Stay

Georgina turned to me as soon as I was seated. “Tell me more about the boss.”

I took a sip of coffee. “There isn’t much to tell. No one seems to know who he is.”

“You really don’t remember anything more, sweetie?” Georgina put a hand on Casey’s arm.

Sweetie? Georgina really was a softie when it came to Casey.

“It was all a blur. There was chanting and maybe smoke. It was all so hazy.” Casey bit her lip which made me think she was hiding something. I couldn’t push for more answers in front of Georgina, but she needed to tell me everything.

“Sounds like quadrious witchcraft.”

“What?” Casey and I asked at once.

“It isn’t used much anymore. It’s a much older practice and completely forbidden.”

“What is it exactly?”

“It’s a multi-layered type of magic that influences the person both physically and mentally.”

“Oh. That’s kind of scary.” Casey shifted in her seat.

“For a Pteron the mental part wouldn’t be an issue.”

“But the physical part would?” Casey asked quickly.

“Yes. That’s why it’s been outlawed for well over five hundred years.”

“So theoretically I could be physically affected by what the boss did?”

Georgina hesitated for a moment like she was debating what to say. “Yes. Are you feeling any different?”

“She’s slept a lot.” I offered up.

“Maybe it was a weakening spell.” Georgina pursed her lips. “But that’s a lot of work for such a small thing. It doesn’t make much sense.”

“Does anything ever make sense with paranormals?” I leaned back and stretched out my legs. The stress was starting to catch up with me. Well the stress mixed with the knowledge that the magic could have influenced Casey mentally too, but Georgina couldn’t be sure of that yet.

“You don’t view yourself as a paranormal.” Georgina wasn’t asking a question.

I chose my words carefully. “I’m a Pteron, I accept that, it’s just that sometimes I miss being human.”

“You and me both.” Casey’s smile cut through everything and warmed me. She really was the only other person who understood how I felt.

“I’m surprised you came back here.” Georgina crossed her legs. “You could have run.”

“And in another life I would have. I would have taken Casey and never looked back, but that would have been cowardly, and it wasn’t what Casey wanted.”

Casey pulled her legs up under her. It’s how she seemed to be the most comfortable. “I just want everything to go back to normal. If we can just be sure that Vera and Jared are ok, it’s all over.”

“Do you really believe that?” Georgina’s voice softened as she addressed Casey. “Do you really believe things will settle down that easily?”

“I take it that you don’t?” I asked. The more time I spent with Georgina, the less intimidated I was. I was beginning to understand the way she thought.

“Things have been a mess in The Society since I was first introduced to it. In the beginning I actually believed it could change, but now.” She held out her hands. “Now I’ve stopped buying into delusions.”

“If Casey was influenced by the magic, is there anything we can do to get rid of it?”

Georgina leaned forward slightly. “You mean for the physical effects?”

Casey and I exchanged glances. Did Georgina know more than she was letting on?

“Yes,” I replied.

“Most of the healers I know wouldn’t have a clue what to do. Even my most trusted healer, Mayanne, couldn’t handle this type of magic.”

“But there are healers who can?”

Georgina smoothed out her skirt. “I’ve heard there are bears who can.”

“Bears?” Casey said the word slowly. “Great.”

“You are friends with a few, aren’t you?” Georgina asked. “Perhaps they might be of help. Just be careful to only give minimal details and say nothing to anyone but the most trustworthy.” Georgina’s expression seemed slightly off, like she was hiding something. She knew more than she was telling us.

I nodded. “Of course.”

“Have you talked to Robert—my father?” Casey seemed to still be struggling with how to view the man who fathered her. I understood. It was a lot to take in.

“No.” Georgina shook her head. “I didn’t want to tell you this, but I think it’s time we all put our cards on the table.”

Casey moved over to sit next to me. I took her hand in mine. I felt a burst of contentment knowing she came to me for support.

Georgina smiled lightly. She’d noticed, and if I wasn’t imagining things, she approved of Casey’s faith in me.

“What is it? What do you know?” I asked her.

Georgina sighed. “Robert never came back from Hawaii after the wedding.”

“Never came back?” I sat forward.

She shook her head. “Helen flew back with me, but Robert took off on his own. He said something about meeting someone, but he’s never returned.”

“Can’t you track the jet?” Casey asked.

“No. We always stay off the radar. That’s how Levi was able to hide where he was going too.” She took a slow sip of her tea. “I don’t know what to think now. Helen is beside herself. Of all times for Leviathan to be away.”

Casey moved back over to sit next to her grandmother. “Georgina, you must be so worried. I’m so sorry.”

Georgina nodded. “I’m just glad you’re all right. When I thought we’d lost you…” She wiped her eyes.

“I’m fine. Toby and Jared came to save me.”

“We need to get you down to New Orleans. Word’s spread about what happened after the wedding. We need to show everyone that you’re fine, and that things will return back to normal.”

“Why does everything have to be so much about appearances?” Casey sighed. “Who cares?”

Georgina took her hands. “You’re part of a royal family, Casey. Appearance matters because it’s what maintains control. If we let people know how chaotic things are, there will be hysteria and upheaval. It’s okay to be frightened and angry and any of the feelings you have, but you can’t show them. You have to stay strong. We have to stay united.” Georgina’s eyes lit up. “Wait. That’s it. It’s perfect.”