Page 94 of The Aether

“Before?”

Her normally mischievous smile was nowhere to be found, and her grimace said it all. The Sentinels weren’t only here for her. They were both in trouble. Isis hadn’t been able to hold off the Fates as long as she hoped.

Striding to the nearest block of C4, he described it to Creed down to the last detail.

“Okay, so it is as simple as telling you to cut the red wire,”Creed telegraphed, humor heavy in his reply.

Turning in a slow circle, Damian raised his hands, palms toward the ceiling, and projected light. When he was positive he’d illuminated the entire cavern, he spun again, noting and memorizing the position of every gray block. Holding the picture in his mind, he lifted his arm and quickly brought it down in a chopping motion.

All the red wires split simultaneously.

“You have all the best party tricks, cher.”

“Ronan, Castor, reset time, and do it now,” Damian ordered, running and sweeping his daughter into a tight embrace as far away from the threat as he could get.

“I knew you’d save us, Papa.”

“I’m glad you did. I’ve aged another damned century,” he retorted. “Jordan, please help Alastair with Rorie.”

Rather than rushing over, the young man approached him, but his attention was focused on Sabrina.

“Did you see if any of the men had a needle?” he asked her.

“Yes.” She pointed over Damian’s shoulder at something behind him.

“Thanks!” In a flash, Jordan had the needle uncapped and was sniffing the contents. “Witchbane and”—he took another whiff—“oleander. Wicked!”

“Oleander? Isn’t that a plant, sugar?” Narissa asked as she gingerly stepped over the wall debris. Tentacles retracted, her clothing was restored to its former glory. “How can a pretty pink flower be poisonous to a witch?”

“That’s a good question, Ms. Sullivan.” Jordan flashed her a boyish grin, and his eyes lit up in preparation of his explanation. “What makes the oleander plant toxic are the two potent cardiac glycosides: oleandrin and neriine. They’re found in every part of the plant. Similar to digitalis, which you may have heard of because it’s sometimes used as heart medication, these molecules manipulate the ion pump that controls heart muscle cells, increasing the force of heart muscle contractions.”

“Yes, her heart’s racing, but the room is filled with the smell of vomit, and she was curled up, holding her stomach when we got to her,” Alastair stated coldly. His fear for his mate had risen to the surface and consumed his reason. The icy waves of his fury were lapping them.

“Yes, sir.” Jordan tossed the needle on a tray and hurried toward Rorie’s cell. “In addition to the cardiac issues, the oleander poison will cause cramping, nausea, vomiting, and—”

“We get it, son,” Al snapped. “How do we heal her?”

“I’ve got you covered, Mr. Thorne.” Jordan’s youthful, lean visage and wide eyes gave the impression of an overeager puppy wanting to please its master.

“Mr. Brothers.”

He shot Damian an inquiring look.

“You also mentioned Witchbane, son. Will it infect you if you treat Rorie?”

“No, sir.” A wide, happy grin transformed his face. “I’m Medico and a Venenum Eater.”

“In that case, please proceed.”

“What the feck is a Venenum Eater and a Medico?” Ronan asked in an aside.

“Just what you see. A Healer is able to consume poisons that are toxic to everyone else.”

“Grand.”

“Indeed.”

Confident Rorie would be fine, he nodded to Alastair. Damian had yet to put down Sabrina, and he was startled when she squirmed in his arms.

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