Page 112 of The Warlock's Trial

“You don’t have any potions that will help?” I asked hopefully.

Onyx frowned. “Nadine, you just told me your kidney could be failing. I can’t mess with something as severe as that.”

“I know. It’s just… the last thing I want is to end up in the hospital again.”

“Then we have to get you treatment right away.” Onyx stood and reached out a hand. “Come on, let’s go talk to Lucas.”

“No,” I said quickly. “I don’t want to worry him if it’s nothing. I know I agreed to open up about my health more, and I’ll tell him everything, but I need to talk to the doctors alone first. Then if it’s bad news, I can find a way to tell him myself.”

There was no use in worrying anyone until I knew what was going on. I could be overreacting. But if it was as bad as I was thinking, I needed time alone to cry.

Onyx eyed me for a few moments, before nodding in understanding. “All right. You can talk to your doctors first, but we still need to get Lucas to portal you to Hok’evale. He’s downstairs planning a supply run.”

“I need to refill my prescriptions anyway, and I’m due for a pharmacy visit,” I said.

Onyx led me out of the room, and we found the others gathered in the living room.

Lucas held up a list. “The tub in the downstairs bathroom is having some plumbing issues, so Grant and I are going to pick up some supplies to fix that. The pantry’s running short on essentials. Warren has made strong allies with various charities in Celestial City, so we can get those essentials there for a good price. He’s convinced the angels he’s interested in converting to their religion, so they’ll continue to provide him with supplies so long as he keeps up the ruse. They’ll do anything to get him baptized. Unfortunately, the angels don’t carry some of the herbs we’re running low on for spellwork.”

“The vampires are willing to trade for the right price,” Verla offered. Her arm was out of the sling, but the questing beast’s attack had left a permanent twisted scar even the healers in Hok’evale couldn’t fix. It would forever serve as a reminder how much she cared—that she was willing to sacrifice herself to save me.

Lucas nodded. “Then I’ll send you to negotiate with them. Let’s see… what else?”

“My meds are running low.” My tone came out sounding even, but my heart was in my throat. “I need to go to the pharmacy in Hok’evale.”

Lucas made a mark on his list. “All right, Nadine will pick up meds. I think we’re all set then. Text me when you’re done so I can portal you all home.”

Lucas started portaling the others to their respective locations, and I slipped on my shoes. I was still in my pajama pants and sweatshirt, but I didn’t really care. I didn’t think I could bring myself to get dressed now, anyway. I was too worried.

“Do you want someone to come with you?” Lucas asked before he opened my portal.

“No,” I said almost too quickly. “Hok’evale’s a safe place. I’ll text you once I’m done at the clinic.”

Lucas gave me a kiss, then portaled me right outside the walk-in clinic. A few people looked my way when I stepped through the portal, but I ignored them and headed straight for the doors.

“How can I help you?” the receptionist behind the counter asked.

“I need to see a doctor. How soon can I get in?”

She typed a few things on her computer. “Dr. Malach is available. He’s a world-renowned doctor and will take good care of you.”

“That sounds perfect. Thank you.”

“Yes, of course. What’s your name?” the receptionist asked.

“Nadine Taylor,” I told her. “You might have me in the system as Nadine Evers—I recently got married.”

The receptionist gave a kind smile. “You can have a seat. Dr. Malach will be right with you.”

I turned to the waiting room, and I was shocked to see two familiar faces. A guy with dark hair sat beside a woman in a wheelchair. They saw me at the same time, and their faces lit up.

“Nadine!” Quentin cried. “What are you doing here? Good news, I hope.”

I sat across from them. “That’s what I’m here to find out. I’m glad to see you made it here safely.”

Quentin and Lydia had tried to stay in Octavia Falls after surviving The Hearse Tragedy, but after Quentin stood up for us in the town square, it wasn’t safe for them anymore. They’d fled Octavia Falls to find refuge here in Hok’evale.

Lydia pushed her purple-framed glasses up her nose. “Safe and sound. Life has been good in Hok’evale. We got married!”

---