Dr. Blackwell—or, as Lisa calls him, the Grand Sage—holds out his hand for a very human handshake, his eyes twinkling in my direction. "It is good to finally meet you, Ava Grey. I''ve heard so much about you."


    From who?


    "Hello," I offer cautiously, despite knowing he''s one of the good ones. His handshake is firm, even if his hand is as small as a child''s.


    "It will be good for magic to flourish once again," he continues, and I blink.


    "Excuse me?"


    Dr. Blackwell''s words hang in the air, and I''m not sure how to respond. Magic flourishing? What does that even mean? Before I can formulate a coherent question, Kellan clears his throat.


    "I apologize for the delay in bringing Dr. Blackwell," he says, his voice oddly stiff.


    Lisa''s reply is equally stilted. "It''s okay."


    Their awkward exchange is so unnatural that I have to fake a cough to hide my amused smile. Despite the gravity of our situation, it''s almost comical to see them dance around each other like this.


    His expression turns serious as he continues. "I was discussing recent events with Dr. Blackwell. The Westwood Pack is caught in the middle of an incredible war that will change our world."


    Everyone nods solemnly; there''s no surprise here.


    Still, my stomach twists with anxiety as we put it into words.@@@@


    He continues, "Dr. Blackwell has shed more light on the incident where Delta Ryder''s force was nearly obliterated after their first retreat. While he was not the only one to deal with a secondary attack, it was the worst of them. We lost all but fifteen of them."


    I notice Lisa stiffen at the mention of the incident. She did mention Ryder; she must be thinking of Mia and Chloe and their betrayal. Kellan places his hands on her shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze.


    "Two shifters have been confirmed as traitors," Kellan explains to Marcus and Vanessa, his voice low and grim. "But more exist within the packs."


    "It is possible," Dr. Blackwell says, unperturbed as several eyes cut in his direction, including mine.


    "What kind of curse? What does it entail?"


    The old gnome shakes his frail-seeming head. "I do not know such details. However, I am aware of curses befalling several of Lycan lineage in history, weakening their rule."


    "What happened to them?" I ask, desperate for good news.


    Stroking his silken white beard, he looks thoughtful. "I am no historian, but I believe all met with an unhappy end."


    The silence following his words has him startled, and he follows up quickly. "That is not to say there is no hope. Sister Miriam may be of more help in this scenario."


    Biting my lip, I turn to Kellan. "Where is she? When will she be back?"


    We need to cut this new complication off at its head somehow. I refuse to lose Lucas to some barbaric ritual of power usurpation. He is the alpha of the Westwood Pack. As soon as his strength returns...


    "No one knows. She comes and goes as she pleases."


    Damn it.


    "Why don''t you contact her?" Dr. Blackwell asks, staring at me with clear, guileless eyes.


    Frowning, I shake my head. "No one''s phones are working. And even if they were, I don''t have her phone number."


    "Oh! We don''t need her number!" Vanessa brightens. "We have that communication ball from Magister Orion." Setting her healer''s pack on the table, she rummages through it as she talks. "Though, I don''t know if you are able to activate it, Ava."


    "I have no idea, but trying is better than sitting around and twiddling my thumbs. I''ve had enough of that for a lifetime."


    Lisa grunts, and Kellan squeezes her shoulders. "Are you okay?" he asks, in a whisper so loud that everyone has to pretend they don''t hear him. Honestly, the man''s practically yelling.


    "I''m fine. Just understand what Ava feels like."