Page 26 of Shattered Magic

“Vega chose alcohol. She’s at the hospital. I am her emergency person.” Eon’s hands were fumbling with the app.

Hari said, “Hang on.”

She went over to the governor and whispered in his ear. He nodded and beckoned to one of the security guards, and when he explained the destination to them, they nodded.

Hari nodded to Eon and pointed to the thirty-something male heading for the door.

Eon was followed closely by Vega’s previous occupant.

Zerul sighed. “I hope she doesn’t fight him on that. He’s... concerned.”

“I bet. Vega just tried to drink herself to death.”

“Did she? Are you sure she didn’t just want to silence the echo of him in her mind?”

Hari paused and blinked. “I only did that once.”

“I know, but you did do it.”

“He used his compulsion to hold me down. I felt that for a long time.”

Zerul took her hand and nodded. “I know.”

She sighed and looked toward the door, biting her lip. “I want to check on her when she is out of the ER.”

“Of course. I will have Prolen keep tabs on her stay. Does she have an apartment that hasn’t gone up in mage fire today?”

“She does. She has a penthouse downtown.”

“Good.”

“What do you think that guy is going to do?”

“Arkus? He is going to be pissed off and hold her hand.”

“Good.” Hari looked around. “Successful party?”

“Very. The dignitaries have found the activities fascinating.” He nodded over to where all her partners were feeding Benny desserts.

“They do seem to be having a nice time.” Hari nodded. “That reminds me of college... before that night.”

“You had three men at a time feeding you cream puffs?”

“No. I had two getting me soft serve ice cream so I would help them on an exam.” She chuckled.

“Vanilla?”

“Swirl.”

“Adventurous.”

“Back then, yes.” She smiled. “That changed fast.”

“Anhara, you have recovered well, and now I am finding out that you own the club?”

“Part owner. I have fifteen percent, as do Eon and Livia. Vega owns fifty-five percent. She put up the money when we went to open the club. We were also the first four dancers. That was fun and strange. She had to stop dancing when Arkus came in.”

Zerul chuckled. “I can see that it would be an issue. Why did you dance?”

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