she won’t let me near her. Every time I try, it’s like she has this field that pushes me away.”
Hope came to an abrupt stop and gasped at the scene. “Holy shit.”
I moved toward the baby. Hope gripped my arm. “Wait. Me first.”
“No. Let me. I’m her kind. If this is the first manifestation of her magic, she might need to see someone like her.” I shook my head at the words. No idea if what I was saying was true, but it felt right.
“Be careful,” Moira urged.
I shook Hope’s grip loose and carefully moved closer.
“Hi, Misty,” I said in a singsong voice. “Hey little baby. Everything okay?”
Nothing happened, so I ventured closer, close enough I could peer over the edge and see her.
Misty waved a chubby fist and made a spit bubble. Relief filled me. “You scared the hell out of everyone,” I said softly.
And probably made us a few enemies, I didn’t say aloud. I reached out and stroked her downy hair. “What is this? You’re glowing like an Amsterdam club.”
Moira snorted.
“Can I pick you up?” I scooped her up, waiting for something to happen, but Misty seemed content.
A breath of relief escaped me. I tucked her against my hip and booped her nose. “What was all that about?”
Misty let out a loud laugh.
“Mmm hmm. Funny for you. Terrifying for everyone else.”
Moira and I locked eyes. “I don’t know how far the light can be seen.”
“Miles,” Hope said grimly. “Maybe more.”
“If any of the swans or other Chimeras are out there, Misty just put out a homing beacon.”
Hope nodded. “They’ll be investigating. Soon. I’ll speak with the Lord about bolstering security. In the meantime, is there something you can do to tone that light down?”
Misty blinked slower than normal.
I grinned and looked up at Hope. “I think so. At least for a little while.”
