Total pages in book: 182
Estimated words: 165649 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 828(@200wpm)___ 663(@250wpm)___ 552(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 165649 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 828(@200wpm)___ 663(@250wpm)___ 552(@300wpm)
Emeline’s home was cozy, not nearly as big as the house Ferro had. She wondered if he could split the room in half, making it approximately the size of Emeline and Dragomir’s living room. She might do better handling that volume.
We could do that, sívamet, but it will take you more time to acclimate to the outside world. You are having a difficult time looking at the scope of land between the homes in Tariq’s compound, let alone if we traveled and you had to see the open mountains, valleys and skies.
She hadn’t thought of that. Naturally, there would be a reason Ferro had chosen a large room to introduce her to in their home. He always had a reason, and that was where trust needed to come into play. She was immediately ashamed that she had second-guessed him.
Elisabeta, you are doing just fine. There is no reason for you to be upset. I had time while you were in the ground healing to think about what would best aid you in your recovery. You have only had time to react to the many problems facing not only you but all the Carpathians. The world is much changed.
Ferro’s voice was reassuring. Not only his voice. He was in her mind. Calm. Steady. A rock. Her rock. No matter what he was doing—and it was important—he took the time to reassure her.
I will be fine with these women. Stay with me, Ferro, but you do not need to speak with me. Her heart reacted, accelerating like crazy as she let him off the hook.
Julija was a true friend. Her very first. She sat across from Elisabeta in a very comfortable armchair holding Emeline’s daughter, Carisma, in her lap.
She sent Elisabeta a quick grin. “Are you finished talking to that man of yours?”
“Yes. I think so. He is working with the healer to check everyone who might have been infected. Poor young Josef was mortified at the things he said to Tariq.”
“What exactly is happening?” Julija asked.
Elisabeta frowned. She was uncertain how much she should say. Am I allowed to tell them everything? You did not say.
Yes, of course. This is no secret. The more of us aware, the more we have looking out for the danger.
“There seems to be something causing a burn across the brain in two different areas, one controlling emotions and the other, judgment.”
“On the ancients,” Emeline said, making it half question, half statement.
Elisabeta shook her head. “Josef was also infected. In fact, his burns were worse even than Tariq’s.”
The women looked at one another. Emeline tapped the arm of her chair and then seemed to make up her mind. “Is it possible that this could affect children as well? Or older people? Would they necessarily have to be Carpathian? Can anyone be infected?”
“Yes, I believe we all are at risk,” Elisabeta replied. “I do not know what it is, or where it is coming from, but yes, everyone is at risk, including the children. Most likely those humans in the compound as well. Until we figure out the cause, all of us need to watch one another.” She kept her gaze on the other woman’s face, sending out her soothing energy.
Ferro, I think Emeline suspects a child, or maybe some of the children, are at risk of the infection. She also mentioned older people in passing. Specifically humans. I do not know if it is anything, but she is giving off some very heavy waves of distress.
Lorraine leaned toward Emeline. “Are you worried about the children, Emme? One in particular? Is someone showing signs of temper?”
Emeline tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Elisabeta noted that her hand trembled just a little.
“Genevieve told me they all seemed out of sorts lately.” She looked at Elisabeta. “Genevieve is their nanny. She’s human, the sweetest woman ever, a good friend to all of us. She and Charlotte were best friends long before Charlotte found Tariq. Genevieve told me Danny shoved her. Danny is the most polite boy on the planet. He really is. And Amelia yelled at Lourdes and Bella and made them cry. Liv kicked her stone dragon and chipped out a piece of the rock, and then when she couldn’t repair it herself, threw a temper tantrum. Genevieve said all the children have been out of sorts over the last few days.”
“Last few days?” Elisabeta echoed. Did you hear that, Ferro? Not just since Josef has been here. Do you want me to offer to look at them?
Absolutely not. Ferro was adamant. He definitely sounded commanding whether he wanted to or not.
She kept the soothing energy moving through the room, making certain that Julija and the baby she carried in her body as well as the child in her lap would only feel happiness and peace. “You mentioned older people, Emeline? Do you feel they are upset as well?”