Page 122 of One Shattered Crown
Ella
I’m in the hospital waiting room, happily eating vanilla ice cream while Aura, Mags, and Jos dig into their own cups. Leo is at my feet, tail thumping, licking something that looks an awful lot like a pup cup. Dogs aren’t supposed to be in the hospital, but when they tried to make him leave, Justice changed their minds without even standing up. I don’t want to know how he did it.
“Everybody good?” Fergus asks, looking up from a root beer float like he’s discovered a new religion. I have no idea where he got that in a hospital. He’s planted at the table and keeps eyeing Mags. I’m not sure how I feel about that, or the fact that my godmother called Merlin to make kissy noises earlier.
“We’re all good,” I say. “What’s the news?”
Justice walks into the room, blood still across his neck. “Kaz is still in surgery to remove another bullet, but the doctors are optimistic. Alexei was shot through the clavicle. The bullet missed his heart by millimeters and he’sgoing to be fine. Rosalie’s with him and his room’s well-guarded. He’s yelling at the nurses, so I think he’ll be out soon. Bronco’s got a pretty bad concussion but can go home tomorrow. Wesley’s been stitched up from a bullet wound and is still professing his love for you.”
I wince. “He did try to save me, and he got everyone to the hospital in time.”
Justice shakes his head. “He was rather helpful today. I don’t want to have to kill him.”
I’ll take that as a win for now. “Corinda?”
“She’s dehydrated and in shock,” Justice says, looking around at the various occupants of the waiting room like he’s not sure how he got into this situation. “Should be okay in a couple of days.”
I shudder. “I can’t believe Stacia killed Sylveria and was ready to sacrifice her sister.” Tears try to prick my eyes and I push them back. “I’m sorry about Wynd. I would’ve never suspected him.”
“What about the police?” Fergus asks.
“We gave statements and pretty much told the truth,” Justice says dryly. “There’s CCTV of everything. Plus we’ve got statements from Aura, Mags, and Jos.” He glances at them. “By the way, you three have very impressive resumes. The police nearly snapped to attention when I used your names.”
Mags smiles and gives Fergus a sly wink. Aura claps her hands and chuckles with delight. Jos just digs a new hole in her ice cream.
I’ve been mulling a few things over, especially since they admitted to finding me because of the CCTV at TimeGem. “It’s time for you to confess.”
All three of them pause, two with spoons almost to their mouths.
“To, ah, what?” Aura asks.
Just how much do they have to confess? “About the virus? The newest one that infected the diamonds.” I narrow my gaze.
“Oh.” Mags waves a hand in the air. “Yeah, that was us. We knew you’d eventually want to take down Sylveria, so we weakened her diamond and her by using a mutated version of your virus. It wouldn’t have killed her, just so you know.”
Aura smiles. “That also made you necessary to her, so she’d stop trying to kill you.”
Jos nods. “Win-win, as they say.”
Do they really say that? I sigh.
Jos snorts. “That Kaz kid? He’s pretty good. He cyber attacked us back, and it burned a bit. For a short time.”
Aura lifts her head. Mags catches her breath.
“What?” Jos asks.
I blink. Once and then again. Justice stills. I swallow. “Kaz attacked youback?”
“What the fuck?” Justice mutters.
“Justice. Language,” Aura says, pressing her lips together.
I shake my head. “No. Wait a minute. Don’t change the subject.” My head starts spinning.
“What subject?” Jos asks innocently, smiling at Leo.
I can’t breathe.
