Page 73 of Rise of the Melody
Yet.
“Listen to me carefully, Letty. I advise you not to tell anyone what we’ve learned.” She raised an eyebrow in challenge.
“I can’t tell my friends?”
“I would not. It puts anyone at danger who goes asking questions. The safest thing for all is to keep it between us for now.”
I slumped a little and sighed, then nodded my agreement.
The nurse poked her head into the room and said, “Visiting hours are nearly over, ladies.”
Ron had told me that I could stay overnight with her if I wanted on the small, stiff-looking loveseat.
“I’m going to stay here, but I’ll say bye to everyone first.”
I gave a backward glance. I hated seeing my aunt like that. I wrestled down the feelings of being lost and alone. I couldn’t let myself fall into that pit of despair. There was too much to do. I really wished CooShee was with me. My heart squeezed in sadness.
Our group stood with expectant faces when they saw us come out. Ms. Barclayshooshedtheir questions and motioned everyone to the doors.
“Well?” Mairi said to her grandmother the moment we were out of the doors in the dusky early night.
“I’m sorry,” Ms. Barclay said, “but I was unable to pinpoint a signature. What I felt was…unfamiliar.”
Everyone sagged. Clare put a hand on my shoulder, and I gave her a small smile.
“Thank you, Ms. Barclay,” I whispered to her. She gave me a nod and took Mairi by the crook of the arm. The two of them walked in the direction of their house while the rest of us stood there. My whole body was buzzing with all that had happened today and all of the new information screaming inside of my head.
“That sucks, babe,” Shani said. She and Nora were holding hands, both looking forlorn.
I nodded and gave them the same small smile. “We’ll figure it out.”
“I can get my uncle to help,” Teague said, hope tinging his words. “He’ll want to know.”
I held back a bitter laugh. Poor, sweet Teague. I couldn’t tell him he’d be wasting his time. He was too blinded by adoration for his uncle. All I could do was give him the pitiful smile, too. “Thanks.”
Teague looked at his phone. “I have a guard shift tonight.”
“Guard shift?” I asked.
“For the portal,” he explained, nonchalantly.
Sparks filled my insides. “The portal? As in, you guard the portal to H’trae?”
He shrugged. “Yeah. All the druids take shifts once we’re of age.” I stared around at the group, shocked that none of them felt like this was a big deal. “Do you want to see it?” he asked.
“Yes.” My answer was immediate.
“Me too,” said Shani. Nora and Chrys both nodded.
“Aw, I want to go, too,” Clare said. “But it’ll be past my curfew.”
“Stay the night with me,” I told her, and watched her face light up.
“Wicked. Let’s meet down at the marina in thirty minutes,” Teague told us.
I ran back inside the hospital to tell Aunt Lorna everything. It was possible she could hear while in the coma. But when I rushed into her room, I nearly choked on a scream, my heart in my throat.
Zar.
