“Did they listen?”
The Watcher scowled. “I’m not sure. It’s a moot point unless we can figure out exactly which of Brock’s strongholds she is holed up in.”
My mind raced. “We also don’t know how many people Riley can Jump in.”
“There is also that. I’m hoping that reason will prevail, and we can focus on getting the kids out before they try anything else.”
“I’ve already asked her about the children,” I confessed.
Cara shot me a surprised look. “So much for staying here and resting.” She massaged her temple. “That’s also impossible unless we can get a visual.”
I grimaced. “I asked her about Tuli’s necklet. If she could use it, to Jump to her.”
Cara went very still. “And she said?”
“She didn’t know, but she was game to try.”
The Watcher’s face went rigid. “Not a good idea.”
My heart twisted. “So Iskar has pointed out.”
Cara hesitated, and then rose. “We can discuss this with Riley. She appears to be on her way—”
Someone knocked on the door, and my pulse shot through the roof.
“Stay here,” Cara ordered, and went to open the door.
9
Riley
Cara didn’t seem surprised to see me and my BFFs.
I peered past her, wondering where Marcus was hiding.
“He’s on the balcony,” she said, closing the door behind me. “And it is likely best if he stays there.”
But he wasn’t on the balcony. Not anymore. He stood in the doorway.
“Too late,” I said.
Cara planted her hands on her hips and glared at him. “If you start to lose it, you have to leave. Is that clear?”
He didn’t answer, only nodded. I assessed him—so far, he seemed scale-free. Cara turned back to me as I sat down at the table. Kiko shot him a wary look and perched on the chair farthest from him. Vali took a leaning spot against the wall.
I’d noticed that Dragons weren’t big on sitting.
“So,” I said. “Did they find Isobel?”
Cara’s lips pulled straight as she took the seat across from me, which gave me the answer before she spoke. “No. They know she is staying in an underlord’s stronghold, but they don’t know which one.”
Unexpectedly, Vali weighed in. “Xumi had favorites—she regularly hosted social gatherings to impress the inferior underlords and make sure everyone knew sheownedthem.” When I stared at her, she chewed on her pinky nail, before adding, “There are many different types of slavery. But I’ve been to some of her places. I might be able to help.”
Cara sat up straighter.
I pounced on the possibility. “If I get a visual—could you identify it?”
“It’s a long shot, but maybe,” Vali replied.
