Page 377 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

‘It’s a healing agent?’

‘It only heals the body that produced it because it is keyed to the Wildwane’s individual genetic signature. When absorbed through touch by another body, human or otherwise, the same compound behaves like an adrenergic toxin. It overwhelms the nervous system with absolute, incapacitating fear.’

Kade squints. ‘And that helps Lachlan how?’

‘The Writ inside his blood is a parasite in his psyche, put in place by blood and words,’ Lee says. ‘We can quite literally burn it out of him, and the fire we will use is pure adrenal fear. But for it to work on Lachlan in his current state, it will require both of us.’

‘Are you serious?’ Lachlan asks. ‘That’s it?’

‘Adrenal fear is extreme.’

‘I’ve been plenty terrified in the last ten years.’

‘Which is why Penhalyx would have performed the ritual on you a second time after Sable Key,’ Blaire reminds him gently. ‘The night you don’t remember with Danya.’

Vasily shakes his head. ‘Those months were a headache.’

‘I’m not doubting it, I’m just saying…’ Lachlan trails off and shrugs.

Despite everything, Cole grins. ‘He’s saying he’s too tough.’

‘Let’s just get this done.’ Riley moves towards the door.

‘I will stay with Bee and your boys,’ Vasily offers. ‘We will guard.’

‘Oh.’ Riley seems a little wary of Vasily’s offer or maybe just the kindness in his tone. ‘Thanks.’ He then sighs heavily. ‘Come on then, Tanner. Let’s scare you straight.’

✴

On the way up the stairs, Lachlan’s hand joins with Kade’s.

‘Missed you.’

‘I missed you too. Did it all go OK at Medical?’

‘Think so. I talked to Luca, explained a few things.’

Kade looks at him as they climb.

‘You told him about Danya?’

‘I did.’

‘How did he take it?’

‘I don’t know. He’s already going through a lot. But he said he was glad I told him.’

‘Good.’

‘Noah did tests on his own tissue. I watched my blood interact with it.’

‘And?’

‘He’s optimistic it’ll help. Harker,’ he calls ahead as Riley goes inside his room first.

‘What?’

‘I called a friend of mine last night. Told her what’s happening with Roman. I used your secure line.’