He leans in and practically hisses, “From what you two told me, you two very nearly didn’t come out the victors. Look at you. You’re a mess and will probably take a Shaman at least an hour to fix apiece. I shudder to think just how much blood you lost. Or what that guy over there even replaced it with.” I open my mouth to counter him, but he steamrolls over me. “Have you forgotten in this last half year that we must have a living Creator?”
My spine straightens. “No. But I’m not going to stand by while these things hurt people. I can . . .” I can’t say it, can’t willingly admit how easy it is for me to murder beings, even ones as evil as these. So I compromise with, “Take care of the Elders. None of the rest of you can. Somebody died here in Anchorage, and chances are, it was because of me.”
“Don’t you think that’s going a bit too far?” Will murmurs.
“Not at all. The Elders have left Anchorage alone for awhile. You heard what Cailleache said. They want me. They’re looking for me. Burt is dead because he happened to be in the city where they’re hunting me. I am not okay with anybody risking their lives because they happen to be caught in the crosshairs of the Elders’ efforts to get to me.” I look up at Karl. “I hope you don’t make me issue an order, because I’d hate to pull rank on you like that again. But the simple fact is, several Elders have been sighted in town. You know they’re looking for me—and now possibly you, since you’re here, too. It is imperative that we take care of this matter now.”
Karl studies me for a long, uncomfortable moment. It’s then I notice that the room has hushed and all eyes are on us.
But then an amazing thing happens. He smiles. It’s not a big one, nor is it snarky. He’s proud of me, and that means the worlds right now. “Tell me what you need from me.”
Relief whooshes out in a surprised breath. I tap his hand. “This.”
He makes the call to Lee Acacia.
While Lee scouts the area for the Elders so he can lure them towards us, I’m taken to a few of the larger Métis homes nearby to reinforce their walls. Cameron and Erik organized everyone into groups for safety and have warned them to only leave these houses when absolute necessary until Karl and I have had a chance to deal with the Elders.
Even still, the Métis regard us suspiciously; their distrust burns, but I can logically get where it comes from. Whispers always follow us—our crafts rather than names are thrown around—but I force myself to ignore their fears and instead focus on my own.
Because, yes. Obviously I have fears. A ton of them are filling me up, like sand in the proverbial hourglass. The last time I faced a single Elder, she nearly killed me before I figured out what I was doing. Before that, one shattered my kneecap and arm. It’s not like I haven’t risked my life with these things before. And now? I’m purposely seeking a group of them out in an effort to take a stand.
Only a fool wouldn’t be scared. Or Will, who practically radiates his boredom as he drives me around Anchorage. I wish I had his nerves.
At the last house, right before I leave, the owner, a pretty thirty-something named Kathryn comes up to me. Her voice is quiet and sweet as she tells me her story. “I was born in Annar, but left with my mom when I was eight because people were really mean to us. I was called a freak by the kids I went to school with. My mom was made to feel like the only reason my dad was with her was because they got pregnant while dating. Which—it was true, but I genuinely believed my parents loved each other, despite their fighting.” Her smile is shaky. “Shows what I know. My dad is still there, said he couldn’t give up being a Magical, not even for his family. I haven’t seen him since the day he closed the door behind us. He doesn’t know my children. He didn’t see me graduate high school or college. I have to admit, I’ve hated Annar for a long time, believing it took so much away from me. But tonight . . .” She sucks in her lower lip as she studies me. “You don’t have to do this. You’re willingly going to go stop these things, and . . .” Her slim hand grabs mine. “Thank you. I’ll be praying for your safety.”
Will’s phone beeps; it’s a message from Karl. Lee says 4 incoming. Get ready to get back to warehouse.
We hug goodbye; when Kathryn closes the door, I alter the wood until nothing can bust it down. And I vow that the she’s not going to have to fear door closures anymore. Not from me, and not from Annar.
Because the Elders aren’t the only thing that needs to be taken down.
“This is stupid,” Will says. “You two need to be with the others. After all, aren’t you leader-y types?”
Cameron merely smiles indulgently at his son. Erik motions at Karl and me like we’re idiots. “What if you bleed out? What then? I’ll be damned if Annar comes blaming the Métis for the loss of two of their more powerful Council members. You two need me and my skills here.”