You two. Bram pointed to Caden and Shock. Bury the animosity. Weve no time for it.
Youre simply going to trust him and hope he doesnt fuck you over? Caden challenged.
Thats my problem. Marrok has warned us repeatedly about these rows. If were too busy fighting one another, how will we ever unite against our common enemy?
Agreed. Caden nodded. Only because focusing on Mathias, Zain, and the Anarki will better help me find Anka and keep Sydney safe.
Fine. Shock rolled his eyes.
Good. Bram nodded. Shock, take Aquarius upstairs. Please. We havent much time to save her.
If its not already too late. The unspoken words hung in the air.
Bram sighed. When thats done, return here. Sabelle, follow and wait for Aunt Millie. Sydney, youll want to stay with your friend, I presume? Go with them.
With that, she was dismissed. She cast a gaze toward Caden, feeling lost in Wonderland without a map or any bleeding clue what to do next. He squeezed her hand and nodded.
Ill find you soon. I promise.
What choice did she have? Aquariuss life hung in the balance, and her friend might need her if she had any hope of pulling through. But the reporter in her wanted to stay behind. Something told her the men were about to have a conversation shed kill to hear. But as the door to that museum-quality office closed behind her, Sydney knew she wouldnt get that chance. At least not today.
The giant, Shock, laid Aquarius on an enormous four-poster bed with a sumptuous beige silk coverlet. He took a half step back, still staring. His expression seemed to ask the same question tearing through Sydneys mind: Would she live? The worry was like an awl gouging out her composure.
For Aquarius, she had to be strong.
Sydney grabbed her friends hand, edging Shock aside. He adjusted his sunglasses on his face, then glanced her way. Need anything more?
How would she know? Sydney could barely comprehend that this giants brother had nearly fried her friends insides. But Shock looked at Aquarius with something like compassion.
Olivia, the woman shed met in the pub, entered the room and grabbed Sydneys hand while answering Shock. If we do, well let you know. Were fine for now.
Shock hesitated, brushed a knuckle down Aquariuss arm, then turned away. Staring after him as he left, Sydney wondered what that was all about.
The question must have shown on her face because Olivia said, Dont try to figure him out. Youll give yourself a headache. Ive been living here with my mate Marrok for about six weeks, so I see the guys often. Except Shock. He completely baffles me.
She lived here? Marrok?
Yeah. Big, bossy warrior, carries a sword.
Indeed. Sydney remembered him vividly. Imposing bloke. Hard to imagine that the tiny, violet-eyed beauty belonged with such a man. But lately shed seen far more unusual things.
Smashing. Sabelle breezed into the room, rubbing her hands togetherthe only indication of her nervousness. Aunt Millie will be here shortly.
Shes got heart magic and can do a bit of healing, Olivia whispered to her.
Precisely. Sorry. Sabelle sent her a rueful grin. Ask me questions when I dont explain. Im a bit topsy-turvy at the moment.
Sabelle might regret that offer someday, but Sydney intended to take advantage of it.
How long until this aunt shows up?
Im here, dear, a spry voice said from behind her.
Sydney whirled to see a little woman with lively blue eyes wearing a dotty lace dress and a straw bonnet. This was Aquariuss savior?
No offense, but wouldnt a doctor be more effective?
Not with a magical malady. Millie took Sydneys hand in hers. Let me have a look, then.
The lady with the thick, pale bun ambled past Sydney and put bony hands across Aquariuss chest. Then frowned. Does the girl have any magic?
Olivia and Sabelle both turned to her. Sydney shrugged. I-I dont know. Does it matter for her healing?
A bit.
Sydney blew out a breath, then realized that Aquarius had rarely talked about her family. She mentioned friends and lovers, her failed uni days, karma, and her hopes for the future. But the family, shed carefully danced around that.
Its possible. Cadens brothers wife is her cousin, and Anka is a witch, right?
Yes, but your friend may not be magical. It isnt automatic. Ill just have to hope I get it right. Millie sighed, then closed her eyes.
Long, agonizing moments of silence passed. The woman skimmed her hands above Aquariuss belly and chest, making only occasional murmurs. Sydney had no idea what the devil they meant. And in the meantime, her friends breathing had grown more labored. The purple, swollen color remained. Her lips were blistered, her lids nearly swollen shut, her skin cracking.
Can you help her? Sydney finally asked, losing patience.
The older woman looked up with regret in her eyes. Im sorry. Ive never seen anything like this. The damage is extensive.
The little womans answer slammed Sydneys composure. She covered her mouth with her hand as the little woman left. Somehow, Millies poise had made her hope that she could solve Aquariuss crisis. To hear otherwise crushed her.
I think I know someone who might be able to, Olivia said. A moment, please.
She disappeared. Sydney had no notion what to do or say, so merely grabbed her friends hand and held it tightly in her own.
Fight, she whispered to Aquarius. Its bad karma for you to leave me all alone.
Her breath caught in her throat, and tears stung her eyes. Guilt stabbed her. If Sydney had listened to Bram when hed said to get out, Aquarius would be well. If I hadnt struggled to escape Zain or if Id found some way to protect my friend, no harm would have befallen her. But Sydney couldnt change any of it now. All she could do was hope.
Its not your fault, Sabelle offered, stroking her shoulder. Sydney blinked.
Howhow did you know?
I can read your thoughts. Sorry. Thought I should give you fair warning. But Ive delved into your friends mind. Deep. Shes worried about you.
The tears started flowing in earnest. Only a friend like Aquarius would be near death and still worry about someone else.
I feel so helpless. Aquarius would at least have some healing crystal, sacred chant, herbal tea. All Ive got is my hand.
And the power of your friendship. She feels it.
Sabelles understanding sank into Sydney. Even if she thought the gorgeous blonde was full of rubbish and trying to soothe her, Sydney appreciated the gesture. Perhaps Sabelle wasnt so bad after allas long as she kept her hands off Caden.
In the future, I will. Hes all yours, I promise.