Everyone turned to the young witch, who looked uncomfortable with the direct question.

“Not fully, but I’m leaning toward leaving,” he said.

“Both the mayor and the senator have withdrawn their requests. They say they were just concerned for their constituents and didn’t have all the facts,” Tanya said. “All three college presidents have contacted me and expressed their support for your continued attendance here in Burlington.”

“Yeah, but while they might have changed their minds, I’m kind of feeling like their original points were pretty valid. There have been too many attacks up here, all aimed at me or involving me.”

Tanya opened her mouth to say something but a small headshake from Nika stopped her.

Chris noticed the exchange but didn’t think Declan had. He was still watching the display beaming on the wall. “You have other reasons, Declan?” he asked.

The young witch looked his way and nodded, looking back at the wall. “I think it’s time to go back to Fairie, check in with the Middle Realm.”

“And maybe take the battle to Summer?” Lydia asked.

“Smart,” Senka said with a nod. That earned her a look from her granddaughter. “What? The wench has upped the ante. You either hit back or turn belly up like prey. The boy is not prey.”

“No, Grandmother, he’s not. But he also doesn’t need to conduct a full-on war either. After all, Omega is currently chastising the Summer Court,” Tanya said.

“Listen, I’m not looking to go all Rambo or anything, but if she’s going to bring it here, I’m going to bring it back. So while Omega chases her forces around the jungle, I plan on demonstrating that the Middle Realm is off-limits,” Declan said. “Remember there’s a second queen out there, and she’s watching for weakness. So we won’t show any. And there’s a possibility I can do some mental reconnaissance over Zinnia’s borders.”

“What would that accomplish?” Gina asked.

“He’s thinking he might be able to lure a few of her remaining elementals away. It would seriously weaken her while she fights Omega,” Stacia said.

“Speaking of fighting, I am being subtly channeled into a box canyon. One of the two sources of Arcane energy moved directly in front of me and then away as if fleeing. My outriding satellite drones have detected that the canyon closes off naturally half a mile from my current position.”

“So don’t enter the trap,” Lydia said.

“But then how is the Omega going to find out what this tricky bitch has up her sleeve?” Senka asked.

“You’re awfully aggressive tonight,” Chris noted.

“Recent events have lowered my tolerance for, how do you say it? Oh yes… bullshit,” Senka said.

Chris looked at his wife, Lydia, and Galina with eyebrows up. All three simply shook their heads.