Page 114 of Catastrophe

“Of course. Full bloods have more power. The rage and bloodlust are closer, but our strength is ten times those with weaker blood.”

“Interesting. I wonder how you would fare in Akar.”

“We’ll never know.”

Charlie coughed and waved his hand between me and Marianne. “Love this. But can we get on with portaling people to safety? Thanks.”

“I’m here to give you the coordinates for my portal,” Marianne told him.

“Each council rep is going to a different place?” Charlie asked. “How many portals is that? It’s in double digits, right? That’s a lot for my guys to do in one afternoon. Is there any way we can make this less?”

I was glad he said it because I wouldn’t have been so diplomatic.

“No. The safe houses are across the globe, as are the council homes.” Elizabeth stated and crossed her arms.

Charlie ignored her and focused on Marianne. “Can’t you all go back to your joint office? Isn’t there a supernatural parliament or something? Why do you have to go home from here?”

“Our people need updating on the situation and we may need to train up some more teams to help handle this situation. It’s important we go back home right away.”

Charlie scoffed. “You know there're planes, right? We could take you to the airport.”

“You couldn’t, since the hunters are looking for us now. We need to travel incognito.”

I sighed and patted Charlie’s shoulder. “Charlie, it’s fine. We will manage.”

“I’m not comfortable with this,” Charlie huffed and glared at his birth mother and the vampire council representative with equal frustration. “You’re putting us and the rest of the task team in danger by making our portal makers so weak. If we are attacked, we are going to struggle to escape alive.”

“I’ll find Daithi.” Savida volunteered. “He will help. It will lower the overall number of portals.” He fluttered off to find his mate.

“I’m afraid this is just the way it has to be. Will you help us?” Marianne asked.

Charlie grumbled about demanding council that can’t do anything for themselves but agreed and took notes of the coordinates for the other council members.

Everyone was told to come to the roof in half an hour, since I wanted to use that time to show Zaide how to create portals.

With the afternoon sun in my eyes, I squinted as I explained. “Portal magic comes from the soul. Our souls are full of magic and to portal, we must pull on the very essence of ourselves and push it into being. Using the image Charlie gave you, picture it clearly in your mind and draw on the power you feel deep inside and push it out. Picture the blue swirl of the portal getting larger and revealing more of the picture.”

I watched as Zaide held out his hand and a few steps away, a blue dot formed. The portal did get larger and larger to reveal the white house where the witches would be safe. “That’s it. You’ve done it!” I cheered, and he opened his eyes to see his work.

“Well done, mate.” Charlie patted him on the back. “I’ll get the witches.”

Moments after Charlie closed the rooftop door behind him, it swung back open and Savida hurried over, his wings flapping excitingly.

“I found him,” Savida cheered and behind him followed Daithi and Clawdia. “Clawdia can also create portals. Three each is much easier, correct?”

It was, but Clawdia shook her head. “I would like to help. I really would, but I don’t feel well.”

She didn’t look at us as she said it. Her eyes were glued to the floor, and she’d shut down the bonds between us. I couldn’t feel anything. Zaide and I raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“You don’t feel well?” Zaide asked. “What’s wrong, little cat ?” He took her hand and, as his purple eyes unfocused, I knew he was checking her threads.

“I’m fine. I just … I can’t help.” She pulled away from him. Her skin was a green hue, which made me concerned.

“That’s all right, Sunlight, we can manage without you,” I told her. “Rest.”

She nodded and replied, “I’ll just sit here.”

She and Daithi exchanged as she headed to sit against the wall next to the door, just as Charlie and the witches returned.

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