Page 225 of The Lost Ones

“There won’t be thousands of them. A few hundred at the most, even before they were being taken they were rare, really rare which is why they were so powerful and sought after.”

“Well that should make it slightly easier I guess.” Hunt mutters thoughtfully.

“As for where to take them. I’d suggest the academy, it’s got a specifically dedicated building for if there’s a natural disaster and we have to open the academy up as a hospital or extra housing or anything like that. There will be plenty of room for them. I was going to suggest getting my brothers to give the academy a heads up before they leave to join us after we’ve done recon but I don’t actually think that’s a good idea.” Kysen explains.

“I have to agree. They’re more likely to think we’ve heard wrong or are under qualified kids. Which we are but the goddess wouldn’t have given us this task if she didn’t think we were up to it.” Jax says, honestly.

“Also I have a really bad feeling that if it’s anyone but us that rescues them then it’s going to go very, very wrong and not just the wrong it has the potential to go with us.” I say following my instinct.

“That’s reassuring and absolutely not, all at the same time. So thanks?” Kai says pulling a weird face.

“You’re welcome.” I sing grinning Ghost caws once before landing on my shoulder and resting his head on top of mine whilst Knot perches on Jax’s shoulder and tries to steal every bite of food he brings to his mouth.

It is what it is.

“Well in that case we tell them after we’re done. Send a message ahead once we’ve rescued the Centre’s to say we’re on the way.” Hunter suggests. “Any idea what the best route back to the Blood Moon academy would be?”

“Unfortunately it’s going to be the same route we were on before we took this detour and I honestly have no idea how we’re going to do it.” Kysen explains frowning heavily. “Not only are there going to be an incredible amount of them but we have no idea what sort of condition these supernaturals are going to be in. Some of them have been there for all of their lives, are they going to even want to be rescued?”

“Nyx said that some of the first Centre’s and Bonded that they kidnapped still remember how its supposed to be and have been teaching the younger ones when they can. I think she’s been sending signs and visions to the younger ones too just to help them believe what the older Centre’s are trying to teach them.” I explain what she told me as I watch Jax bend over the map and study it, Knot moving off of his shoulder to perch on the table and look with him.

“Good, they’re going to want to be rescued then so that’s that hurdledown.” Kysen says.

“It doesn’t solve the fact we are going to be travelling for days with hundreds of supernaturals I’m just not sure it’s feasible. We’re going to attract so much attention and we could end up in similar situations to the ones we’ve found ourselves in so far.” Kai says.

“Hang on, look at this.” Jax says interrupting, “it doesn’t solve the problem of there being too many of us but it would cut down the travel time. This is the short cut from here to the Cursed City right? You said that it would take about two hours?” He directs his question to Kysen who nods. “Well once we get back here if we then follow this small track just here.” He says tapping the map twice. “It should take us all the way to the academy in just under four hours if my rusty map reading skills are right.”

We all lean over the map to look and I pretend I know what the hell I’m looking at when in all honestly all I’m doing is admiring the watercolour and beautiful detailed parts of the map. If maps in the Earth realm looked this pretty I can guarantee that sat navs would’ve taken a lot longer to be invented.

“I honestly don’t know how we missed the short cuts that this town has it’s in a prime location really.” Kysen comments again.

“I think that might be on purpose.” Mav comments. “Think about it, this place obviously hasn’t been mapped for ages. Sage said that it was a lot bigger now than it looked in her vision from Nyx.”

“That’s a good point. Plus you wouldn’t be able to see the shortcuts at a glance they’re only really visible if you’re looking for them.” I add in.

“So whilst we’re doing recon we need to look for a means of transport for them. I highly doubt we will find hundreds of horses there and even if we do that’s going to cause one hell of sight. We won’t exactly be incognito.” Levi says.

“Carts or carriages?” I ask.

“That could work but will still be quite a scene.” Hunter comments.

“It’s a shame we don’t know where Cole is.” I mutter.

“Why?” Mav asks confused.

“Because he can travel through the void. He might have even been able to take someone with him. Not a massive help but we could’ve sent him to warn the academy at least.” I say. “I really hope they’re all ok, we have no idea where they ended up.”

“I’m sure they’re fine Sweetheart. You’d know.” Hunter reassures me, he’s right I’m pretty damn certain I’d know if something happened to them thanks to the connection with the warrior mark.

“One thing at a time Darling. Rescue the Centre’s and their Bonded including your parents then we can work out how to find Erin and the others.” Levi says, squeezing my hand in reassurance.

“We’ll have more luck looking for them from the academy anyway.” Maverick chimes in logically.

“Ok. I know you’re right.” I agree.

“Speaking of people that can travel through the void though. My brother Harry can create portals. Small ones but we might be able to lend him enough power to get them through. We’d need to get them all somewhere safe first though. It takes a bit of time for him to set it up and it wouldn’t be safe to do it if we’re under threat in case they follow us through.” Kysen explains.

“Perfect. We can bring them back here in the carts and carriages that we can commandeer hopefully and then send them through the portal back to the academy from here.” Levi says, taking a sip of his coffee.