The fountain was another thing – it had a small angel, the size of a full grown adult holding some kind of staff in her hand. Still, other than fountain’s bringing forth knowledge or springs of life, Liz couldn’t tell what it all meant. All she knew was that Braden made her feel safe in her dream. Regardless of what any of the other details meant, his love and protection were all that mattered.
Lexie didn’t go into detail about what she and Torin dreamed of together. Asking felt incredibly personal, like probing them about their quiet moments alone. Even though Lexie told Liz the instant she had her first kiss with Gabe Brown, the relationship she now shared with Torin was different. It was unique and special, the same way Liz’s relationship with Braden was. Although they were all a family, some things were meant to stay private. It was an unspoken rule she could sense without having to be told.
After checking the classroom wings and the cafeteria, Liz was surprised to learn the school didn’t have an auditorium. The only other place to check in the school was the gymnasium. Once passing through the doorway, there were crowds of people, both young and old, sitting on the bleachers, waiting for the memorial service to begin. As Liz scanned the rows, she couldn’t see any signs of Ella. The teen’s pale blond hair was normally easy to spot. Hoping Lexie and the guys had better luck finding her, Liz blew out a dissatisfied breath.
Why can’t it be easy for them? Just once?
With Ruby recovering and Lexie obviously improved, it should be time for the family to start looking forward to better times.
Making their way back out in the hall that smelled of floor wax and dirty sox, they needed a new plan.
“So, you know Ella, if you were her, where would you go?” Theo asked, “What does she even like?”
Liz shook her head. She used to know what Ella liked, but over the summer, things changed. They all changed. From her last talk with Lexie’s sister, the teen was focused on Nicolai. Could she be looking for him?
“Lexie’s mom hasn’t been feeling well since Dragos left. She’s been staying with Torin’s family until she’s on her feet. Lexie and Torin went to check out the old manor house, but maybe she just wanted to be with her mom.”
“It won’t hurt to look,” Theo said thoughtfully.
Rounding the hallway, another tug from the bond she shared with Braden yanked through her. This time, it wasn’t a gentle reminder of his love and affection. The feeling sent heat up to her face, drying her throat and making her stomach hurt.
It’s not just fear, he’s in trouble…
The realization hit her so hard she froze in her steps. Not knowing how or why, the more she focused in on him, the clearer the idea became. It unfurled in her consciousness, urging her to take action.
Braden’s in trouble…
Liz needed to go, but to where? Images of the fountain kept pushing through her mind. Just the thought of it made her stomach clench. As her body instinctually began preparing for a fight, nausea built until her mouth tasted like metal.
“I know this is strange,” Liz could barely form the words, “but I saw a fountain in town. The big kind, like over in Europe, with an angel on it? Have you been there?”
While Theo just shook his head, Brooke stared at her. The mistrust from earlier radiated from her tight expression. Finally, the blonde answered, “Yeah, in Cian’s back yard. It’s a cherub. I’ve only seen it once though. I’m not really welcomed at his parent’s house so I’m curious as to why you were allowed over there?”
Despite the urge to bolt, Liz forced herself to remain calm. Wishing she had her phone to call Torin and his cousins, she couldn’t waist time trying to console Brooke about her intentions.
Liz’s hands were shaking and her knees felt funny. She had to get moving. “Listen, I need you to call Cian and have him and Teagan meet me there. Call Lexie too and tell her to send Torin only.”
“Why, do you think Ella might be there?” Theo asked, “at Cian’s house? We could come with you.”
“Maybe,” Liz said, “And no. I need to go alone.”
As she turned her back on them and began racing towards the school’s exit, she knew she wasn’t making the best first impression. Liz didn’t have time to stand around making excuses. She didn’t