Chapter 17

I turned to look at Rafael and Michael standing at the end of the partition, I shook my head. Izzy nodded at me, agreeing with my assessment of the guard on the other side.

“That will be all.” Victor said in a cold tone.

We heard the door open and close.

Rafael moved to the other side of the barrier, where I couldn’t see him. “How many more?”

“We’re down to twenty.” Troy said.

Izzy took a deep breath and exhaled. “I’d forgotten how tiring this can be.”

“Do either of you need anything?” Michael came over.

Izzy shook her head. “I’ll grab a snack before we head to the arena of mages.” She smirked.

“I’m fine, thank you.” I told him.

“Next one on the way in.” Ira said.

I don’t know how long we’d been doing this, but I’d heard a lot of confused guard’s thoughts. Ira began each ‘interview’ by showing them a photo of the tattoo on Eunice’s arm, asking if they’d seen anyone with it. The idea being that any involved with that Hubert man would panic, or at least think about something related to him and what they were doing.

So far I’d only heard rock steady, but confused male and female—much to my surprise—thoughts. Izzy looked like she was bored and I had to agree. That was shocking to realize. Doing this was so far out of my comfort zone, but to be so relaxed to the point of thinking about other things instead of focusing… like why was Rafael standing there looking like he’d rather be beating on something than anything else? Michael kept giving him strange looks, but I couldn’t pick up his thoughts to know why.

“Sir, do you think they’re among us? Those we’ve been trying to find?” A man asked.

I completely forgotten he was on the other side of the partition.

…if we have a way to recognize any involved, this could soon be over…

I glanced at Izzy, she looked over at Michael and shook her head.

…my wife will be happy to see more of me…

I heard a door open, then close.

“Last one.” Ira told us.

The door opened.

Victor straightened from where he’d been leaning. “Kinsley, you didn’t have to report to do this.”

“I know,” a woman answered, “I was coming into the yard when the Captain was telling the rest of the men, so I thought it best I stay.”

…being on light duty is driving me insane…

“How’s the arm?” Troy asked her.

“It’s healing. Not as fast as I’d like it to, but I can’t complain.”

I wondered what a female guard would look like? Debating taking a peek, I decided they hadn’t wanted anyone to know we were here listening in, so I really shouldn’t.

…ten times a day I regret declining the quick fix with royal blood…

…I can’t have the rest of the guards think I get special treatment though, so suck it up…

Michael went around the partition. “I’m glad you’re here. We’re going to need a female guard at the palace soon and I think you’d be perfect for it.”

“It was my understanding all the palace positions were filled.”

…of course I want to work at the palace. It’s a palace…

I smirked at her thought, happy to know I wasn’t the only one gobsmacked by a real palace.

“This will be as a personal guard.” Troy told her.

“I’d be honored, my king.”

…personal guard? I wonder to who. I know the guys have the princesses…

“Our brother, Emil’s daughter is going to be moving into the palace and after the island, we feel a female guard would be best.” Troy informed her.

…she may not like the guard being me…

…I failed her…

I glanced to see Izzy to see her eyes closed, pain etched on her face. I didn’t know the connection. How could this Kinsley person be responsible for what happened to Rena?

“How, uh, how is she doing?” There was no mistaking the awkwardness in her voice.

“She’s doing as well as can be expected.” Michael informed her. “Autumn spends a great deal of time with her, as do the other women.”

…that’s good company for her, after Princess Autumn taking down Eunice, she’d feel safer…

Kinsley cleared her throat. “Just let me know when you need me.”

I heard the door open and close.

Izzy brushed the side of the band she wore. She gave me a small smile, “I need a short break. I’ll meet you at the arena for the mages.” She rolled her eyes. “Being in their heads never proves to be dull.” She got up and walked out around the partition.

“That went well.” Ira said.

“I can’t tell you how much better I feel knowing our guards can be trusted.” Michael added.

“What of the two guards we suspected with the false information trap?” Victor asked. “They weren’t here today.”

“Shit, I forgot about them.” Michael didn’t sound happy.

“Give me a moment to check on their whereabouts.” Ira said quickly, “since that time, we’ve been sending them all over letting them chase their tails.”

…there has to be something important here…

…I can’t get it to stay out of my head. Clairee better come up with something stronger…

I looked at the floor to appear like I wasn’t listening but recognized the thought echo as Rafael’s.

…grey hair like old? Is there a different kind of grey hair?...

“Raf.” Michael barked.

“What?” Rafael glared in the direction of his brother.

“I asked what your thoughts were on Kara checking those last two guards later.” Michael sounded annoyed.

Rafael glanced at me briefly, then scowled around the partition to where I couldn’t see. He motioned toward me. “Ask her. She’s right there.” He stomped out of my sight.

I stood up and went around the opposite end of the makeshift wall. Victor moved out of my way.

Michael had his hands on his hips looking at Rafael. Giving his head a quick shake, he turned to me. “Would you be willing to see if you can help us find out about those two for sure?”

“You think they’re traitors?” I looked down at the cuff in my hand, then decided other than Rafael’s cryptic thoughts, the men in the room were able to prevent sharing theirs with me.

“There’s a possibility, yes. We tried other means to flush them out but were only left with doubts and nothing proving their disloyalty.” Victor told me.

I glanced to Rafael, who from his expression was still stuck in his own thoughts. “I can try.”

Troy inclined his head to me. “We’ll get that set up as soon as possible.” He motioned to the door. “We need to get to the arena now. Romulus is having trouble keeping his mages waiting.”

I nodded. “Izzy,” he quirked an eyebrow at me, “Elder Udela, said hearing the mages thoughts is never dull.” I took a sharp breath. “They don’t think in bizarre riddles, do they? Like the one I shot?”

Troy grinned. “I have no idea. Personally, I dislike peeking in their minds because it’s so cluttered up there.”

That really wasn’t the answer I was looking for. I started for the door, following Victor. “Is this arena in walking distance, or do we have to,” I looked over my shoulder to Troy, “port?” I was hoping for walking.

“It’s not far,” Michael held the door for me, “a short ride.”

I went out the door and down the stairs. Across the yard were horses. Beautiful, large equines. Forgetting I was supposed to be following the men, I went over to the midnight black one and held up my hand. “You are magnificent.” I said softly. The animal looked at me for a moment, then shook its head and nuzzled my hand with his nose. I didn’t look, but just from the animals’ posture, I knew it was a male. “And you know you are.” I grinned up at him while rubbing my hand over his muzzle. He was huge, my head barely reached his shoulder.

“You like horses?” Michael came up beside me.

I watched my hand glide over the beast’s glossy coat. “I’ve never seen one in person before,” I glanced at Michael, “I love all animals. He’s beautiful, is he yours?”

Michael shook his head. “No, Odin is Raf’s.”

I smirked. “Odin? Like the god?”

Michael grinned. “We all pick names from mythology.”

Odin turned his large head, almost knocking me back as he did.

I stepped around him to see he was watching Rafael walk toward us. I didn’t need to hear his thoughts to know he wasn’t impressed his horse liked me. “He’s magnificent.” I told him when he was close enough to hear me.

Giving me a questioning look, Rafael came over and patted his one on the shoulder. “You ride?”

I looked at the horse, then back to him. “Not yet, but I’m hoping.” I offered my best smile.

“She can…” Michael stopped and looked at Autumn coming in our direction holding the strap to another large horse in her hand. The dark chestnut followed her with ease.

“Guard tried to tell me this horse, Athena had been saddled for me,” she snorted, “it’s not happening, Iceman.”

Michael grinned. “I thought you might want to try riding on your own. Athena is very obedient.”

Autumn gave him a hard look. “I don’t care if she can sing the alphabet, I don’t do animal,” she waved her free hand around, “signals well.” She stopped walking and the horse nuzzled the back of her head.

“She likes you.” Michael said with a smirk.

Autumn looked behind her at the animal. “She’s pretty likeable herself, but I’m still not getting on her back.” She held the strap out to Michael.

He took it and smiled down at her. “You’re coming with Hachi and I?”

She nodded, “until I grow a pair big enough to do it on my own.”

Michael laughed and leaned down to kiss her on the forehead. “I’d prefer you didn’t.”

I looked at the chestnut horse standing behind them. “I’ll ride her.” My mouth blurted out before I could think it through. I nodded, feeling excited.

“I thought you’d never ridden before.” Michael gave Rafael as quick look.

“I haven’t, but,” I motioned to the horse, “I may never have a chance to again.” I moved around his so the horse could see me approaching. I held out my hand. “I don’t know about you, Athena, but I’d be offended being labeled obedient. That’s almost as bad as being called complacent.” She nudged my hand with her nose and didn’t object when I rubbed my other hand along her jaw. I looked under her chin to Michael. “Can I?” He looked over at Rafael. I turned to him, “please?”

Rafael took a deep breath, then exhaled. He motioned to the corner of the yard. “Ride her over there for a few minutes and make sure you can sit the saddle without sliding off.”

I nodded. I had no idea what that meant, but I was all for doing it.

Rafael reached over and took the reins from Michael and turned to lead the horse to the corner.

I walked quickly behind him, trying to remember what I’d read about horses. Left side? Mount and dismount from the left side. I almost walked into Rafael’s back when he stopped. Going around him, I went to the left side of the horse, then stopped abruptly when I saw how high the stirrup was. There was no way I could get my foot up in that.

“Steady, Athena.” Rafael said in a soft voice. He came up beside me and before I could ask his advice in getting up there, he grasped my waist in his big hands and lifted me up in the air.

Biting my lip, to keep from yelping in surprise, I put my leg over the horse and grabbed the horn on the saddle. When Rafael let go, I looked down at the ground and decided it was a good thing I didn’t suffer from vertigo or fear heights. Athena was quite tall. Rafael startled me again when he moved my foot and adjusted the strap so my foot could rest comfortably in the stirrup. When he went around to the other side, I leaned down onto my stomach and rubbed my hands along Athena’s neck. “Proceed with caution until I get the hang of this please, girl.” Patting her neck softly, I sat back up. Rafael flipped the reins over the animal’s head and handed them to me. I took them and held them tightly.

“She’ll follow your cues. Knees to go, steer with the reins. Just the slightest movement and she’ll respond.” He patted the horse’s neck. “I trained her, so I know her well.”

I nodded and squeezed my knees gently. Athena started walking slowly. It was a weird feeling the large animal’s movements beneath me. Rafael walked beside us. “Is that what you do? Train horses?”

His expression didn’t change. “I enjoy it, but no. I’m Captain of the guards, so that’s what I do.”

I pulled the strap of the rein to the right and Athena turned. “Oh. You’re in charge of the guards?” I pulled on them and the horse stopped. “All,” I paused when she pranced on the spot, “all of them?”

“Yes. All of them and the security in the realm.”

I looked at him, then noticed I barely had to look down. “You’re very tall.” I said, not realizing I’d said it out loud until he smirked.

“Don’t fall off. We’ll be leaving in a minute.” He turned and walked back toward the others.

I watched him walk away for a second, then nudged Athena to walk again. She did without jostling me too much. “Silly, really.” I said quietly. I hadn’t thought Rafael had such an important position, which was me making assumptions that because he was the youngest, he’d not have to assume such responsibility. Clearly not having a family or siblings of my own left big gaping holes in my knowledge of such things with. I looked over to see my guard, Bart, standing out of the way. He was holding the reins of a horse. Awkwardly, I turned Athena to go to him. Stopping her, I felt a moment of pride that I was doing this. “You’re coming too?”

“Where you go, I go. My Captain’s orders.” He stated in a low tone.

I looked over my shoulder to see Rafael riding toward me. Right behind him was Michael with Autumn sitting in front of him, her legs over his. I would fall off if I rode that way, I thought. I turned back to Bart. “How do I make her do more than walk slowly?”

He got up on his horse, then looked back at me. “More pressure with your knees. Nudge her with your heels or clicking.” Turning his horse, he road over toward other guards on horses.

Clicking? I had no idea what that meant. I frowned and looked down at the back of Athena’s head. Clicking, I thought again.

“Ready?” Michael asked.

I nodded. “I think so.”

Autumn grinned. “You’re braver than I am.”

Athena turned into the horse they were on, my knees skimmed by Michael’s foot. “Or, I’m crazier.” I said softly.

Michael grinned, then raised his hand toward men standing by a big gate. They turned and opened it.

I rode behind Michael and Autumn, they followed Victor. Rafael was beside me and Bart on the other side. I didn’t know how many rode behind us, I was afraid to try and turn in the saddle and look. The silence was uncomfortable, but I took the opportunity to try and watch what the others did to make their horses go faster. For the most part Athena was just following along with the rest of the animals, like she knew I had no idea, and she was just going with the flow.

Troy’s horse ran up until he was beside Rafael, he turned and smirked at him after the animal slowed to the same pace. “Quint isn’t happy.”

Rafael grinned a real smile and looked at him. “I owe Victor for agreeing to stick him in an arena full of annoyed mages, but it’s worth it.” He lifted his hand in an annoyed motion, he hasn’t shut up since,” he paused and glanced to me for a second, “Kara got here.”

I realized he was referring to Quinton harassing him because I shot Rafael. Most likely more to do with where I shot him, than actually being shot.

Troy laughed. “Daxx reluctantly agreed to not tell him all the mages magic was blocked while there.”

Smirking again, Rafael nodded. “We owe her too.”

“You know he’ll get even if he finds out.” Troy was leaning on his knee, still looking amused.

Rafael nodded. “He can try.”

I took a few minutes, just absorbing that. The way they harassed each other and plotted against one another. I’d never really thought of what having siblings would be like, but I surmised if one were to have them, this comradery would make it more pleasant.

“You’re doing good for someone whose never rode before.”

I looked to see Troy was talking to me. “I think Athena is behaving because she knows I’m a novice.”

He nodded. “She’s a good animal.” He glanced at my hands. “You didn’t put the inhibitor back on?”

I looked down; I’d completely forgotten. “I guess I didn’t.” I looked at him, then to Rafael, before checking Athena was staying on track with the other horses. “Most of you are good at keeping your thoughts in your head.” I gave Rafael a quick glance out of the corner of my eye.

“That’s good to know.” Troy’s horse moved ahead of Rafael’s, “might want to put it on before you go in the arena. There are some very annoyed mages in there.” He made a noise and his horse sped up, running toward Michael.

Clicking. That was clicking? It didn’t sound at all like clicking. I looked at my wrist, then put the reins into one hand so I could get the rubber band out of my jacket pocket. Holding it, I wondered how I was going to manage this.

Rafael moved closer and put his hand out.

Reluctantly I handed him the device and held my arm out. He put it around my wrist, without touching me.

“You should keep it on until they make your personal one.” He gave me an odd look. “So you don’t get overwhelmed.”

I clamped my mouth shut, trying not to smirk. I didn’t need to hear what he was thinking to know he didn’t want me knowing anything inside his head. I nodded, then glanced ahead to see Michael, Victor and Troy racing toward a large dome. Grasping the reins, I made that clicking noise and prodded Athena with my heels. She took off. I held my breath, trying not to shout out something juvenile and leaned down, focusing on the rhythm of her motion so I wouldn’t bounce off. It was wonderful. One of the most freeing and exciting things I’d ever felt.

I heard the pounding of hooves before I saw Rafael and Bart racing to catch up to me. Putting my head down further, I nudged her again, hoping she’d run faster. She did.

I had a quick moment of panic when the dome was fast approaching and I didn’t know how to slow her without tumbling off. Before I could figure it out, she started to on her own. Autumn was standing beside Michael, her eyes huge and grinning. When Athena stopped, she pranced a little bit and shook her head. I couldn’t stop smiling.

Rafael appeared beside me, he rubbed his hand along Athena’s flank, then reached up and plucked me out of the saddle. He looked angry and I couldn’t figure out why. When my feet touched the ground, I was a bit unsteady for a second, but caught my balance holding onto the stirrup. His blue eyes glared down at me for a quick moment, then he turned on his heel and walked to where Victor and Daxx stood.

I let go of the stirrup when Bart came and took Athena’s reins. Autumn came over.

“You are crazy.” She said, still grinning.

I giggled. “That was awesome.”

Michael shook his head, giving Rafael a quick glance, then motioned to where they were. “Let’s get you inside and behind the barrier before Romulus gets the mages lined up.

I nodded and followed him quickly. “Is Izzy here?”

“Yes, she had someone port her here.” He glanced back at me. “We don’t like our elders riding out in the open. Especially right now.”

That made sense. “I didn’t think we could port here.” Not that I regretted riding.

“We can’t once we port inside. Romulus has it blocked.” He looked over to where Quinton stood, then stopped and motioned for me to go behind a short cement block wall. “You’ll be able to hear thoughts around this?”

I nodded and moved to go behind it. “Yes. The only wall I’ve ever had it not work on are your cells.” I smiled to see Izzy sitting on stool waiting for me.

Michael stopped. “Just let us know if you need a break.”

Sitting down, I nodded again.

Rafael and Victor stood on either end of the wall with cold expressions on their faces.

“This is going to be similar to listening to poetry in another language.” Izzy told me with a smile. “The more experienced the mage, the more their thoughts are a mish mash of unclarity.”

I grimaced. “I can hardly wait.”

“Can you hear me back there?” It was Daxx.

Izzy and I nodded.

“They can.” Victor informed her.

“Okay Romulus, bring them in one at a time.” Michael said.

“Thank the stars for that.” I recognized Romulus’ voice. “If I hadn’t warded this dome against magic, we’d have casts flying about all over the place out there.”

“You what?” That was Quinton.

Rafael smiled and looked down at his feet.

“Bastards.” Quinton growled. “You too, Daxx. Oh. I’ll get you for this.”

I turned to see even Victor had a smile on his face.

“I’ll, uh, go let the first one in.” Romulus said in a hesitant tone.

Roughly fifteen mages later, I decided Izzy hadn’t been wrong. The mumbo jumbo inside the mages heads was making me dizzy. It reminded me of a children’s story I’d once read about ham and, green eggs I think I remembered, only it was much more complex.

“Next one.” Troy said.

I watched Izzy take a sip of water and wished I’d thought to ask for something to drink.

“Milo,” Romulus said, “we’re looking for some information you may be able to assist us with.”

“Oh. What is that?” A wheezy voice replied.

I focused to hear his thoughts, there was something there, but it was like it was behind something that blocked it. I frowned and looked at Izzy, her gaze connected with mine, then a sharp pain stabbed through my head. Grabbing my head, I dropped it forward trying to figure out what it was.

“Michael.” Victor said in a gruff way.

Someone was touching my hands. I opened my eyes to see Rafael kneeling in front of me, looking up.

“Pain.” I hissed.

“Romulus, come here.” Michael barked. “Elder Udela?”

Rafael’s large hands covered mine. The pain was excruciating. I leaned down and rested my forehead against his trying to breathe through it.

“Milo you worthless rodent, I told you nothing warded, spelled or enshrouded.” Romulus said very loudly.

“What? Oh, this? It’s to keep that Manton from learning a new cast I’m working on. The nosy busybody is constantly trying to steal my work.”

“Put it in here. Now.” Romulus barked.

The pain stopped. I didn’t drop my hands or move. Just stayed where I was, panting for air.

“Elder Udela, are you all right?” Michael asked.

“Yes. Yes. That was unexpected.” She said in a quiet voice.

“Kara?” Rafael whispered.

I opened my eyes to see his eyes a few inches from mine. Dropping my hands, I straightened so I wasn’t resting my head on his. “I’m fine.” I said, still trying to catch my breath. I rubbed my hand over my forehead. “What was that?”

Romulus came around the barrier and looked from me to the elder. “He will be punished for not following my explicit orders.” He looked nervous.

“We’re all right now.” Izzy looked at me with an inquiring expression. I nodded. “Let’s continue and get this finished, shall we?” She sounded as out of breath as I was.

Rafael continued to kneel in front of me. His brows were drawn together. He touched my hand. “Do you need to take a break?”

I inhaled slowly through my nose, then blew it out slowly. “No. I’m with Izzy, let’s get this over with.”

Giving my hand a gentle squeeze, he stood up then turned to Romulus. He pointed a large finger toward him. “I thought the place was warded?” He tone was low and lethal.

Romulus bobbed his head. “It is. I warned-warned the Justice that with my kind, there is always some loophole…” He stopped when Rafael stepped right in front of him.

“That better be the last loophole today, or you’re going to be suffering through a ban, realm-wide for a month.” Rafael snarled down at him.

Romulus’s eyes went wider than I thought eyes could go. “A-a magic ban on mages? That would, that would…” he nodded quickly. “I will screen each one before they enter this space, Captain.” He bowed his head and backed away a few feet, then turned and moved out of my vision.

“Milo.” Romulus barked. “You get to be this months’ screener in the cells with the Warden for that stunt.”

“What? That’s—but I can’t cast down there.” The wheezy voiced squeaked.

“Exactly. Next time I order nothing magic is to enter, you will remember to follow orders.” Romulus’ voice was pitched higher than normal. “Now. This. Do you recognize this? Have you seen anyone with it or any inkling of its meaning?”

There was silence for a few minutes.

…might as well castrate me while he’s at it. The warden and no magic, I will surely perish…

“No. it’s a bunch of meaningless symbols. What amateur designed that?” Milo said, with disgust in his tone.

Checking the rest of the mages went off without incident, other than trying to pick through their strange thoughts. The witches at the temple hadn’t yielded anything so far either. There were only two more to check.

Giving my head a quick shake, I turned my attention back to the curtain that we were sitting behind.

“Sephare, we’re looking for information on this?” Clairee said in a quiet way.

…looks familiar, but I don’t have any details for them…

I glanced to Izzy, her brows were drawn together, she looked over at Michael and shrugged.

“Clairee.” He said in an even tone.

“Have you heard of Willis Hubert, Sephare, or Arwan?” Clairee asked.

…they’re chasing fairy tales. They’ve wasted half my day for fairy tales…

Heaving a sigh, Izzy shook her head.

“That will be all, Sephare.” Michael said.

“Estrid.” Clairee said in a friendly tone. “We’re looking for more information on this.”

…I’ve seen that…

Izzy and I both sat straighter and looked at Michael.

“I think I’ve seen that.” A quiet voice said.

…is that the same? Wait…

…is it?...

“Where did you see it?” Clairee asked.

“I’m not…”

…Elijah and his stupid video games…

…complete waste of time and space…

“I’m trying to remember if it’s that, oh,” she sounded distressed.

“Take you time.” Troy said from the other side of the curtain.

…no, that stupid game logo has a round thing through it…

“I can’t remember.” She sobbed.

“It’s okay, Estrid. Take a deep breath and think.” Clairee suggested.

…I think it was at the day realms market…

…was it the day realms? Will I get in trouble if I’m wrong?...

“I think,” she took a ragged breath, “I think I saw something like that at the market,” there was a pause, “on the day side.” She made a noise of distress. “But I can’t remember for sure.”

…they don’t look mad…

…I just want to go home now…

“Were you there shopping? Do you remember what for?” Clairee asked.

“I, uh,” there was another pause.

…they’re going to think I’m stupid…

“No. Not really. There’s a boy there, he helps at the crystal vendor’s stand.”

“Do you know his name?” Troy asked.

…my face is on fire…

“No. I’ve never spoken to him.” She whispered.

“But it was around there that you saw it?” Troy asked in a gruff way.

“Yes.”

“On a person or…”

“Oh. No. Not a tattoo.” She interrupted Clairee. “I think it was on the side of a box near the crystal vendor.”

“Is that all you remember?” Clairee asked.

…I was so distracted by the boy…

…I need to find out his name…

…maybe Sibyl will go with me later…

“Estrid? Is that all you remember?” Clairee asked again.

“Oh. Yes. I wish it was more.” Estrid said quickly.

“You’ve done well. You can go now.” Clairee said.

There was the sound of a door, then the curtain was pulled back. Clairee looked at Izzy then me.

“She’s completely smitten with the boy.” Izzy said.

I had nothing to add to her summary. I was tired, my head was starting to pound, and I wasn’t sure if I was thirsty or wanted to throw up. I’d never listened to so many thoughts in one day, ever.

“She’s still young.” Clairee smiled, “very rare that her powers are this strong at her age.”

“It’s more than we’ve found all day.” Michael stated.

Romulus had been leaning in the corner. “I am personally glad that those with the most power, and we depend on have been found trustworthy.”

“I was hoping we’d find the snakes today.” Autumn said as she got up off the chair. “A possible mark on a box isn’t making me want to dance.”

“It could be some sort of signal to Hubert’s people.” Michael suggested, crossing his arms over his chest and looking around at the others.

“It is possible.” Victor said. “We’re going to have to keep a watch and see to be certain.”

Rafael nodded, his stance similar to Michael’s. “Without tipping them off.”

“This is very frustrating.” Troy said, then sighed. “We know they’re out there, but it’s like they’re ghosts.”

“We still have the inner chamber staff to check, and those two guards.” Michael reminded him.

“A ghost,” Clairee whispered. She spun to look at Romulus. “A ghost!”

Romulus jolted like she’d hit him.

“Could he?” Clairee put her hand over her mouth.

“He could.” Romulus nodded his head so fast it was blurry.

“Care to share?” Michael asked in a loud voice.

Clairee jumped and turned back to him. “Arwan.” She nodded. “What if he’s been coming and going undetected all this time.”

All the men turned to look at Romulus.

He nodded, regret on his face. “If anyone can do it, it would be him.”

“Are you talking about him cloaking others to walk among us?” Izzy stood up.

Romulus frowned. “It would have to be him. Only he is skilled enough and able to adjust for any situation.”

“You’re saying,” Victor looked from one to the other, “the infamous Arwan has been walking among us all this time?”

Clairee bit her lip, a serious expression on her face before she nodded.

“It would explain how so many were recruited without our detection.” Troy said.

“I must,” Izzy turned to Troy and bowed her head, “with your permission, update the other elders.”

Troy rubbed his hand across his jaw then nodded. “Yes. Tell them to think long and hard to see how feasible this is.”

“I shall.” She bowed her head to him and then looked back to me. “Kara?” She rushed toward me.

I don’t know if it was the sudden motion or I was just beat, but I felt lightheaded.

“She’s bleeding.” Izzy leaned down in front of me and put her hand on my shoulder.

Bleeding? I looked down the front of me to see blood spots on my hand in my lap. Lifting my hand to my face, I touched the wet under my nose.

Rafael was right there on the other side of me. “Is this normal?”

I couldn’t tell if he was asking me or not.

“I’ve never had it happen.” Izzy said quietly.

Clairee was almost in my face. “Kara, is this normal?”

“Perhaps she’s overdone it.” Romulus leaned down between Clairee and Izzy to look at me.

I slide off the stool and stumbled back a few steps. Too many people in my face made me nervous. I wiped my hand across my face again, dizzy from moving so quickly. “I don’t know,” I looked at the blood on my hand, “why this is happening.” I looked over at Izzy, and everything went fuzzy. My knees gave out.

“I’ve got you.” Rafael said.

I found myself in his arms. “I don’t know what’s wrong.” I slurred.

“Get the doctor to her room.” Rafael said in a strained voice.

Then static filled my head, but I was spinning too much to care.