Chapter 31: The Bottom Of This

"NO!" The word escapes me before I can stop it and I'm moving, running for Sage, Piers's grasping hands trying to hold me back. Andre dodges out of the way, his self-satisfied arrogance gone in a flood of shock as I leap at his boys. Kristophe squeaks in fright, releasing Sage, but Jean Marc won't back down. He leans around as I reach the two of them and slams his free fist into the bite on Sage's shoulder.

Sage screams, staggers to the side, falling to his knees, face pale. His green eyes roll back into his head as he passes out from the pain. The two files I held so desperately hit the floor with a thump as I spin in a circle and plant my right boot into Jean Marc's guts. The impact is backed with power and any other time I would be well satisfied to watch him take flight, crashing backward into a row of wereguards who stand behind him.

For now, I don't care about revenge or if I hurt the evil Dumont brother. All I care about is keeping Sage safe. And there is only one person I can turn to.

SYD! My mental voice is strong, but I've never tried to reach her from such a great distance. And she's been absent, gone with Max so often I don't even know if she will hear me. If she doesn't, I have few options, ones that will mean the end of my life here, but I am willing to make that sacrifice.

I haven't long to wait for an answer to my call. Nor should I ever have worried she wouldn't hear me. With a crack like thunder, the air beside me rips open and Syd comes flying through. She's dressed in pajama bottoms and an old t-shirt, her hair free of her usual ponytail. But her maji power surges in a rainbow of tornado light around her and despite her attire there is nothing weak or comical about her.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?" I sob once as she looks around the throne room, hair flying, magic blazing, eyes falling to me. "Charlotte." She lunges for me, stopping the instant she sees Sage, unconscious, at my feet. Her anger turns to shock and then to worry as she crouches next to me, gaze traveling around the room, taking in the familiar-and not so familiar-faces watching us.

"Syd." I gasp her name, not caring I show weakness, gripping her hand in mine. "You have to save him."

Oleksander rumbles his discord at me, but Syd's anger flashes back to life as she pins him with her blue eyes.

"Not a freaking word," she snarls. "Until I get to the bottom of this."

They are on good terms, my grandfather and my friend. How can I draw her into this? But Sage... I can't let him die for my mistakes.

"Syd." Femke's voice is soft, soothing. The Hayle leader meets her gaze next. "Allow me to fill you in."

I hover over Sage's silent body as Femke tells Syd what she knows. I can feel Syd's maji power engulfing me, wrapping me in rainbow light, keeping me and Sage safe from the rest of the room's magic. My hands scramble for the files and I tuck them in my jacket as Femke finishes her story and falls silent.

Syd's hand touches my shoulder, her mind in mine. Tell me what you want me to do.

I meet her eyes, tears still running down my cheeks. Save him.

I can try, she says, so much sorrow in her I know she's disappointed in me. Charlotte, why didn't you tell me about you and Sage?

So her unhappiness with me is not for the reason I thought. Because we can never be, I send. I was so selfish, Syd. And now he's going to die and it's all my fault.

Her mind hugs me, holds me tight. Not if I can help it, she says. Syd stands, helps me to my feet. I don't want to straighten, longing to lie down beside Sage's still form and comfort him. But it's best to face the watching crowd with strength, not more weakness. My hands quickly scrub at the traitor tears on my cheeks as Syd speaks.

"Has anyone tried, I don't know, fixing this?" She glares at my grandfather who scowls back.

"There is no way to fix it," he says.

"Oh, really." Syd's belligerence blossoms and I love her for it, wish I had half her confidence. "Because, you've tried everything to heal him, is that it?"

Femke looks startled, then a tiny smile appears and disappears quickly from her lips. "I don't believe that's been attempted," she says.

"Well, then," Syd snaps, "by all means, just kill the guy and let's be done with it."

Oleksander pales, suddenly hesitant. "You can do this thing?"

Syd shrugs, hand holding mine. Only I feel her worry. "We won't know until we try, will we? Seriously." She tosses her dark hair back over her shoulders, rumpled and grumpy. "What is wrong with you people?" Syd turns and gives Andre the once over. "Never mind," she says. "I know what's wrong with you." She then spins and points her free hand at Caine. "You, I'm not so sure about, but I have no doubt your flaws will make themselves known." Finally, she scowls at Piers. "Should have realized you'd be in the middle of this."

He spreads his hands, smile returning. "Happy to add to the mayhem," he says.

Femke steps forward. "I'm delighted to offer the assistance of the High Council's healers in this matter."

"And I," Sebastian bows to Syd who waves like they just ran into each other on the street, "also offer my aid if my unusual physiology can somehow be of help."

Hope blooms, something I thought dead the moment I set eyes on Sage and the tell-tale bite on his shoulder. Syd starts cracking orders while her mind touches mine again.

I have no idea if this will work, she sends, letting me feel the full brunt of her nervousness. Charlotte, I'm willing to do whatever you want to save Sage. But you may have to accept the fact there is nothing we can do.

I won't give up on him. My savagery shocks me, especially aimed at her.

Neither will I. She turns to meet my eyes while the Dumonts are forced back from us, Caine and his werewolves herded out of the throne room and a quartet of wereguards appear with a stretcher to carry Sage away. And this will work. Or we find another solution. But if he starts to turn... Charlotte.

If he loses his humanity and goes to evil, I say, I will kill him myself.



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