ME:regroup outside
???
They’re leaning against the Range Rover, universal dark shadows and worry on each face.
Maximus’s nostrils flare as I approach. “The stink of dark energy is on you,” he hisses.
“Not surprising, given the company I’ve just been in,” I reply. “Father, Singleton-Smith, and Crankshawe.”
“The dean?” Feniks’s head jerks up.
“No, her brother Thomas. Apparently I will be attending a ceremony tonight where the Russian Conclave is going to be given dark energy via a child.” The words almost cause bile to rise in my throat.
Feniks' hands ball into fists.
“Whatever,” Donovan sighs. “I’m sorry, but I don’t give a fuck about anything other than Tee-Tee.” He closes his eyes for a moment.
Max places a hand on his shoulder. “It’s going to be OK, bro.”
Donovan groans. “No one can say that.”
He’s right. All we can do is move forward. But what next?
For me, it’s following my Father’s agenda. “I have to get back to the academy. A car is coming to pick me up at six. I can’t believe I won’t uncover something useful. At the least I’ll learn the location of the Conclave’s base of operations.”
I look at the exhausted men around me.
Feniks is lighting a new cigarette from the end of another, Max is pacing back and forth and Donovan looks seconds away from collapse. “We should all go back. We’re no good to Theodora in this state. Everyone should at least shower and have something to eat.”
“Waste of time,” Dono mutters.
Feniks sighs. “No, he’s right. I’ve been summoned back by the dean anyway. I’ve been ignoring her texts but I can’t do that forever.” He takes out his cell phone then curses. “That’s decidedthen. There’s going to be an all-school headcount in thirty minutes. We have to go.”
Donovan gives a beaten down nod and opens the car door. “Fine, but I'm not sleeping until I have her back in my arms.”
Falling into the vehicle, I close my eyes, begging for the noise in my head to halt for just one minute.
But there is no peace.
4
I’m laughing so hard, whirling round and around—almost flying.
After the rapid click-click-click of the camera, Wes yells, “Got it! You can put her down now.”
“Not likely.” Donovan’s arms tighten around my waist. “Tee-Tee isn’t allowed to walk anymore. I’m carrying her everywhere.”
“Idiot.” I give him a playful punch.
His hands clamp down harder. I can’t move an inch.
I’m dreaming one moment, then fully awake.
But still frozen in place.
Something is compressing my chest, wrists, and ankles. What? Where am I?
Think. Think.
