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Oleander said there were humans nearby, I can’t believe they didn’t wander here yet.
I puffed my cheeks as I rolled the pendant around my mouth.
I kept my hand on Pat’s back as he recovered and watched Noctus search the tracker, until Aristide reappeared about a block up. I nearly swallowed the pendant and choked when I saw who was with him.
The Paragon, wearing a green cloak and turban, strode at Aristide’s side, his hands glowing with magic.
Murphy’s law strikes again—the worst-case scenario is here! Not only is he going to see Noctus at full power, he’ll see Oleander and Prydwen, too!
Magic swamped my senses as it always did whenever I saw the Paragon, and my powers were all too eager to peel back the magic and show what his glamour hid.
My eyes blurred with tears, and my nose would have probably instantly plugged if I didn’t tilt my head back and frantically snort for air.
No! We aren’t doing this. I can’t open my mouth to breathe!
“The perimeter is secured. Hello, Chloe.” The Paragon strutted across the road. “I have a shield up, keeping the noise and mess inside and the general population outside, good riddance. But what is going on here?”
Well, that explains the flicker of fae magic I felt earlier.
Pat was able to stand, his knees shaking, but a stubborn expression settled on his face.
I hovered at his side, wanting to lecture him, but Icouldn’t open my mouth!
Oleander and Prydwen ignored the Paragon—they were too busy cutting the humans free of their zip ties—and now that Aristide had delivered the Paragon he seemingly felt his duties were done, as he slowly made his way up to me.
He tilted his head, likely listening to my heartbeat. “Chloe?”
I reached out to touch him, setting a hand on his arm.
Aristide frowned. “You can’t talk?”
“She stuffed a spell in her mouth.” Pat’s voice was hoarse, and when he coughed, it sounded wet and painful. “I’m pretty sure it’s still active, her magic is just holding it back. Who are you?”
Aristide smiled enigmatically. “A family friend.”
“I’m her family,” Pat said harshly. “Who are you?”
“He’s trustworthy,” the Paragon declared. “What matters is what’s going on right now?”
Pat—oblivious to who the Paragon was—put a protective arm in front of me, attempting to make me back up toward his car. “We’re not saying anything until backup from the Cloisters arrives,” Pat said.
I made an assortment of grunts, which Pat understandably failed to interpret.
The Paragon’s frown turned wary as he saw Noctus with the tracker’s body. “Wait, someone was killed?”
I wildly nodded as I dodged around Pat’s arm.
The Paragon, however, didn’t notice me. He was studying Noctus.
“Noctus?” he called.
Noctus turned his head so his helm was pointed in the Paragon’s direction.
“Itisyou! You have a lot to answer for!” He strode toward Noctus, and I hurried after him.
“Chloe!” Pat tried to follow me, then groaned—slowed by his injuries.
Sorry, Pat. I’ll make sure you get medical attention, but this could be a disaster!
