Two more students went MIA after Rez left the party, and the Gauntlet hasn’t even started yet. Can one die of sheer anticipation of fear? Is that even a thing? Though meeting Rez has brought on a whole new fear, I wouldn’t trade it in for anything else.
I do wish I could protect her better, though. I feel extremely stupid for allowing Cain to goad me into that attack. I knew what he was doing and still fell for it anyway. I have to admit, his counterattack has gotten stronger; I’ve lost one family to him, and I gave my all to protect them, and that, more than ever, scares me to death. What if I fail Rez and the rest? Now with my memories restored, my encounters with him will probably haunt me.
But that is for another time to worry about. L.A.M.B. is on his ass, and hopefully, they will find him while Rez rests for tonight. I should also be resting, allowing my wings to heal, but I have to get things ready for tomorrow, Sunday, and everyone’s last dayto prepare before the Gauntlet starts, and the only day I have to do what I need to for Rez.
That’s why I dressed up in this god-awful suit and came to this horrible party, and that’s why I’m back here after getting my ass kicked by death himself.
“Aww, Knots,” Dr. Steinbeck calls out. “I was hoping to see you here. I didn’t see you at the dorms. Are you okay? I didn’t get a chance to look you over. I heard you were with Rez when she faced… um… Well, him,” he says carefully, not wanting to freak out the students who are still enjoying the meet-and-greet.
I’m pretty sure everyone knows, though. Astaroth wasn’t subtle with his announcement earlier.
“Just some broken wings, but they will heal with sleep. Thank you for checking.” I smile politely.
“Okay. Let me know if you need anything. I have studied angel anatomy extensively,” he tells me before turning, but I stop him.
“Dr. Steinbeck. I was wondering, have you seen Delvin?” I wonder. He’s the person I need to talk to.
“Um…” He pushes the glasses up his nose, covering his wide eyes, clearly surprised that I’m asking for the mage. “Yes, I have. He’s over by the fireplace on the west wall.”
“Thank you,” I tell him before making my way to Rez’s father.
I find him sipping on a glass of fairy wine and looking out into the forest, and I lean up against the window facing him, close enough that he knows I’m here.
“Hello, Knots. What can I do for you?” he asks, without looking at me.
Great, straight to the point.
“I need your help to make tomorrow a memorable day for your daughter, and it has to be perfect.” I can be straightforward, too.
He finally turns to look at me, downs the rest of his drink, and sets down his empty glass.
“I’m listening.”
I’m exhausted, but staying up all night and working on my present for Rez will have been worth it if it brings her peace at all. She’s been running around all morning prepping for the Gauntlet, and she barely choked down a sandwich before heading to her next appointment.
“Knots, I already told you. You don’t have to walk me to the clinic. I know how to get back to the dorms.” Rez rolls her eyes at me, but I insist.
“Yep, but as your Knight, and the fact everyone has already gone, it is my duty, and I want to,” I reiterate as I open the clinic door for her. “Plus, the last time you were alone, you were attacked by Cain,” I add.
She sighs, but relents and grabs my hand. “Fine.”
As we walk into the clinic, she tries to check in at the desk, where two receptionists are working.
“Nere—”
“You’re checked in,” the fairy with the pixie haircut tells her.
“Don’t you need my name?” Rez asks, a little shocked.
“Oh, we know who you are. You were here all the time up until the portals were closed,” an older vampire says in adismissive tone. She pauses in doing her nails and gives Rez a quick smile before going back to filing her nails.
“Yeah, you’re what we call a frequent flyer,” the fairy smiles.
“Ugh.” Rez ducks her head as she moves to sit in the waiting room.
“I’m sure it’s because of Ryker’s connection,” I try to reassure her.
“Thanks, Knots, but I know what frequent flyer means. It means I practically lived here,” she pouts as she looks for a chair to sit down on, but doesn’t get a chance as Dr. Steinbeck calls for her.
