Page 83 of When Wishes Bleed

Doctor Kingston wore a sturdy white coat that swished as she walked down the hall and up a set of steps to the second floor. At the landing, she smiled kindly at each of us. “The children on this floor are almost ready to go home. I’d ask each of you to wash your hands before touching them, but you are free to speak with or approach any child.”

She glanced at my gloved hands. “Miss Sable, are you comfortable removing your gloves?”

The ichor on my skin began to tingle, as if it were coming alive. “Yes, Doctor.”

She inclined her head and waited as the ladies washed in a nearby washroom. I was the last to wash my hands. When I removed my gloves, Estelle’s mouth dropped open. She looked from my face to my hands, then to my throat. In the mirror, I could see that the stain had spread beyond the tall neck of my shirt. Like a dark flame, it now licked at my jawline.

Fate sent a calming wave of energy through me just when I needed it. Tauren was concerned. I could see it in the tension between his shoulder blades as he bent to wash his hands beside me. He was probably embarrassed of me. Most likely wanted me to return to Thirteen and never set eyes on me again.

He insisted that the crew wash their hands as well. Once they set their cameras down, he took the opportunity to come to me. “Why is it spreading?”

“It’s not a disease; I won’t harm the children. Witchcraft isn’t an illness to be caught.”

“That’s not what I meant,” he gritted, eyes boring into mine. “Is it because of what you did?”

The accusation stung. “No, it was already here. It’s Fate’s doing, and he will reveal the purpose in his own time.”

“Does it hurt?” he whispered.

“No. It doesn’t hurt.”

Tauren slowly nodded.

Doctor Kingston waved her hand toward the hall. “Enjoy the children. They’re a little rambunctious, as they’re anxious to be discharged.”

The children had been gathered into a large playroom for our visit. The room was painted a cheerful shade of pale yellow, decorated with bright posters and furniture. Some of the smaller ones pushed toy cars and rocked dolls in their arms. Older children read or chatted, sprawled across the many plush couches and chairs that peppered the space.

Their attention snapped to us as soon as Doctor Kingston came into view. The youngest children scampered over and wrapped themselves around her legs. She laughed and plucked them off one at a time before walking farther into the room and introducing us to them.

I was surprised to see they already knew Tauren. As he knelt, several ran to him, throwing their arms around his neck. The timbre of his deep chuckle filled the room, and he called them each by name as they reluctantly let him go.

One small boy with beautiful dark chocolate skin and short hair with yellow lightning bolts painted on his cheeks grinned. “I’ve missed you,” he told Tauren.

The Prince patted his shoulder. “And I’ve missed you, Wes. Has your leg healed?”

The boy nodded.

Rose forced a smile as Wes beamed up at her. “She’s pretty,” he told Tauren. Then he looked at Leah, Estelle, and Tessa. “They’re all pretty.”

When his eyes found me, they grew as wide as saucers. “I’ve seen you on the telecasts!” he chirped and ran to me, stopping before he reached me. “I’ve never met a witch before.”

I pulled a small wooden chair over and sat in it. “Well, now’s your chance to ask me anything.” I grinned.

“Truly?”

I laughed. “Truly, Wes.”

“What is your talent? Water? Wind? Fire?” he asked so fast I could barely keep up.

“I have a unique affinity,” I told him. “I divine fates.”

“You know the future?”

“The future is fluid, but yes.”

Tears flooded his eyes. “Can you visit my sister? She’s on the fourth floor.”

I glanced at Tauren, who swallowed thickly. Doctor Kingston pushed her lips together.

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