It’s game changing—our shifted forms are invisible to the Conclave defences. At least while the Conclave are unaware of our innate magic. Though Drakeward mentioned an innate-magic suppressant being developed.
That’s not good at all.
A nurse clears his throat. “Er, sir? I have to leave at seven, and the relief isn't here until eight. I shouldn’t ask, but could you stay with him?”
A stroke of luck. “It’s not a problem,” I say, cutting him off, then instantly, “I’ll be back in five to relieve you.”
Taking the stairs, I arrive on the third floor and rap my knuckles on the door of Theo’s new room.
She answers the door looking like a technicolor dream in a fluffy sweater and striped leg-warmers. I want to run my fingers over the slice of lime-green lycra peeking out at her thigh, but time is of the essence.
“I can get you in to see Wes.”
“What? Let’s go.” —What about the guards outside the sickbay?”—she adds, silently.
—I’ve got a plan—
Back on the ground floor, I frogmarch Theo towards the infirmary. —Start complaining about detention—
She instantly understands. “But, sir. Why am I having detention down here? It’s not fair, I didn’t even do anything.”
“You will take your punishment, young lady, and be grateful it’s not worse.” I see the guard eyeing us. “See what I have to deal with?” I say to him, “be thankful you’re not a teacher.”
He grimaces and nods. “Couldn’t pay me enough to have your job.”
“Whatever,” Theo mutters, throwing me a dirty look. Little minx.
“That’s enough from you, Wilson. Be grateful the school doesn’t allow corporal punishment, or you’d definitely be headed for a paddling.”
—Ooh, sir. I love it when you get all bossy—
—You’ve no idea how much I’d like to boss you around—
Reaching the double doors, I tell Theo to wait in a side room then swipe my card.
“Oh, good. You’re back,” the afternoon healer says, looking at his watch. “I’ve really got to run.”
“I understand,” I tell him. “Have a good evening.”
As soon as the healer scuttles off, I beckon her. Theo rushes to Wes’s bedside.
“Wes.” She lets out a muffled sob and cups Wes’s face in her hands.
I stand silently, keeping vigil as she closes her eyes and starts to murmur. “I’m here, Wes. Come back to me, come back to us.”
The minutes tick by until I have to,reluctantly, walk over and lay a hand on her back. “That’s time. I need to get you out of here now,pulu.”
She looks up, tears streaming down her face. “But the lumina didn’t reach him at all.”
“Then we’ll find a way for you to come back tomorrow, and the next and the next. Every day until you find him.”
I am her soldier, and this mission will not fail. “Now we need to regroup. Let’s get everyone up to the penthouse. Send them a message, pulu.”
Once we're in Cosmo’s apartment, I pull Theo into my arms and claim her mouth. Her fingers dig into my shoulders, and I get lost in her until Donovan hauls her away from me.
Fine. I guess now is not the time.
Max and Cosmo stand silently, watching Donovan and Theo kiss.
