Page 277 of Halfblood Deceived

“I’m fine,” Jessa said through her teeth, brow furrowed. “But that’s enough from you, mom. Diana didn’t hurt me, Brittany did. And without Aella, I’d be dead. So stop insulting them.”

Zariah wrung her hands. “But—”

“No. No more buts,” Jessa interrupted. “It’s time for you and me to have a conversation.” She sighed and turned to Aella and Diana. “Thanks for coming. I hope to see you soon.”

A little distressed sound came from Zariah. She glared at Diana.

“You will,” Aella assured Jessa, tugging on Diana’s hand.

As they went outside the room and closed the door, Aella heard Zariah rant, but Jessa said: “We are going to have that conversation right now.”

And Nurse Jasmine added. “Calmly, or I will have to escort you out, Zariah.”

Aella chuckled.

Diana half smiled, still looking haunted, but much less than before. They walked down the hall toward the elevators.

“Do you want to stop by the bookstore before lunch?” Diana asked.

Aella beamed. “And after lunch.”

Diana wrinkled her nose in mock-distaste. “Movies after lunch.”

Aella let out an exaggerated sigh. “Okay.”

Diana pressed the button of the elevator.

A blonde woman in a lab coat and scrubs rushed toward them. Doctor Hudson.

“May I have a word with you, Ella?” she asked Aella.

Aella swallowed back a groan. “We’re on our way out.” She got into the elevator with Diana, but Doctor Hudson held the doors with one hand, pushing her glasses up her nose with the other.

“I’m afraid this can’t wait,” the doctor said. “I found something… worrying in your latest lab results.”

Aella’s stomach twisted. Now what, gods-dammit?

Diana frowned. “What do you mean by worrying?”

Doctor Hudson didn’t bother looking at Diana. “May I speak with you in private, Ella?”

“I’m not leaving my sister alone,” Diana said, in a tone that brokered no argument.

Doctor Hudson gave her an irritated look then, hesitating for a moment, but joined them inside the elevator and pushed the button for the floor above them. “We’ll speak in my office.”

Aella sighed. “Fine.” She made a face at Diana behind Doctor Hudson’s back.

Diana crossed her eyes.

Aella huffed.

Doctor Hudson looked at them over her shoulder as if they were misbehaved children, which Aella supposed was fair enough.

The doors pinged and Doctor Hudson led the way down a deserted hall. Aella’s nose twitched with the scent of plaster and paint. This floor seemed to be brand new.

Doctor Hudson opened the door of an office. “After you.”

Diana went in first.

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