Page 110 of Warrior Unraveled

“You know like a bird trying to hatch from an egg, knocking through the shell from the inside.”

“That’s impossible. He must be wrong.”

Maya shrugged. “Can’t verify it since it’s already healed. But he’s sticking to his story. Does it still hurt?”

“I’ve felt worse.”

“Hmm. So what happened in that vortex?”

The door swung open without warning and Virginia rushed in. “You’re awake.” She marched to the gurney and put her arms around him.

Wesley pulled her to his chest and kissed her. “And you? You didn’t get hurt?”

“I’m fine.”

“And the others?” He glanced at Maya, but knew that he would have seen it in her face if anybody from Scanguards had gotten hurt.

“Just a few scrapes,” Maya confirmed.

Turning to Maya, Virginia released him. “Is he okay again?”

Maya shook her head, and Wesley wanted to protest, but she cut him off. “His head is still aching. It shouldn’t, not after the blood John gave him. So I can only assume that whatever happened to him in the vortex has a lasting effect.”

“Can’t you find out what it is? Can’t you give him something?” Virginia asked, her concern evident.

“Hey, ladies, I’m right here. No need to talk about me like I can’t hear you.”

Still ignoring him, Maya continued, “I was just trying to find out what happened to him in the vortex.”

Both women turned their gazes on him.

“Oh now you want to talk to me.”

Both rolled their eyes as if they’d rehearsed it a hundred times.

“What did the demon do to you?” Virginia asked.

“It was different this time.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know how we were able to read the other demon’s mind when we piggy-backed on his vortex?”

She nodded.

“It wasn’t really like that. It was painful. He launched a barrage of thoughts and images at me. I can’t really describe it. It wasn’t anything concrete. I tried to fight him. I used my witchcraft, but it made it worse, as if it allowed him to get into my mind.” It had felt like an invasion.

A concerned look on her face, Virginia said, “Demons can influence others with their minds. They try to make us do things, try to manipulate us with their thoughts. The weaker the personality, the more easily they can bring them to their side.” She shook her head. “But you shouldn’t have felt it that intensely. You would’ve been able to fight it. To push him out of your mind.”

Wesley contemplated her words. “I think… when I tried to use my witchcraft… I think it made me vulnerable.”

“How?”

“I had to open my mind to collect my powers and—”

“—the demon slipped in,” Virginia finished his sentence. “Oh my God.” She clasped his hands. “But it’s over now. It must be.”

He met her worried gaze. “I’m not sure.”