Page 96 of Shadow's End

I pushed up and ran on, moving so fast down the trail that the trees were little more than a blur. The wild magic was boosting my speed while somehow ensuring I didn’t stumble or fall.Katie is on the way down to protect you.

Meaning the wild magic she directs?

No. Long story, but Katie’s no longer restrained to the wellspring.

Your merging with the wellspring extended to her?

Kind of.I leapt over the small fence dividing the track from the parking area, threw the backpack and my shoes into the back of the SUV, then jumped into the driver’s seat and started her up.Can you tell the others what is happening? I should be there in ten or so minutes.

By which time, all the fun should have happened.She paused.Katie’s here. Physically, I mean. How the fuck did that happen?

She’s still a spirit?—

One who is extraordinarily solid.She stopped again.The vamp is within reaching distance. I’d better go.

Be careful.

Always.

I didn’t smile. I just concentrated on keeping the SUV on the treacherous dirt road. When I reached the highway, I hit the accelerator and tried to reach Aiden again. The call rang on, then switched to voicemail. Worry stirred, partially fueled by Katie’s surprise that the fire wasn’t yet under control, and I rang the ranger station’s number instead. The station no longer existed, but the call would be switched through to whoever was currently taking them.

Tala answered. “Castle Rock ranger station, how may I help you?”

“Tala, it’s Lizzie—is Aiden there?”

“Last I heard, he was heading toward the O’Connor compound to deal with some problem there. Why?”

“Because he’s not answering his phone.”

“Odd, because he rang here twenty minutes ago to check in.”

“Are you able to ping him on the radio and get him to call me?”

“Is there a problem?”

“Our vamps have something big brewing, from the feel of things. Depending on where it is exactly, we might have to arrange a local evac.”

“I can do that?—”

“I know, but I still need to talk to Aiden.”

“I’ll ping him, but he may not answer immediately, as he should be at the compound by now and may be out of the truck.”

“Thanks, Tala. I’ll be back in contact when we know more about what’s happening.”

I hung up and returned my full attention to the road and getting to the mine as quickly as possible. I was belting downa dirt road, only a kilometer from the mine site according to Google Maps, when Belle reached out again.

You can ease up on the speed and the worry. We’re all fine.

What happened?

I can hear the SUV, so you’re nearly close enough to see for yourself.

Well, that sounds ominous.

And it would have ended badly if not for Katie.

Well, fuck.

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