“It is no longer your concern. He will be accompanied by a team of Watchers and Bellatis,” the other Watcher said. “They will assist him in maintaining control.”
“You will be playing with fire,” Cara argued. “His power is difficult to control, and Isobel will push every button.”
“Both the Liberi Elders and the Cryptid council have decided this is the only way to proceed.” The councilwoman’s tone rang with finality. “Isobel has done enough damage. It is time to end it, and the Jumper gives us the ability to do so. As soon as she returns to the academy, we will launch our mission.” She fastened her ice-cold stare on Cara. “And you will no longer play a part in it. Is that clear?”
She and Cara matched gazes for a moment, and in my mind, I heard the clash of steel. But then Cara bowed her head and stepped back. “Yes, councilwoman.”
The tall Watcher and Amadeus turned as almost one unit, and left, the door slamming behind them.
Cara’s mouth twisted as she met my gaze.
“They are out of their fucking minds,” Havoc said succinctly from the balcony.
“They are desperate,” the Watcher stated. “First Galeran, and now Isobel—the Liberi Elders want this over.”
“As do we,” Anna said. “But not like this.”
“I agree with you.” Cara turned to Havoc. “When you do establish contact with Riley, say nothing to anyone other than me.”
“We can’t allow them to boost you from the academy.” Anna sounded stricken. “You have many friends here, if we all band together—”
“No.” Cara’s single word stopped her cold. “I will not allow this idiocy to jeopardize what they are building here.”
Anna stiffened, “But—”
Cara cast her stare over all of us. “The realms desperately need what the academy offers. Without it, the underworld will take over. My concerns are minor compared to that.” She glanced between Talakai and Anna. “Do you two trust me?”
“Of course,” Anna said.
“Then I need you to leave, and go back to your classes. Do not worry about me. This isn’t over yet.”
She fixed her stare on Anna, who looked as though she might protest, until Talakai moved forward and put his big hand on her shoulder. Then she straightened. “You will call us when you need us?”
“I will,” Cara affirmed.
They left, but not without Anna sending a glance back to me. “Rafael will need your help.”
I stared at her in confusion.Myhelp? Riley had gotten him out, not me.
“He—” she hesitated. “He will be in a bad place.”
“I don’t know how I can help him,” I stated with a sense of desperation. I couldn’t even help myself.
Her gaze penetrated straight through me. “You can help each other,” she said.
As my mouth opened and closed like a stranded fish, she turned and left. After they passed through the door, I snapped it shut and regarded Cara warily. I had the distinct feeling she was up to something.
It was confirmed when she twisted to regard Havoc. “You are our secret weapon, my big friend.”
“Not your friend, Watcherbitch,” the Dragon growled.
Cara shrugged. “Been called worse. But it all hinges on you. Because if Riley is too weak to Jump with Rafael and Lucas, I need you and Marcus to find out where they are, and go get them.”
Havoc glowered at me. “I am not working with him.”
“Fine by me,” I snarled at him.
The Satyr’s eyes narrowed as she glared at the red Dragon. “Riley needs you to step up. I realize that will be a challenge for a jerk such as yourself, judging by the way you have treated her already.”
