“Clearly even bonded familiars can be taken from their wizards,” Gabriel retorted, the worry for Nic climbing up his throat, bittersour. When he finally found her, she was too far gone.

“Yes, but—again—they don’t survive the attenuation of the bond for long,” Jadren replied, not without sympathy. “I don’t like to say this, but it’s already been six days. I wouldn’t hold out much hope for Lady Phel’s… mental health.”

Lyndella died in his arms, insane and broken beyond repair. Alise made a small sound, like a swallowed sob. Gabriel didn’t reply to Jadren’s dour prediction. Hope was all he had. He tried reaching for Nic along their bond, uncertain if the echo of fire-warmed wine and the scent of bloodred roses came from her or from his memories.

“Laryn is fine where she is,” Gabriel said, deciding to let this argument wait. “The priority is rescuing Nic. Laryn’s crimes are primarily against her, so I’ll wait until Nic can consult on the sentence.” And firmly believe that she’d be able to.

The three wizards exchanged uncomfortable glances. “Lord Phel,” Jadren ventured, “I feel I should reiterate Wizard Alise’s point. You cannot expect to extract Lady Phel from Convocation Center. You are one wizard, and they are multitudes. Powerful, experienced multitudes. It would be suicide.”

Sylus used all his magic wreaking revenge on his enemy, killing himself, but taking his nemesis with him. “It’s not suicide if I survive,” Gabriel returned grimly. “Besides, all that matters is that Nic is recovered. I promised to keep her safe, and I’ll do that.”

“No matter how it turns out,” Jadren warned, “the Convocation will level judgment on House Phel. They will punish you for it. They’ll at least revoke your house status, possibly worse.”

Gabriel was heartily tired of the threat of the Convocation yanking away the treat they’d so grudgingly awarded him. Once upon a time, restoring House Phel had been all that mattered to him. Since then, his priorities had changed. Getting Nic back was what mattered.

She was the only thing that mattered.

~ 16 ~

It took another full day for Gabriel to escape the infirmary. Despite being a broken and guilt-riddled man, Asa continued to find his spine where his patient was concerned. In all truth, he didn’t have to fight Gabriel at all. When Gabriel insisted he be released, Asa simply stood back and gestured for Gabriel to leave. Gabriel made it two steps before the room spun and his vision went black.

At least Asa had the grace to catch him before he hit the floor.

After that, Gabriel ate and drank everything handed to him with grim determination. He allowed Asa to work his healing magic as often as he was able. He even suffered his parents’ fawning attention, figuring letting them pet him gave Selly a break.

As for Selly, she wasn’t exactly lucid—definitely not articulate—but she wasn’t crazed either. No longer needing to be strapped down, she was allowed to get up as she pleased—which meant she often sat on the bench beneath the tall windows, sniffing the spring breeze like a cat when the windows were open. Wizards Wolfgang and Dahlia collaborated to expand the bench into a deep window seat padded with pillows. Selly beamed her happiness, even hugging the pair of wizards.