Page 15 of Dark Princess: Shadows

"Good that you did, or it would have been worse. The two most important people in his life are unconscious, and he does not have enough life experience to have developed the tools to deal with difficult situations."

Annani wondered whether Julian had told Bridget about Ell-rom's potential ability to kill with his thoughts. Probably not, or she would have known that he was more resilient than he seemed.

Jasmine's transition had arrived on the heels of a most jarring incident that had shaken Ell-rom to his core, and that was on top of weeks of worry about Morelle, who was not waking up from stasis.

"Did anyone get Ell-rom something to eat and drink? I am sure he forgot to feed himself."

Annani planned to visit him and Jasmine later in the day, but she should have thought to inquire about her brother's basic needs being met. Yesterday, Kian had asked Ogidu to pack a bag for him, and Okidu delivered it to the clinic, so at least that was taken care of.

"Don't worry," Bridget said. "Hildegard brought him and Brandon coffee and breakfast, and Brandon is getting them lunch."

Annani frowned. "Brandon? What is he doing in the clinic?"

After a moment's hesitation, Bridget chuckled. "Brandon has taken it upon himself to talk Morelle into waking up. He spent the night sitting by her bedside and only went home early this morning to shower and change, and he is back again now."

"That is surprising. I have never known Brandon to volunteer for any community service. He always claims to be too busy."

Bridget snorted. "Forgive me, Clan Mother, but Brandon is not thinking about this as a service to the community. He's smitten with the princess and fancies himself her Prince Charming or at least her knight in shining armor."

"Interesting." Annani turned away from the window, walked over to the couch, and sat down. "Jasmine stayed by Ell-rom's side because she had anticipated his arrival in her life for months if not years, and he was like the fulfillment of a prophecy for her. But why would Brandon feel compelled to help Morelle? Is he so taken with her beauty?"

Brandon was a valuable member of the clan and a councilman for a reason. He was very capable in his field, intelligent, resourceful, and charming. There was a lot to like about Brandon, but Annani was also aware of aspects of his personalitythat were less desirable. Like his aloofness, his choice to live outside of the village until recently, and his propensity to project an image of himself to fit the situation, whatever it might be, rather than show who he really was.

It was not her choice, though. It was Morelle's, and once she woke up, she would decide what kind of partner she wanted. Perhaps one of the many laid-back artists in the community would appeal to her more than the ambitious and charismatic Brandon.

Then again, being half Kra-ell, Morelle might find a warrior more appealing.

There were many good Guardians to select from, but none of the single ones held leadership positions, and Morelle might want someone who did.

"Perhaps Brandon is answering the Fates' call," Bridget said. "If they decreed that he belonged to Morelle, he would have felt the pull toward her even while she was still unresponsive."

Bridget's words rang true, but Annani reserved judgment. When she saw Brandon with Morelle, she would have more clues to assess the situation.

"Thank you for keeping me informed, Bridget, and thank you again for giving up your weekend to take care of Jasmine and Morelle. Please let me know as soon as there is any change in either of their conditions."

"It's my pleasure and privilege to welcome a new Dormant into immortality and the daughter of Ahn into our clan. I will inform you as soon as there is anything to report, Clan Mother."

"Thank you." Annani ended the call and put her phone back into its hidden pocket.

Morelle was beautiful, and that might be enough to enthrall a male, but there was something else about her, an aura of regality tinged with danger that might have appealed to Brandon.

What talents might her sister possess?

Ell-rom's newly discovered ability to kill with a thought was terrifying, but it might be extremely useful, depending on how it worked and at what distance.

It would be a sweet twist of fate if Ell-rom could eliminate their grandfather and save everyone on Earth from the Eternal King's deadly intentions. It would be a weapon of last resort, of course, but it would be nice to know that they had the option and would not be waiting helplessly for Earth's annihilation.

Should she share the news with all of her children and their mates?

To have it out in the open would be a relief, but she needed to discuss it with Kian first. She trusted everyone who would shortly be sitting around her dining table with her life, but Kian often saw danger and obstacles where she did not, and Annani did not wish to burden her family with news that would put them in danger.

She also did not wish for them to fear Ell-rom.

11

MORELLE

Morelle drifted in dreamscape at the edge of consciousness, the soothing cadence of the voice that had become her nearly constant companion, a beckoning beacon. The world beyond her closed eyelids remained frustratingly out of reach, but within the confines of her mind, vivid scenes played out with startling clarity.

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