Page 30 of In the Dark

“I’m not sure you understand the gist of the situation, man.” Elon shifted his eyes to Karsia. “Does he know what’s going on?”

Although the question was directed at Karsia, Morgan answered anyway. “Nope,” he responded pleasantly. “Not a damn clue about anything, really. But I’m staying.”

Giving in to her frustration, Karsia smashed the teacup into powder with a single punch, enjoying the way the china felt under her hands as shards bit into her skin. “I need out.” She brushed Morgan’s concern away. “And don’t you have work, Professor? I distinctly recall giving you an order to find a cure for this monster I’ve become.”

The closeness was getting to her, she decided. She wanted to wipe the fabricated sincerity off of Morgan and Elon’s faces and see it turn to fear.

“I remember, and I’m still staying. I’m where I most need to be.”

Elon poured another cup of tea and handed it over to Karsia without a word about the cup she’d destroyed. She grabbed it if only for the warmth, wrapping her hands on either side and looking out the window.

The soft sound of footsteps came down the back stairs toward the kitchen.

“I hope you saved some of your magical chamomile for me, sweetheart. I could drown myself in a pot right now.” Aisanna kept hold of the rail and used it for balance until she placed both feet firmly on the travertine floor. She spared a glance at Karsia, knowing her need to run and having a hard time imagining the desire to turn from their family home. For a time, she’d begrudged the fact that her baby sister had bolted and left them without a word. At the moment, she could no longer expend the energy on blame.

“Here, have mine.” Karsia shoved the cup out toward her sister. “I’m not in a drinking mood.” She turned when Astix came into the room. “Tea isn’t going to calm me.”

Astix eyed the cup. “You haven’t poisoned it, have you?”

“No. Not this time.”

“Oh, great,” Astix said. Rather than cluster with the others, she moved to the counter and leaned back against the unyielding surface.

Aisanna sat heavily on a stool, and Elon moved to her side. “Oh, Elon.” She turned and clutched at his shirt, bringing him closer, and he didn’t resist. One hand stroked down her hair as soothing sounds passed through his lips.

“I’m here. I’m here.” Elon gathered her against him to rest his head atop hers. “We’ll figure this out.”

“They’ll come for us soon.” Astix was certain. “Once they pick up on our energy signatures again, the Claddium will be here. It’s only a matter of time. The eclipse is getting closer.”

Karsia fought the urge to scream and pushed away from the counter. “I can’t be here anymore,” she said again.

“Well, you can’t leave, either. Now that you’re back, we need to put our heads together and find a way to force Darkness out of you.” Astix crossed her legs, presenting a stoic picture everyone knew was her way of coping. “I’ve come across several spells we’re not strong enough to try alone. I consider them Plan B. Do you have any other ideas?”

Morgan adjusted his glasses. He lifted his cup to his lips and spoke over the rim. “If I had a better idea of the circumstances, I might be able to help.”

Astix gestured edgily with her thumb. “Who is this yahoo? I feel like we’ve been ignoring an elephant in the room.”

“Professor Morgan Gauthier, my sisters Astix and Aisanna. He’s the guy from the Internet.”

Morgan held out a palm and shook hands with each of the women in turn. Though Astix eyed him suspiciously, no one asked him any questions about his involvement. There was enough magic in the room for them to recognize the part he had to play. And accept it. It was strange, Morgan thought, adjusting his glasses. He felt comfortable enough with these mortals to slip into their fold without hesitation on anyone’s part. Then again, nothing brought people together like a tragedy.

“Why does his name sound familiar to me?” Aisanna asked.

“Because I tried to get you to see what I’d found in regards to the Cyrillic script tattooed on your chest, but you wouldn’t listen. Like every other time. You thought I was playing games,” Karsia said with a shrug. “Look, I told him to stay home but he wouldn’t listen either. So here he is. Now, can we get on with things?”

“What things?” Aisanna asked.

“Someone promised to tell me the goddamn details. So please, get on with it.” Karsia raised a hand to her lips and chewed on her fingernails.

Aisanna slid her hands along her thighs, drying her clammy palms, then told them every detail she remembered from the police report. “According to traffic cams, Mom walked right in front of the damn garbage truck. The midtown line. I saw the still photo…”

“And?”

“She had a smile on her face the whole time,” Aisanna answered slowly.

Karsia was vehement. “She’s a tough lady and far from stupid. You know this wasn’t her fault.”

“Keep your voice down. He’ll hear you.” Astix pointed at the ceiling toward the bedroom where their father still sat. “He’s been through a lot and he can’t handle much more.”

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