Page 114

“You were doing just fine on your own,” he said. “But next time I’ll make sure to bring popcorn for the show.”

She swatted him on the arm and he laughed at her pathetic attempt at violence.

“I don’t want to have to carry you through, so get going before you collapse,” he said, giving her a gentle nudge forward.

She resisted the urge to poke her tongue out at him as she reached for the arrow. Once she landed, she had to blink her eyes until they adjusted to the painfully bright light.

“Here’s my favourite patient,” came a familiar voice.

Alex glanced around and almost cried with relief when she realised she’d been transported directly to the Medical Ward.

“Look at you, Alex,” Fletcher tsked, narrowing his eyes at someone over her shoulder. “Hunter, you have a lot to answer for.”

Alex spun around and, sure enough, there stood her teacher, leaning casually against the wall. All around the room her classmates where climbing onto beds, waiting for Fletcher to check the status of their health.

“This is convenient,” Declan said, arriving through the Bubbledoor. “But Hunter, teacher or not, we’re going to have words about the nightmare you put us through this weekend.”

“It’s interesting that out of everyone in this room, Alex is the only one who hasn’t threatened me,” Hunter said with dry amusement.

“I’m too tired to threaten you,” Alex said, and then she remembered something. “But Iamsupposed to pass on amessage from Warden Jeera to let you know that she’ll be in contact about your ‘teaching methods’.”

“I can’t wait,” Hunter said. Rather than sounding sarcastic, he almost seemed excited by the prospect.

“Did you say Warden Jeera?” Declan asked, and his eyes flickered over to Kaiden who was listening closely as well. “As in, Warden Jeera from the palace in Tryllin?”

“Uh-huh,” Alex confirmed around a yawn. “She helped me escape from the military compound after I pretended to be the royal princess. I only wish I’d stayed with her and skipped the fan-flipping-tastic night we’ve all just experienced.”

The only person in the room not gaping at her was Hunter, whose dark eyes glittered with humour.

“What?”

Alex wasn’t sure who’d spoken, but she knew the exclamation came from more than one person. She’d forgotten that she hadn’t told them how she’d managed to get in and out of the Soori Outpost.Oops.

“It’s a long story,” she mumbled. “And it doesn’t matter anyway since we’re all here now, safe and sound.”

She swayed as she said the words and Fletcher caught her by the elbow.

“You’re about to collapse on your feet,” he said, guiding her to a bed.

“It’s just these horrible shoes,” Alex told him, scowling down at her heels as he forced her onto the mattress. She was amazed that she’d made it through the night without breaking an ankle, and she had absolutely no idea how she’d managed to fight Aven while wearing them. “Next time, Hunter, you need to pick more appropriate footwear.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” he said, his voice rumbling with amusement.

“It’s notjustthe shoes, Alex,” Fletcher said with exasperation. “You look like you’ve been through a cheese grater.”

“It’s just a few little cuts, Fletcher. I’ll live.”

“I’ll be the judge of that,” the doctor said in his no-nonsense voice.

“Look after the others first,” Alex begged. “You know they won’t take as long as me. Please, Fletcher, we’re all tired. Don’t make them wait for me.”

Fletcher looked like he wanted to argue, but at her pleading expression, he sighed and relented. “Only if you promise not to move a muscle until I’m done. Agreed?”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

He nodded and moved away to begin checking on her classmates while Alex shifted into a more comfortable position and waited for his return. She was almost asleep when she heard the curtains being drawn around her bed and Hunter’s voice prompted her to sit up again.

“I have to admit, Alex, I’m amazed by your performance this weekend.”