The Spider's Curse by H. K. Varian

Author:H. K. Varian
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon Spotlight

Chapter 8

A New Power

Gabriella sat slumped on a twin bed, blindly staring out of a hotel room window. On the bed closest to the door, Professor Zwane was looking at Margaery’s arm. It had been badly burned in a burst of kitsune fire during their escape from the restaurant. And they had no idea where Darren was.

The professor thought Darren and Esi had gotten away in time, but Gabriella was worried. Esi’s father was nowhere to be found either. Professor Zwane tried to contact him but turned up nothing. He thought the anansi leader had probably gone into hiding until things quieted down.

But what if he hasn’t gone into hiding? What if he’s captured or hurt? Instead of helping Darren, he’ll blame him for the attack, she thought.

Gabriella felt like everything, Margaery’s burns included, was all her fault.

I’ve failed two friends now, she thought. First I couldn’t protect Mack from Sakura even after all of the special training my aunt and my grandmother gave me. And today I couldn’t defend Darren. And now we don’t even know where he is. Is he safe? Is he with Sakura?

Fiona sat down beside her friend with a take-out menu from a Chinese restaurant in her hand. “It’s going to be okay,” she told Gabriella with a reassuring smile. “The First Four said backup will be here soon. Once they get here, and Margaery’s wing is healed, we can track down Darren.”

Gabriella nodded, but she couldn’t bring herself to answer or to smile in return. She couldn’t even meet Fiona’s eyes. That’s if Darren is reachable, she thought.

“We’ll be useless to Darren if we pass out from hunger. Will you tell me what you want for lunch?” Fiona asked. “You need to eat something.”

“I can’t eat,” Gabriella said, the words catching in her throat. “Not when we haven’t heard from Darren. It’s been almost an hour. Why hasn’t he texted?”

Because he’s been snatched by Sakura’s soldiers, she thought, answering her own question. She was afraid to voice her fears out loud.

Fiona could tell what her friend was thinking. “You know the First Four’s rules,” she said gently. “When you’re separated from the group, get somewhere safe first and then check in. That’s exactly what he’s doing right now—finding safety and setting up protection. We’ll hear from him soon.”

“How can you be so sure?” Gabriella asked.

“Because Darren’s defensive magic is the best there is. Plus, if he’s with that anansi girl, there’s no way the two of them could be taken down easily. Those spiders in the restaurant were fierce.”

“What if her father found out about Darren’s connection to the First Four? He could have handed him over to the enemy,” Gabriella said.

Fiona shook her head vehemently. “Darren and Esi are probably—” Her phone buzzed. “It’s Darren!”

Fiona quickly answered her cell. “Darren, you’re on speaker,” Fiona told him. “Please tell us you’re all right. Gabriella, the professor, and Margaery are all here with me.”

“I’m fine,” Darren said. “I’m with Esi.” He briefly described their escape from the restaurant and the battle on the subway.

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