A Gift of Three (A Shade of Vampire #42)(43)

I glanced over at Jovi, who was attending to his sister, then looked up at Field. I silently beseeched him to start explaining, because I hardly knew where to begin.

Field cleared his throat, and we all turned to him.

“Glad to have you back.” He smiled weakly. “You’ve been unconscious for an entire day… We were worried.”

Phoenix, Vita and Aida all looked back at him in surprise.

“A day?” Phoenix questioned.

“And a night, almost,” I added, wondering how long it would be till the dawn rose. Field began to tell them what had happened. Like the Druid had done earlier, he told them the backstory first, before outlining the theory of the Druid—that they had all undergone a transformation which would now mean they were Oracles.

“Oh, come on,” Phoenix burst out when Field had finished. “You can’t seriously believe that—I think I would know if I was an Oracle.”

I glanced at Jovi and Field.

“You did just say that you were,” I replied quietly. “All of you did.”

“What?” Aida interjected. “Like, we actually told you we were?”

I nodded.

“You all sat up and said it, at the same time. Which, by the way, was one of the freakiest things I think I’ve ever seen in my life,” Jovi replied. I could tell he was trying to lighten the mood for his sister. I didn’t think it would be even remotely effective, but at least he was trying.

“And you’re the Druid?” Phoenix asked, his brow furrowing in the direction of the doorway. I could see my brother taking in the strong, muscular form of the Druid—sizing him up, working out how strong he was physically. If he could be overpowered. I placed a hand on his arm, stilling him.

“He did just save my life,” I whispered quietly to my brother. “Go easy on him—I really don’t think he means us harm.”

My brother nodded, but I could see his jaw tightening and his suspicion growing as he surveyed the Druid. The Druid didn’t seem that bothered by the intense speculation he was now receiving. He kept scanning the three of them, his expression almost pleased, as if he was responsible for bringing them through the ordeal, though I hadn’t actually seen him do anything.

“I’ll leave you alone,” the Druid remarked. “Have some water, rest. We can talk more when you’ve recovered.”

Great.

Another conversation on the Druid’s terms. Now there were more of us, I wondered if the dynamics would start to change—if we could demand the answers we so desperately needed, rather than wait for him to dole them out when he chose to.

I looked around for water, not seeing anything.

“I’m going to get water,” I said, giving Vita a reassuring squeeze. “I won’t be long.”

I dashed upstairs, following the Druid. He turned around in surprise just as he reached the top of the staircase.

“Serena?” he asked.

It was the first time he’d spoken my name, and it sounded strange coming from his lips. I mentally shook the feeling away.

“Water,” I replied.

He nodded. “You’ll find it in the banquet room.”

I hurried past him, making my way back to where we’d dined. I entered the room, noticing that the plates had been left untouched, the leftover food congealing. I wondered if the Druid was the one who cooked—he must be, as I’d never seen anyone else in the house.

Taking three cups and one of the jugs that was still filled to the brim, I carried them back with me, moving slowly. A door shut at one end of the hall, past the greenhouse. I looked over, but that part of the house was in gloom. It was probably where he slept. Or perhaps he didn’t sleep—he had seen or heard me in the swamp when Field hadn’t… maybe he kept a constant vigil throughout the night, making sure that nothing crossed the borders that kept his home safe.

I walked toward the staircase, and rejoined my friends.

Field met me at the door, relieving me of the jug. We filled the glasses and let them drink. Vita and Aida both looked pale, Vita’s hand slightly trembling as she lifted the glass to her lips.

“How are you feeling?” I asked them both when they’d finished.

Aida wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, and flopped back on the bed. “Honestly, like I’ve just run a marathon or something. I’m exhausted.”

That made sense to me. Their accelerated breathing had sounded a lot like running, and even though their bodies hadn’t been moving, I could feel that their energy was dangerously low.

“Do you need to eat?” I asked them.

All three shook their heads.

“I need to sleep,” my brother replied.

“Not even syphon?” I asked again, thinking that was strange considering his energy levels.

He shook his head. “Maybe later,” he replied, seeing my anxious look.

“There are rooms upstairs you can sleep in,” Field announced. “Let’s get out of this room. Not that the ones upstairs are much nicer.”

They all slowly moved off the beds, Aida wobbling slightly until Field caught her, setting her up straight.

“Are you okay?” he asked. “I can carry you.”

Aida shook her head, her eyes wide.

“I’m fine,” she replied, looking away.