See How She Falls (The Chronicles of Izzy #3)(45)

“Well, do you need help getting dressed again?”

“No, I think I can handle it this morning. Just stay close today, if you don’t mind.”

“I honestly have nothing better to do, and it beats facing Conall and his relentless questioning.” Sena made no motion to get up from the bed.

“Okay, well I will meet you in the hall then, if you don’t mind.” I tried to give her a pointed look, but it was probably coming off a bit wonky what with the desperate need to use the bathroom.

“Don’t fall in," she said, getting up and leaving the room.

I slowly made my way over to my bag, pulling out a pair of stretchy yoga pants and a slouchy sweatshirt. I hoped that I could fight the darkness in comfy clothes, otherwise I was hosed. The thought reminded me of Cait, as she approached the demon in her flowing white dress. There was something beautiful about it that made me rethink the whole dying in yoga pants thing. Nah, yoga pants were way more comfortable. I wasn’t going out in style, but at least I would be cozy. By the time I left the room, after cleaning myself up in the bathroom, there was a small group waiting for me.

“We have much to discuss," Aberto said, holding his arm out for me to walk in front of him.

“What’s going on?” I asked Kennan, who had been talking to Sena as I left the room.

“Eleanor and Mona have something they wish to discuss with you. It pertains to you being so tired. They think it may help.” Kennan seemed hesitant, as if whatever they had planned wasn’t going to be all that pleasant.

“Will it hurt?”

“No more than your other markings," Aberto supplied.

“A simple yes would have sufficed," I quipped.

“I thought that the rest would put you in a more pleasant mood," Aberto said solemnly. The man had no appreciation for sarcasm.

“Well, where are we going? And does everyone really need to be there?” I looked behind at the trail of people. Not only were Conall, Sena, Aberto, and Kennan with me, but there were a whole host of other Guardians. Some I recognized from the Division and some were obviously part of the Order.

“We feel it is best to be with you at all times from here on out, in case the bridge is completed," Conall answered.

“Right, well this will be a ton of fun.” I turned my attention back to where I was going. I was just letting Kennan lead me, with no idea of where he would take me. Trust was a glorious thing sometimes.

“Wait here. I need to see if they are ready.” Kennan moved into a hazy room, leaving me standing awkwardly in the hall with everyone staring at me.

“What?” I finally blurted.

“Is it true that you carry an electric charge within you now?” one of the Guardians asked.

“Yes," I muttered before turning my back on them to face the door. I was getting tired of being looked at like some sort of oddity. I was absolutely not an abomination. Nope, no siree, I was completely normal. No need for the stares. If they kept it up, I may just run away and join the circus. At least there I would get paid for people staring at me. Oh, maybe I could start charging admission to the Izzy show. Just as I started to formulate my amazing costume and backdrop, Kennan came back out into the hall.

“They are ready. Just Izzy and Aberto.” Kennan motioned us in.

“Um, Sena should come, too," I said nervously. Now that I knew she could keep my crazy in check, I was going to cart her around like a security blanket.

“You can’t scream or react in there, do you understand?” Kennan leveled her with a stony gaze.

“Okay," Sena said, wide-eyed.

“Let’s go, then. The rest of you wait out here, please?” Kennan pinned Conall with his eyes. He knew that if he were in his place, he’d be trying to charge in with his Seer.

“Alright," Conall said, turning his back to the door to guard it.





Chapter Twenty Three


A hazy room filled with fragrant smoke enveloped me as I walked into the darkness. I struggled to gain my bearings in the dim light. The vision of my aunt and Eleanor sent chills down my spine. They were both seated perfectly still, with their eyes closed muttering something over smoking coals. I was starting to get nervous about whatever this was. Whenever there was chanting and smoke, it couldn’t be a good thing. It reminded me of some voodoo witchdoctor stuff. Well, at least the stuff I’d seen in movies.

“What do you people plan to do to me?” I wasn’t jumping in blindly. No Siree Bob, not this time.

“They are going to blunt the impact of the runes. This is our Hail Mary, a last resort," Kennan whispered, but my confusion was obvious, making him continue, “It should provide more clarity so that the darkness doesn’t seem quite so appealing.”

“Pray tell how do they hope to do this?” I looked down at the glowing coals and had a sinking suspicion of what was about to come. My fear took over and a blue spark shot up my arm. Sena moved toward me quickly, whispering something in my ear. My fear disappeared as if on the wind. I was left feeling amazingly calm. “Thanks.”

“Just don’t zap me, and we’re good," Sena promised.

“I can handle that.” I paused. “Probably.”

“Izzy, this is a last resort. Our last chance to intercede on your behalf. This will not cut the tie, only dull its effects on you. If you wish to continue on as you are, you may.” Eleanor had opened her eyes, only to pin me in place with her stare.