The Changer War by H. K. Varian

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

Chapter 8

Family Secrets

Gabriella arrived at the Changer base just as Darren and Ray were finishing their training. She got there at the same time as Yara, the encantado, who reported that she had just returned from a mission in the Pacific.

“I met with the leaders of all the finfolk in the Pacific,” she reported. “They’re ready to do battle with Sakura if she invades the oceans, and they’ll do what they can to support us on land.”

“What about the selkies?” Gabriella asked. “Are they still holding out?”

“We’re working on it,” Yara said. “In fact, Fiona is with them now. I sensed her presence when I passed the isles underwater. She must be safe with her mother. I’m sure she’ll do what she can.”

“But that’s the worst place for Fiona to be!” Gabriella said. She quickly filled the group in on what Mack had told her the night before. “Oh, why didn’t I rush over here last night to warn you right away?” Gabriella said. “Mack told me there’s a traitor among the selkies. We have to go and get Fiona. She’s not safe!”

“We cannot go to the selkie isles,” Yara said. “It’s against our pact with the selkies, and we’re in the middle of a very delicate negotiation with them. We’ll communicate with Fiona when she’s back on land.”

Gabriella wasn’t so sure. “But—”

“She’s with her mother,” Yara said firmly, cutting her off. “There’s nothing we can do now.” The older Changer’s voice softened when she saw how concerned Gabriella was. “Fiona will be fine. The same magical protections that will keep us away from the selkie isles will keep Sakura’s forces at bay too.”

Ms. Therian was still wincing with each step, so Gabriella put her worries about Fiona aside and did her best to heal the wound some more. It was no use. Mack’s bite would heal, but it would take time.

He definitely wasn’t playing games when he attacked Ms. Therian, Gabriella thought. A terrible thought came to her. Could he be double-crossing us? Maybe he’s lying about the surprise attack on the selkies.

Then Gabriella reminded herself that she was the one who had healed Mack from Sakura’s curse. She cast her light-filled, peaceful energy into Mack’s mind and let it search for places to heal. The energy moved through Mack, restoring good memory after good memory. The poison of despair and hopelessness left him. Light absorbed the darkness and rendered it helpless.

That was real. That happened. Mack couldn’t fake that, Gabriella told herself. Then a small doubt found its way in. What if he changed back afterward?

Darren sensed Gabriella’s confusion and pulled her aside for a heart-to-heart while the First Four talked about how to use Mack’s intel.

“Is everything okay?” Darren asked. “I don’t mean to pry, but you seem a little stressed lately.”

“This war hasn’t brought out the best in me,” Gabriella admitted. “I thought being a healer would be really special, but now I can’t even heal Ms. Therian. I miss hanging out with my family—with my little sister.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.