“That does not console me.” There were other wizards. She could go through them one at a time. If Z didn’t give her what she wanted…
“You need sleep, Dorothy. It’s nearly morning.” Kansas embraced her, rocking her the way he used to when she’d had a horrible day and needed his shoulder to cry on. This time it didn’t soothe her. The only arms she wanted around her had been taken from her, and she wasn’t sure what she could do about it.
She wasn’t special. She didn’t have her aunt’s abilities.
But her aunt told Suki Dorothy was special. “My grandmother was just like Aunt Glin? The same abilities?”
Suki smiled, nodding. “They were a sight to behold when they were together. All with command over the elements, over the gems of the earth, over people. The family talisman, the gem that helped focus their power was of course—”
“Rubies.” All three of them responded at the same time.
Suki nodded like a proud parent. “It made their spells a thousand times stronger. Increased their magic. If Glinda didn’t have her ruby…”
“We might just have a chance.” Dorothy let Kansas herd her toward the plush blankets as the small group continued to discuss the possibilities. Her eyes began to close as she listened to their low murmuring voices, and she fell asleep with the image of Z’s golden features frozen with an expression of such tenderness that her heart ached.
There had to be a way to get through to Aunt Glin. But family or not, she would do whatever it took to save the man she loved. She only hoped they wouldn’t be too late.
Chapter Eight
She’d thought it would be harder. Dorothy had been ready to fight Gliders and Weavers and battle their way into the palace. Well, not ready, but it was what she’d expected. The surprise was how everyone stepped aside as they passed, allowing Dorothy, Suki, the king and Kansas to travel without incident.
It was a little anticlimactic, not that she’d ever say that out loud.
When they reached the throne room, Dorothy couldn’t restrain her cry of relief. Z was standing beside the throne, arm still curved, face still beautiful. Still a statue, but alive.
“Z!” She ran toward him, only to be stopped by an invisible shield. The same kind of energy field Aunt Glin had used to protect their house.
“Dee, dear, what were you thinking? Did you learn nothing from me after all these years?”
Her aunt stood there, looking the same as she always had. Long mahogany hair streaked with steel, bright green eyes so like her own. Disappointment etched into her ageless face.
Dorothy steeled her spine and glanced at Z again, wishing for some of his confidence. “Me? What were you thinking? You’ve turned a living, breathing person into a statue. You’ve displaced a king and nearly started a civil war. I thought you were somewhere in Bermuda.”
Her aunt crossed her arms. “I was in Bermuda, but I like to come back to the old stomping grounds every few years to check on things. And get your facts straight, young lady. I didn’t displace anyone. They took one look at me and left the building.” Her gaze flicked to Kansas and the king. “Rude, if you ask me.”
The king stepped forward with a flourishing bow. “GW, we have always honored you, as well as the gifts you granted during the Transformation. But now our unity is shattered. Clans have been forced to choose sides and bloodshed isn’t far behind. For the sake of my people—your people—I ask you to give up this desire for vengeance. Do not allow one betrayal to destroy the peace this land has known since the Great War.”
Aunt Glin ignored him in order to glare at Suki. “You told them?”
Suki shrugged, her expression apologetic, but firm. “I love you dearly, old friend. But you made me Dorothy’s guardian. I took a vow that her happiness and well-being would always be my first concern.”
“Exactly,” Aunt Glin hissed. “You should have kept him away from her.”
“But that wasn’t what she needed. She won’t be happy without the wizard you’ve currently turned into a giant chunk of bling. She won’t be happy if her best friend loses his husband because you’re in a bad mood. And she would be devastated to lose the only family she has because you destroy everyone else that she loves and become a monster. I just don’t think you’ve thought this whole unmaking plan through.”
Aunt Glin winced, but then her features hardened. “She doesn’t know what’s best for her. Wizards—”
“Stubborn woman.” A deep voice had them all turning around. “This is an impressive rescue party, but as you can see, once she makes up her mind about you, there’s no changing it. It doesn’t matter who you are, or if she is actually the one in the wrong. She’s the GW. And she has spoken.”
A gorgeous older man with shock-white hair and dark golden eyes came to stand beside them, his hands clenched in tight fists at his sides.
“You!”
Dorothy’s head whipped between them, her jaw dropping. “Is that him?”
“My name is Aden.” The Wizard bowed to Dorothy gallantly. “The first wizard created
for the king’s ancestor. And, according to my nephew, the reason this realm is in chaos.”