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When they moved into the town square, Malik was surprised to find that both Illiandra and Gervassay had arrived to greet the women. They hadn’t shown the same courtesy to Zane, but then perhaps they knew his profound dislike of wraiths generally and chose to avoid him, at least for now.
All five fae immediately dropped to their knees and bowed their heads.
Malik leaned close to Willow. “What’s going on?”
Willow turned to meet his gaze, but chose to path. Remember that these women are the most powerful fae in your realm. They’re feeling the heartbeat even now. They also understand that in the same way that I have protected the colony, Illiandra and Gervassay have guarded this central part of Ashleaf.
Illiandra and Gervassay approached each of the women and laid hands on their foreheads. More blessings, maybe. Afterward, the fae rose and spoke quietly with the Elder wraiths.
Alexandra broke away and drew close to Willow once more, shaking a finger at her. “All this time I thought ill of you because you refused to attend meetings and to serve in the Guild. Instead, you were performing this critical service. I beg your pardon, Willow, for harboring uncharitable thoughts about you.”
“But you couldn’t have known, and I couldn’t tell you.”
Alexandra’s bushy brows drew together. “But you were right to call me, my dear.” She turned to Malik. “And you! Try not to be stupid, I beg of you. For as long as you are with Willow, you must treat her with the deepest respect. You have no idea what she’s done for all of us.”
“I do respect Willow. Tremendously.”
She looked from one to the other. “So it’s the blood rose phenomenon here, is it?”
Malik nodded.
“It is,” Willow said.
But it was to Malik that Alexandra spoke, slapping his chest. “You need to wake up. You lack true understanding of what’s needed in this situation.”
Malik bristled. “I’m here, and I will protect Willow with my life. What more can I possibly do than that?”
Alexandra shook her head and this time placed a gentle hand on his chest. “Protect her, here. Here is what is important.” She made a disgusted sound at the back of her throat. “Goddess save me from stupid men.”
Willow intervened and shifted the subject. “Mistress, we’re expecting an attack at any time. We should get you back through that you might return to your homes.”
Alexandra pressed her lips together and shook her head. “If you think I would leave you now, when you’ve told me that you’ve reached a crisis in your ability to support the shield, you are greatly mistaken.” She gestured behind her to the other women. “We will all stay and do what’s required. This is the least we can do for you and for your wraiths.”
~ ~ ~
Willow had never felt so relieved in her entire life. She was used to going it alone, and she couldn’t believe Alexandra would respond so quickly and with a clear intent to help her.
“Thank you.”
Alexandra nodded.
Suddenly, she felt Axton’s presence but knew that he and a number of his private Guard were hidden behind a fae spell. She grabbed Malik’s arm. “He’s here.”
Malik straightened his shoulders, a furrow between his brows. “Axton?”
Willow nodded. “With his Guard. But I doubt Zane or any of the others will be able to see any of them.”
“I’ll contact Zane.” She watched Malik draw his cell from his leathers and make his call. He spoke quietly and laid out the situation, adding, “Yes, Willow’s sure he’s there with his men, but they’re hidden.” After a moment, he added, “Stay alert. This is it. We’ll do what we can from this end to break the spell that’s hiding him.” He ended the call and put his cell away.
Willow weaved on her feet. “Malik, this one is going to be bad. I can feel the spell. Axton is winding up. Dear, sweet Goddess.”
Despite the fact the night sky above the colony was perfectly clear, thunder rolled over the town and kept rolling.
“Axton,” she said in a strong voice so that no one misinterpreted.
In response, Illiandra issued the now-familiar warning. The light that suffused the colony dimmed in gradual stages, and the same soft whistling sounded down the high street. All the wraiths, as they’d done the night before, disappeared swiftly into their shops and homes.
Willow could smell the smoke now. And the same acrid smell that came from the tunnel also streamed down from the sky above.
