“Providing they weren’t captured or killed before Alora made the transport.”
“Exactly.”
“Will she be able to see outside the portal before they exit? Can she be certain no one is standing on the other side?” Graely knew he’d already made the decision. He couldn’t send her to close the portal with no hope of escape, though the choice meant risking his son’s life. And Alora’s.
“S
he can look out, but her head would be visible...” Nordamen seemed to consider this question further. “However, anyone in the area would be unlikely to notice a disembodied head. It could provide a measure of protection.”
Graely’s face fell into his hands. “It appears we have no choice.”
“None that seems palatable.”
“Will she be willing? When she truly understands the risks?”
A mirthless laugh escaped Nordamen’s lips. “She’d be willing if we asked her to fling herself from a cliff. Whether by bravery or ignorance, I cannot say. Arista knows no fear.”
*****
“I’ve been looking into the plasmapheresis, Daegreth.” Steven ran frustrated fingers through his hair, leaving it in disarray. “It’s going to be difficult, because we first need to determine exactly what’s different in your blood and develop a filtering system to remove it. That is if we can find something specific in your blood that might be causing the problem.”
“Then there’s no possible method to remove the bondmark?” Daegreth’s stomach churned, but he kept his expression neutral. Why did I let myself hope?
“I’m not saying it’s impossible. I’m just saying I don’t have enough information. All your friends are coming over here for a big meeting, so I hope I can learn something more about it.”
“I have no friends.”
“Sure you do. Every single one of them wants to help you get away from this Vindrake guy. Apparently, they have a few other things on their agenda as well. If there’s a way to get you out of this bond, they’re all in favor. I’m thinking we may have the blood thing all wrong anyway. Maybe it’s some kind of hypnosis, and there might be a way to break it.”
“Hypnosis?”
“It’s a mind-control thing, but never mind that. The best news is about the email I just got… the results of the DNA tests. I can’t wait to tell everyone.”
“I don’t understand the meaning of this test.” I don’t understand anything you just said.
“It shows how closely related we are. We tested all of us… Mom, Dad, you, me, Wesley. Mom and Dad were convinced your DNA would match up as a child to them and a brother to me and Wes. But you’re not.”
The news stung a bit, despite the fact Daegreth hadn’t really thought it was possible to be part of a family again. Still he’d allowed himself to hope, just as he’d allowed himself to hope he could be forever freed of the bloodbond to Vindrake. “I’m sorry to be a disappointment to your parents.”
“I don’t think they’re going to be disappointed. We got some pretty interesting results. You’ll just have to wait until everyone is here so I can make the announcement.” He gave Daegreth a friendly nudge in the ribs with his elbow. “I think you’ll be surprised.”
*****
Alora tried to ignore the throbbing behind her eyes and concentrate on Graely’s words, but when she noticed Kaevin rubbing his forehead, she elbowed him, pointing to her head and raising questioning eyebrows. With a curt nod, he affirmed her fears.
Their mutual headache had returned, despite having just returned from Laegenshire. Granted, they had come back with two extra in tow—Graely and Arista—but one such transport didn’t usually cause a headache. Not only that, but Kaevin had placed a chaste kiss on her lips only moments ago.
At her side, Arista squirmed with excitement, anxious to dispense with the formal meeting and explore the new realm. Alora couldn’t help but smile at Arista’s wide eyes as she took in the “magic” of Montana. Arista’s gaze darted from the recessed light fixture in the ceiling overhead to the window on her left to the glass of iced water in her hand.
“I love this realm.” Her coarse whisper was a bit too audible.
“Shhhh!” Kaevin frowned her direction. Arista flinched, but Alora gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Kaevin probably didn’t remember how overwhelmed he’d been when he first arrived here.
Alora pulled out her cell phone, giving Arista a quick lesson on scrolling though the picture gallery. Arista squealed with excitement and was soon totally absorbed with the new toy.
“Eh-hem!” Graely cleared his throat, throwing a wry glance Arista’s way. “As I was saying… the portal must be closed from the outside, so Arista will have to locate the portal in the place Charles first found Alora, travel through with Alora and Kaevin, and seal the portal. Then the three will transport back to safety.”
“I don’t really understand all this portal stuff, but it seems really dangerous.” Karen chewed on her fingernail. “Didn’t you say the other end of the portal was located somewhere close to Vindrake?”