For a beat, she wondered if it was just part of the theatrics. However, as the other fae witches started shouting and running away, someone crashed into her. Before she could fall, Laurie and Joseph surrounded her, and Laurie asked, “Are you okay?”
“I-I think so.” She coughed as the smoke thickened. “What’s going on?”
Joseph spoke up. “Given the magical protections, some fae witches invited to the festival must’ve turned traitor and are attacking.”
The smoke, the shouts, and the constant jolting made Meadow’s heart race, and she instinctively touched her training bracelet.
You need to keep your emotions in check, as best as you can. Otherwise, you’ll make it worse.
She let Laurie and Joseph maneuver her to the edge of the dance floor, deftly pushing aside anyone who would’ve run into them.
Meadow focused on breathing, which wasn’t easy given the smoke. It thinned a little along the edge of the dance floor, and when she could finally stop coughing, she asked, “Did they do this to go after Khan, Leo, or both?”
Joseph replied, “I’m not sure, but probably both. For now, the most important thing is getting you to safety. After that, we’ll go find Leo, Nora, and your siblings.”
Laurie spoke up. “I can go and look for my brother and sister by myself. You should stay with Meadow.”
Joseph gripped Laurie’s shoulder. “No. Our guards can protect her. Everyone thinks we’re indulgent, lazy vampires who don’t know how to fight, and it might make either of us a target regardless of the truth. Whereas our guards look the part, and will be more of a deterrent.”
Laurie grunted. “But you learned to survive on the streets and then taught me. I’d trust you more and can take care of myself.”
“It’s chaos out there, Laurie. We need to go together to have any chance at all. And the clock’s ticking.”
Laurie stared for a few seconds before nodding.
The image of either one of them being attacked and something going wrong sent a shiver of fear through her. Meadow gripped both of their arms and stated, “Let me help you guys. I’m sure I can do something with my magic.”
Joseph kissed her quickly. “I know you could, love.” He gestured behind her. “But the guards are gathering the children and the elderly together, and they need your help and magic more than we do.”
Her eyes heated at the thought of him going out there and dying. “No, Joseph.”
Laurie cupped her cheek. “No one’s magic will work on us with our rings on, and that puts us at an advantage. Remember, vampires are physically stronger than fae witches.”
She glanced between them, wanting to argue.
And yet, the growing number of vulnerable fae witches being herded into the great hall made her hesitate.
Joseph said, “They need you, Emmy. We’ll send some of our guards as well, to help protect everyone.”
Laurie nodded. “Trust us, Emmy. Because coming back to you is a bloody strong motivation to stay alive.”
She placed her hand over Laurie’s on her cheek, and the other on Joseph’s chest. They wanted her to trust them. And maybe a few weeks ago, she would’ve scoffed.
But now? They’d done everything they’d ever promised, and they knew this time period far better than she.
In other words, Meadow needed to be smart and not let her stubbornness or determination to prove herself put everyone in danger.
Finally, she nodded. “Just promise me that you’ll both come back. Since vampires can’t lie, that means you’ll do everything you can to fulfill it.”
Joseph smiled. “Even without a vow, we’d move heaven and earth to be with you. But yes, I promise to come back to you, love.”
Laurie spoke up. “Me, too. No matter what, we’ll make it back to you.”
A tear rolled down her cheek, but she forced herself to say, “Okay. I’ll help protect those in the great hall. Just don’t do anything stupid.”
She wanted to demand that they stay with her. And yet, they were right. She’d stated many times that she could protect herself, and if she could also save the children, she would.
Unless the enemies have protection rings or bracelets on.
