Page 140 of Destined Dawn

Piglet’s lips twitch and my suspicions are confirmed.

“Are they being guarded?” she says, with a sudden alarm I can understand. My dad is still cunning, even without his powers, although it’ll be a lot harder for him to hurt someone now. He may have been magically strong, but he was never physically. I could knock him out with one swing of my fist. I suspect Summer could have a good go at it too.

“Yes, Coach Hank is seeing to it personally. Just until we can work out what to do with him. His army surrendered just as soon as the spider rot spell broke. Although, there will be work to determine who among them remain threats – true supporters – and those who were coerced.”

“Why isn’t Principal York guarding him?”

“Ahhh,” I say, “York … York didn’t make it, Rhi.”

“What?” she says, aghast. “You mean …”

“She’s dead.”

This time she snaps upright. “Azlan, Stone, Spencer, Renzo?”

“Are all just fine,” I lower my voice to a whisper, “although that crazy bastard seems to have gained three more scars on his face. It’s like he deliberately walks into oncoming magic.”

“Where are they?”

“Right here,” several voices call out from behind me andthen her other mates step forward, assembling around her bed.

“Hey,” I say, “don’t crowd her.”

Her eyes skip over all her mates and, seeing them all okay, relief momentarily flickers over her face. Then vanishes.

“Winnie?” Rhi asks, her voice shaking. “Trent? Ellie?”

“They’re all just fine. Everyone else is fine. Thanks to you.”

She settles back down into the cushions. “I don’t feel so good. Did I pass out or …” She rubs at her forehead.

“All of you out,” I say, turning to the others. “She needs her space.” They look at me skeptically, probably aware that’s only half my motive for throwing them out of the room. “You heard the woman. Besides, someone ought to check what’s going on out there.”

Azlan ignores me and leans over to kiss Piglet on the cheek.

“I’m glad you’re all right, sweetheart. You had me worried there for a moment.” She smiles at him weakly. “Get some rest. We’ll go check on our … prisoners.”

Stone kisses her next, whispering something I don’t catch, and then Spencer wraps her in a big hug. Barone hovers by the end of the bed, fidgeting and looking nervous.

He scratches at his head and then follows the others out.

“Are you sure they’re okay?” she whispers, watching them go.

“We’re all fine. It’s you we’ve been worried about.”

“What happened?” she repeats.

“You drained his magic, took it inside you, and I guess he really is as sick and twisted as we suspected because it poisoned you, made you sick. Nothing I couldn’t fix though,” I say, unable to help the pride in my voice. I’vealways been a good healer. “May take a day until you’re feeling yourself.”

“And the dragons?” she asks, clearly still more concerned about everyone else.

“One got hit – one of the green ones.”

“Yeah, I know,” she says, “and the others?”

“As far as I know, they’re okay. They took off once they saw us arrive and take you.”

“How did you find me?”