The Chain (The Secret of Spellshadow Manor #3)(22)

“I should be going,” said Helena.

“Are you sure? Stay as long as you like,” Jari chimed in, flashing a look of blame at Alex. Jari clearly did not want the beautiful girl to leave, especially after Alex had so monopolized her time with his line of questions. Alex had to wonder if he had, in fact, frightened Helena away.

She shook her head lightly, tossing her silvery blond hair. “Thank you, but I ought to be getting back. It’s getting late.”

“Will you come again tomorrow?” Jari asked hopefully.

“Yes, though do think on moving within the walls of Stillwater. It would be much easier,” she said. “I could even introduce you to the Headmistress if you would like. She is a wonderful, fair, intelligent woman. I’m sure if she knew what you just told me, she would welcome you all with open arms,” she added unexpectedly.

Alex frowned, and looks of concern passed between the four of them. Given their track record with Heads, Alex could see nobody thought that was a particularly good idea.

“It’s a kind offer, but we are a little bit cautious about Heads,” said Natalie with a friendly smile.

Helena seemed crestfallen. “I can understand that. She is honestly very nice, but I can see how it might be tricky for you to trust her… I don’t think the Headmistress would mind your arrival at all. In fact, I believe she might already know you are somewhere nearby, just not the exact location.”

Alex thought about the scouts again. “How might she know?”

“Oh, well, there was a disturbance or something that set off an alarm, so I think she knows something is up. She sent some people to see what it was, but they came back empty-handed. That’s how the gossip spread about intruders, but, obviously, I’m the only one who knows where you are.” Helena grinned, her smile fading as she saw the suspicious faces looking at her. “I won’t tell anyone where you are—I promise,” she insisted.

Again, there was that honesty about her face that made Alex want to believe her.

“Why will it really be safer within the walls?” asked Natalie.

Helena glanced around warily, lowering her voice. “We don’t often get outsiders around here, and there are others within the school who might not be so understanding. If they were to find you out here, there could be trouble.” An expression of genuine alarm passed across her face.

“Then why are you so intent on helping us?” asked Alex, trying to keep the cold edge from his voice. “What’s in it for you?”

She blushed, speaking softly. “I mean what I say when I tell you I want to keep you all safe from harm—after hearing your story—and that it’s a tradition of my people to take in those who are in need… But there might also be something you can help me with later. Nothing big, I promise; I would never ask for something major. Just a small favor I may need. A little exchange.”

Alex was wary of favors, but he could see a fragile, honest sort of hope in her striking pale gold eyes that he didn’t feel he could sputter out. Glancing around the rest of the group, he could see their mistrust had also been muted by the genuine note of faith in the beautiful young woman’s words. It was not a threat or an ultimatum, merely an optimistic request.

“Okay…” Alex murmured uncertainly.

“I have a suggestion to make,” she continued, her voice timid. “As a gesture of goodwill, I would like to try to remove the curse that is on your friend. If you decide to move within the walls of Stillwater, I can do that more easily, and it will be much better for your friend if he is somewhere where assistance is close at hand, should he worsen. We can move in under the cover of darkness, and I will put you somewhere safe.”

Alex exhaled. At this point, he wasn’t sure what other option they had.

“Will you give us a few minutes to take a vote?” asked Alex.

Helena nodded, standing quickly and moving down to the shoreline, where she sent a few pebbles skittering across the beach with the toe of her boot.

“So, what do we think?” he asked, turning back to his friends.

“I say yes,” declared Jari immediately.

Natalie nodded too. “If it will help Aamir, I think it is a good idea. It is what we wanted anyway, yes? To explore Stillwater and see if we can find someone or something that will further our mission to get home?”

“I don’t know if we can trust her, but it seems to be our only valid option right now,” said Ellabell quietly.

“What do you say, Alex?” Natalie turned to him, a glimmer of concern in her dark brown eyes.

“I say we go with her too,” he concluded, hoping this was the right decision.

They called Helena back over, and she returned with an anxious look on her face. “Well?” she asked.

Jari grinned. “We have decided to say yes to your kind offer!”

“That is great news! I will keep you safe and do my very best for your friend,” she affirmed, smiling brightly.

“We look forward to it!” Jari gushed.

“I will come back for you at the same time tomorrow. Be ready,” she said. “I will not let you down.”

A nervous energy plagued Alex as he lay awake that night within the confined space of the cottage. All around him, his friends fidgeted in their sleep. Ellabell called out something incoherent, making Alex sit up to make sure she was okay, but she was fast asleep beneath her blanket. It had only been a nightmare. Settling back down, he guessed he wasn’t the only one who was worried about the agreement they had just made and what the next day would bring.