Page 53 of Grave Revelations (Prophecies of Angels and Demons #3)

Chapter 52

Simon

Simon glared at the back of Valentina’s head as she moved around the apartment, packing things for their trip to the hospital.

She turned, and he met her heavily lined eyes.

“Baby, the stress isn’t good for you,” she said. “Let’s just get through your surgery, and you can have your devices back.”

He crossed his arms over his chest, breaking her stare as he turned his gaze out the window. Even after surgery, he would be in this state for several weeks, if not months. Healing ribs were a nuisance, and the mild concussion he’d suffered still left him with headaches. But his back… that was the real problem.

For the first time in his long life, he wished for Elizabeth to return and make him into the thing he had been for so many years. Although his magic was returning, there were no signs of his healing gift; without it, he was truly at the mercy of this woman.

Valentina crossed the room, setting his bag on the table beside him, and leaned down to plant a kiss on his forehead. “I know the pain is hard to bear, but you’ll feel much better in a few days.”

Simon’s phone buzzed, and his gaze darted to it.

Valentina’s phone buzzed, too, and she picked hers up. “Oh my gosh.” Her hand went to her mouth .

“What is it?”

She brought her phone to him, pressing play on a breaking news announcement. Simon watched slack-jawed as the aerial view of Lake Michigan went on and on. The state of Wisconsin was gone. Where there had once been five great lakes, there were now only four.

“Evacuation efforts are underway along the Mississippi River as water levels continue to surge into the southern states along its path. Those living closest to the river are at greatest risk.”

Simon watched the screen, his mind racing. It was the witches. It had to be. But how? And why?

“With extreme winter conditions in Canada and many of the northern states, the question on everyone’s mind is: What comes next?”

Valentina pressed her phone against her chest. “It’s terrible. All those people.”

Simon’s gaze drifted back to the window and the swirling vortex of snow flurries racing between buildings. They were close enough to one of the Great Lakes that he wondered if they should evacuate. He’d never had to make these sorts of plans before. He had been fast and strong; could have outrun any natural disaster. Now, he would be lucky to survive a blizzard.

Valentina, oblivious to his growing concerns, set another bag beside his on the table and lifted her phone to her ear. “Yes, we’re ready. Perfect. I’ll get his bags and meet you there.”

She rested a hand on Simon’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, baby. No stress, remember? Let’s just get you to the hospital, and everything will be fine.”

Her words were a bitter reminder that nothing would ever be fine again.