Page 12 of I Am the Storm

We reconvene in the library, everyone on edge. Matilda rocks the baby, who is inconsolable.

"I'll make sure he gets out on bail as soon as possible," Derek says, sitting at the desk and pulling out a sheath of parchment and a pen.

"They must think he caused the explosion at the festival," Elijah says, scratching his chin. "It did, after all, draw away Ava'Kara, who was needed to put out the flames. The egg was stolen while she was away. That can't be a coincidence."

"That's ridiculous," I say, angry. "Liam would never do that. He and Alina were caught in the blast. He'd never risk her life that way."

"She's part fire Druid," Elijah says. "He would know she'd be fine." I glare at him and he shrugs. "But I don’t disagree. I could see Liam setting a fire by accident, if his powers or temper got away from him. But he would never do something so premeditated. It’s not who he is. He was clearly framed."

"Who would do that?" I ask. "And why?"

"Someone who wanted that egg," Sebastian says. "And who wanted Liam to take the fall for it. I’ll go to the crime scene and see if there are any clues pointing to the real criminal. Or at the very least, anything that could help exonerate Liam."

"I'll go with you," I say. "An extra set of eyes could be helpful."

Sebastian nods in agreement.

"I'll come, too," Derek says, jumping up from behind the desk.

But Matilda tsks us all, setting the sleepy baby back into the crib. "Planning on going now, are you? The streets are swarming with Enforcers who will be none too happy to see you lot. They won't let you near the water dragon's nest."

Derek sighs, looking deflated. "You're right. We won't get anywhere tonight. I'll put in a formal request in the morning."

Matilda nods, her long white braids bobbing on her shoulders. "Good. Then all of you can get some rest. You have a busy day tomorrow and Liam will need you sharp. I'll wait for the milkweed to arrive, make the potion for Lily, and keep watch over Alina."

Sebastian looks ready to argue, but Matilda stares him down. All four feet of her.

"Don't think that just because you're a big tough guy I can't still take you, my boy. You need blood and sleep, or you'll be no good to Liam or anyone else. This won't be solved in a night."

Sebastian looks sheepishly away, and I almost laugh at how fast this tiny old woman put him in his place.

With minimal grumbling, we all file out of the library and head to our rooms. Elijah, Sebastian, and Derek each nod to me as they pass, and I feel some comfort in knowing we are all in this together. But then I think of Liam, of what his night will look like, and my heart breaks. He doesn't deserve to be in jail. We have to get him out.

When I get back to my room, I notice my window is open. The wind pushes the rain through the curtains and onto the rug, sending a chill through the air despite the blazing fireplace. I wonder if one of the castle ghosts opened it. They live—if live is the right word to describe a ghost?— and work in the castle, but I have never seen them.

My bedroom door closes behind me.

And I feel him there before I turn.

Adam, standing in the corner, next to the urn that I thought held his remains, soaked in rain, and looking as healthy and strong as he did at the festival.

Moon, my feisty black cat, creeps out from under the bed and hisses at the figure by the door, fur spiking on his arched back.

I suck in a breath, my mind whirling. "Is that really you?" I ask. "Or am I dreaming?"

He steps forward. "I'm here," he says, gruff with emotion. "I missed you, Evie."

My voice cracks when I speak again. "I missed you too, Adam. So much."

There is silence between us, and I sink onto my bed, the weariness of the day catching up with me. Moon curls up near my feet, and Adam comes to sit by my side, his hand on mine.

"Did you know the explosion would happen?" I ask.

"Yes," he says.

"Then why not warn me? Or the others? So many were hurt. Some could have died." We still don't know the extent of the damage, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were casualties.

"I made sure you were safe," he says.