Page 185 of Gates of Tartarus

She looks over at us, hearing her name. We’ve been wavering on whether to push for an invitation for her to the ball. Obviously, Elizabeth knows that Gemma’s here with us – I told her (honestly) that visiting Europe together had been a dream of ours for as long as we’d been friends and that we were taking the chance to sightsee and tour together. It had made Elizabeth unexpectedly happy; I think mostly because it seemed to reinforce the idea that I’d be moving over to Gaia. I obviously wouldn’t bring my roommate on a serious work trip with me, so her presence in England is one more nail in the coffin as far as Elizabeth is concerned. But Elizabeth also hasn’t mentioned anything about extending Gemms an invitation to the ball, largely, I’m assuming, because, for all of its pomp and circumstance, it’s essentially a professional meet-and-greet for me. The guys and I haven’t decided whether to straight up ask Cole for an invite for Gemma, or just let things slide.

Maddox shakes his head slowly. “I’ve been thinking a lot about it,” he says, pausing between his words, like he’s trying to find the right response. “If you’re going to be reading people all night, I’d like for her to be there to give you a break, especially with the stress you’re under, but I’m also worried about exposing her to Cole’s machinations. The more Cole sees her, the more she’ll look into her. As of right now, Gemma’s just your quirky, artsy friend and roommate. But for us, she’s a hidden ace up our sleeve, an unexpected shield for you, and I don’t want to risk that advantage.”

I nod, making his eyes widen in surprise. “I agree, actually. I think it’s safer for me to just power through, read everything I can until I start having trouble, and then we can have Gemms pick me up in a cab or something and just numb me out on the way home. That way I’ll get a good blast of it and a long rest, rather than a smaller shielding, but no real rest.”

Gemma frowns but acquiesces. “I’d probably stand out too much…” she says reluctantly. “It’s not a place for purple hair, not really.”

“It’s barely a place for me,” I mumble. “You should have seen Cole’s face when I suggested finding my own outfit. I think she sincerely thought I’d show up in my bike leathers.”

“The Lion, The Witch, and the Audacity of That Bitch!” Gemma frowns, affronted on my behalf. “You’re gorgeous, and have… okay. Style may be a strong word, but youdoknow how to dress appropriately. With help. Actually, she may have had a point. Are we sure she’sallbad?”

I grin at her, and she winks, before continuing. “Honestly, it’s probably better if Idon’thave eyes on me when I’m numbing you, because if someone is really watching, they can see the tension leaving your shoulders. Plus, it still works best if I’m touching you, especially in a situation like that, and we can’t walk around holding hands all night. Maybe I can wait in a café nearby though, so if there’s an emergency, I’m only a few footsteps away.”

Madds agrees, and they take a few minutes running though options, before deciding on a little café where Gemma can eat dinner and hover without drawing attention to herself. I don’t love the idea of going in without her – my stomach clenches and my head starts pounding at the thought of being trapped in those rooms with so many people, especially since my shields are still more like papier-mâché walls, but...

“Oh shit!” I blurt out in sudden panic.

“What?” Maddox sits up suddenly, a lion scenting prey, and looks around. The guys and Gemma all fall silent.

“I don’t... everything is blurry!” I say, real worry entering my voice. “What the fuck?” My heart starts going a million miles an hour, even when I feel Jonah’s comforting hand holding mine. I can’t see Walker pacing, but I can hear his heavy footsteps stomping back and forth as he demands Maddox call a doctor. But then Hideo’s cool, calming presence nudges at my shields, and my panicked inhale-exhale lengthens to normal breathing.

“It’s okay, Kai,” he assures me, easing the bands that are tightening my lungs. “It’s okay. Talk me through it. What’s happening?”

“My head was pounding and then all of a sudden my vision went wavy, like out of focus.” I’m trying to stay calm but I know Deo can see the small tremors in my hands.

“Anything else?” he asks calmly, and his voice steadies me.

“Just the shimmering. And my stomach hurts.”

He nods. “I think it’s an ocular migraine, KaiKai. It’s okay.”

“It doesn’tfeelokay!” I grind out mutinously, trying to hide the tremble in my voice. “Itfeelslike I’m going blind.”

Deo’s tone sharpens. “It hurts?” he questions, and I shake my head reluctantly.

“Ithurts, but it’s more that...” I reply. “It’s just... I can’tsee!”

Taking my hand gently, he strokes it, small shivers running up my arm.

“I know it’s strange,” he says comfortingly. “Let’s get you to bed. I think you’re just under too much stress and it’s manifesting in strange ways.” Looking me over critically, he tilts his head. “You have to remember everything that’s happened in the past two weeks. Jonah? Maybe contact Maela and Cole and let them know that Kai’s not going to make it today? I think you should refrain from trying to read anyone unless absolutely necessary.”

“At least until tomorrow night,” I grumble, and he sighs.

“I wouldn’t have you read tomorrow night even, if we could avoid it.”

“But we can’t.”

“We can’t,” he confirms. Leaning over, he picks me up, and I blush.

“I can walk, D,” I mumble, and I can feel his head move against mine.

“And I can carry you.”

Eyes closed, I acquiesce, because my head is pounding and my vision is making me nauseous. Walker’s presence bumps into my shields gently, like a cat nudging its head against me, and, even with closed eyes, I smile.

“Walker, why do you feel so different?” He starts beside me, then I feel his warm lips brush my cheek.

“Shotridge has been running me through some blocking exercises,” he mutters. “I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing, but I’m trying.”