“What did Amadeus say?” I asked.
Cara rubbed her temples. “He told me that the council is interested in finding Galeran.” She answered. “Of course, we’ve been trying to do that for months.”
“I might be able to talk to Sebastian,” I said.
Perfect silence fell on the room as all eyes snapped to me and froze.
“Your bond has gone that far?” Cara asked.
“I’m not sure,” I admitted. “I have heard his thoughts off and on since we rescued the twins. It seemed to be getting stronger, but now he’s cut me off.”
Cara tapped her chin. “He might be worried the Bellatis or Isobel will sense the energy between you and him. Doesn’t mean the connection isn’t there.”
I linked my fingers together on the tabletop. The tips immediately turned white. “Maybe it will help us find him.”
The Watcher nodded, but I thought I detected relief in her expression. “If he can mindspeak with you, he will find a way to signal us. And the council has graciously conceded that using academy resources in our search for Sebastian dovetails with their wishes.”
That was good news. But why did her eyes suddenly snap blue fire? And Tyrez paced, which, considering his size and the free floor space available, meant I moved to the other side of the table.
I had a bad feeling about this. “Are we going after Xumi?”
Her lips pulled tight before she answered. “Amadeus has already consulted with his council contacts on Talakai’s situation. The council was unanimous in stating they do not wish to engage in underworld politics,” Cara stated. “We stopped pushing, or they will forbid us from doing what we are so clearly going to do.”
My panic threatened to resurface. I glanced toward Kitani, who pulled her lips back from her teeth. Cody mirrored her.
“I blamed the Dragon for what is Xumi’s doing,” he growled. “And now she has Matt too. Be damned if I’m going to let that happen.”
Tyrez stopped pacing. “The underlords have gained power since the Dragon Legion’s decimation. The council is being shortsighted on this issue. What is the point of creating all these operatives if they are afraid to tackle the underworld?”
The big Dragon radiated frustration, and I struggled to calm myself. “What are we going to do?”
Cody leaned forward and his eyes gleamed copper. “We’re going to find your guys,” he snarled. “And when we do, I am going to finish Xumi.”
My panic vaporized as what lay inside me awoke. I met his gaze.
“You might have to get in line,” I said.
* * *
Cara walked with me out into the hall. Behind us, Cody and Tyrez began to put together a plan.
“Are you sure I shouldn’t stay?” I juggled Talakai’s sheathed sword in my hands as I glanced back at the room.
“For now, your part is to reconnect with Matt. As he is drugged at the moment, this is your opportunity to recharge your batteries. We are going to need you at full strength.”
She pushed open the door between the staff wing and the main hall. As I peered over the railing into the foyer below, I noticed the students were back from their run. The Dire instructor, Alex, strode through the front doors, and I guessed he must have led them.
“Anna!”
Trix barked and wriggled as Mari stomped up the last few stairs and swept me up in an ogregarian embrace. The reddish-skinned, muscular arms hugged a little too hard for pure comfort—and her tunic was soaking wet.
“I was so worried about you!” She set me down.
I was relieved to be able to breathe again and plucked a strand of aquatic weed from my hair. “I’m okay,” I gasped.
Her brows lowered. “Cara told me about Matt.” Her orange eyes sparked, and the faintest of rumbles ran through the building.
It took me a moment to interpret her energy. My ogre friend wasangry. My mouth dropped open. However, as another tremble rattled the huge chandelier overhead, Cara put a hand to Mari’s arm.
