Page 22 of Diamond Queen
“And the babies?”
“We won’t know until Heath examines her at the castle. Amalee, what’s wrong?”
“Dante is missing.”
“Missing? What do you mean?”
“He is not among any of the survivors or dead, it appears someone has taken him.”
“What the fuck… Helix is dead. Why would they do that?”
“Maybe they see it as a chance to buy freedom.”
“Luca!” Onika glanced around, “Where is he?”
“Calm down,” Dimitra grabbed her, “He was taken to the Ruby Castle for medical treatment.”
“Oh God… is he hurt? Come… we need to go.” Onika started toward to leave, “Amalee, we need to speak with the others. A search party will be formed, and the survivors questioned. Someone will know where Helix hid.”
Jason held Dimitra’s hand as he helped Amalee toward the convoy. Helix might be gone, but it was far from over.
Chapter 28
Dimitra paced the sitting room. Amalee was seated in on the floor with her knees drawn to her chest. Her son Baxter played near her, unaware of his father’s absence. Christine and Anthony were in the medical wing, waiting for word on whether their wife and children would live. Onika was also in the medical wing, refusing to leave Luca’s side. Drake and Jason conferred in the corner, discussing the next steps.
Emersyn and Sarifena had been sent to rest. Using their magic on Rory had taken a lot out of them. Drake and Heath had insisted, all but carrying them both to the guest chambers.
“Amalee,” Dimitra crossed the room and kneeled beside her cousin, “How are you holding up?”
“I’m trying to be strong… for him,” she pointed to her son, “but my heart is hollow right now. We’ve only just begun our life together.”
“Stop…” Dimitra placed her hand on Amalee’s shoulder, “Dante is a strong man. He’ll do everything he can to come home to you both.”
“I hope you’re right.” Amalee gave a halfhearted smile, “We thought you were dead.”
“I know. Drake filled me in on the gift Helix sent you. My heart aches for that poor woman. She was a pawn in his game.”
“Dimitra,” Jason nodded his head, beckoning her over.
“Let me know if you need anything – we’re all here for you, Amalee. Don’t try to be strong all by yourself.” Dimitra squeezed her shoulder before standing. “What is it?” She asked Jason as she approached the two men.
“We’ve received word that the man you killed may not be Helix.”
“What? That’s not possible. I watched him talking to Emersyn. You saw him with your own eyes, Jason.”
“I glanced at him briefly, but I was too occupied with the men pouring out of the woods to be sure. That’s why I wanted to see his remains.”
“But they were burned before you had a chance.” Dimitra squeezed the bridge of her nose. “Have any of the captured men given up his location?”
“No. They’re standing firm on silence.”
“We need Onika.”
“You need Onika for what?” Onika stepped into the room with Luca.
“The men refuse to tell us Helix’s hideout location.” Dimitra hesitated.
“What aren’t you telling me?” Onika glanced at Drake and Jason, then to Dimitra.
