Chapter 591 Phoenix's Injuries
Chloe and the gang exchanged looks when Angela popped the question.
"Any beef we have is with Ethan, not you. It's all on him, so don't think we're those jealous types," Chloe told Angela, trying to be sincere.
"Ethan was right, you all are really sweet," Angela said with a knowing grin.
"It's not about being sweet. We're all in the same boat here, so who are we to judge?" Sarah said with a helpless smile.
"From now on, you gotta keep a close eye on Ethan and make sure he doesn't mess around anymore," Chloe said, holding Angela's hand seriously.
"I promise, I'm on your team." Angela nodded firmly.
Downstairs, Ethan rolled his eyes a few times, hearing the chatter from upstairs.
"I heard a lot went down on this trip to Everglow," Jessie said as she came downstairs and walked up to Ethan.
"Yeah, some stuff happened, but it's sorted for now. Still got some loose ends to tie up, so I won't be here for more than a couple of days." Ethan sighed.
"Does it have anything to do with him?" Jessie asked, frowning.
Ethan was caught off guard, knowing Jessie meant Matthew. "Maybe. I feel like he's pulling the strings, but I can't figure out his angle yet," Ethan said, thinking it over before shaking his head.
"You've been through a lot," Jessie said, feeling a bit heartbroken as she patted Ethan's head. No matter what, Ethan was her son, and she knew the weight he carried.
"It's okay, Mom. At least I still have you and the five wives." Ethan smiled lightly, though he felt the pressure inside. He could sense Jessie's helplessness and knew that one day he'd make Matthew explain everything to them face-to-face.
During lunch, the vibe was pretty chill, and Angela had fit right into this unique family, no longer feeling nervous.
When the topic of Ethan's adventures in Everglow came up, Chloe and the others turned their attention to him. They knew he wouldn't be around for long.
"Don't give me that look; it makes me feel guilty. There are things I have to do, not just for others, but for myself and for you," Ethan said, feeling a bit helpless.
"How long will you be gone this time?" Chloe asked, not wanting him to leave.
"Not sure yet, but I won't leave today. If I do, it'll be tomorrow. I'll spend the whole day with you," Ethan said, shaking his head and then smiling.
Just then, Ethan suddenly got up and walked to the front door, opening it to see Trevor approaching. "Looks like I can't catch a break even in Novaria," Ethan said, seeing Trevor's serious face and knowing it wasn't good news.
"Trevor, come on in and grab a bite with us," Jessie said warmly, inviting Trevor to join them.
"Nah, I'm good. Already ate. I just came from Beverly's and need to talk to Ethan," Trevor replied, shaking his head and looking at Ethan.
"Alright, let's chat in the yard," Ethan said, throwing an arm around Trevor's shoulder and leading him outside.
"So, what's up?" Ethan asked once they were outside.
"Phoenix is landing in Novaria this afternoon and wants to see you," Trevor explained.
"Is he hurt bad?" Ethan frowned. If Phoenix wanted to see him, he could've come straight over. Trevor delivering the message meant Phoenix was too banged up to move.
"Hard to say, but he's lost an arm," Trevor said, looking grim.
"Did they manage to get the arm back?" Ethan's heart sank. He hadn't expected Phoenix's injuries to be so severe.
"Yeah, they did. They probably knew you could help, so they came to find you." Trevor nodded.
"As long as they have the arm, I should be able to fix him up. Reattaching it will take some time, but it shouldn't be a big deal if it's preserved," Ethan said seriously.
"Got it. How about you come with me to the airport to pick him up? Given the situation, it's not easy for him to move around. Can we take him straight to the Tiger Mount secret realm?" Trevor suggested.
"Yeah, I was thinking the same. Francis is in the secret realm, so they can keep each other company," Ethan agreed.
Knowing Phoenix's stubborn nature, he wouldn't go back to Celestia Vale even if he was badly hurt. The Tiger Mount secret realm was the best option. Even though Francis and Phoenix often bickered, in this situation, Francis probably wouldn't have the energy to argue.
"I'll wait for you in the car. Let them know," Trevor said, turning to leave.
Ethan went back inside and told everyone that Phoenix was coming to Novaria and he needed to go pick him up. Chloe and the others understood the importance and didn't insist on joining.
Ethan left the villa, got into Trevor's car, and they headed straight to the airport.
Two hours later, Ethan and Trevor saw Phoenix being escorted out by several master-level folks at the airport. He looked pale, with his right arm severed and the wound bandaged, still bleeding.
"Ethan, you're here." Phoenix managed a smile when he saw Ethan.
"Don't talk too much. You need a quiet place for me to heal you." Ethan nodded and signaled to the master-level folks.
The group escorted Phoenix out of the airport and to a nearby hotel, where they booked a room.
"I'm taking Phoenix to the Tiger Mount secret realm. You guys can't go in, so just go about your business," Ethan said to the master-level folks after entering the room.