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“About an hour ago. He said he was hot and was going outside to cool down. Didn’t think much of it, as he’s been doing that a lot lately.”
Because he was losing the battle. I rubbed a hand across suddenly stinging eyes. Damn it, I didn’t need this on top of everything else. But then, it wasn’t like Tao needed it, either, and it was my fault he was in this mess in the first place. If I hadn’t included him and Ilianna—
You cannot beat yourself up over decisions others are ultimately responsible for, Azriel commented. Tao had the choice. He chose to help, just as he chose to save Ilianna by consuming the elemental.
If he weren’t there, he wouldn’t have had to make the decision.
And Ilianna would now be dead. You cannot have all things, Risa. Fate is not a generous woman at the best of times.
Yeah, I’m learning that. To Rachel, I said, “Did you try his phone?”
“I can’t, because all his belongings are still upstairs. He didn’t even change.”
Damn. I closed my eyes for a moment and fought for calm. “Do you need me to get someone in?”
She hesitated. “Jacques is due in next shift—perhaps if you could get him to arrive a little earlier? We’re not usually rushed until after six most Tuesday evenings.”
“I’ll do that. Let me know if Tao does show up again.”
“I will.”
She hung up. I called Jacques and asked him to start early, then threw the phone onto the bed and glanced at Azriel. “I don’t suppose it’s possible for you to locate Tao via his life force, is it?”
“That would depend very much on which life force is in control. If it is the elemental, then no.”
“Well, at least we’d know for sure if the elemental has taken over.”
Azriel nodded. “It may take me a few minutes. Do not leave the security of this place while I am gone.”
“I won’t.”
He disappeared. I picked up the phone again and dialed Ilianna. “Hey, gorgeous,” she said, expression cheerful and green eyes glowing with happiness. “How are you?”
I couldn’t help smiling. “The celebrations obviously went well last night.”
“Very well. I’m one contented mare right now. Not even the fact that I have to meet Carwyn again can spoil it.”
Carwyn was the stallion her parents were trying to set her up with. According to Mirri, he was rather hot—in bed and out—but given Ilianna’s preferences, she was either going to have to be honest with her parents or get stuck with a mate she didn’t want.
“When is that happening?”
She grimaced. “Tomorrow night. I think it was supposed to be just him and me, but Mirri is coming along. She thinks we should be honest with him.”
“It can’t hurt, can it?” She couldn’t help her sexual preferences, and the sooner Carwyn was aware of them, the better it would be for them all.
“He’s a horse-shifter,” she said dryly. “A male horse-shifter. They don’t think straight when it comes to mares.”
“I’m still siding with Mirri on this one.”
“Traitor.” The fierceness of her tone was more than a little diluted by the glint of amusement in her eyes. “To what do I owe the honor of this call?”
I hesitated, then said, “Tao’s walked out of the café and can’t be found. I don’t supposed you’ve had any particular vibes were he’s concerned?”
Ilianna wasn’t only a powerful witch, but also a very strong clairvoyant—and a far more reliable one than I’d ever been.
“No, I haven’t.” She frowned, expression suddenly concerned. “Is it the fire elemental?”
“I think it could be. I know he was having trouble controlling it earlier.”
