Tegan glanced down to his hand, still holding Savannah’s, then she flicked her fingers and shot rainbow magic at Savannah. She cursed but smoky black magic flew out of her and into Cooper. He gasped and a rosy-pink cloud burst from his hands. It slowly turned to a rich red color, then Deacon emerged from within it. His purple eyes were bright and looking rather devious. There were no injuries in sight. He looked perfectly healthy, glowing even.

“Deacon,” Emersyn cried and rushed over but her hands went right through him. He wasn’t physically there. Tears spilled down her cheeks. “Deacon.”

‘D?’ Royce mouthed and signed at the same time.

Deacon shrugged. “In the words of Archie, I’ve had worse.”

We all just stared.

Deacon glanced around, then his smile faded. “I feel perfectly strong like this. Trust me when I say I’m not dying from these wounds.”

Emersyn’s whole face scrunched up.

Deacon sighed. He looked his soulmate up and down, then brushed his fingers over the tears on her face even though he couldn’t touch them. “I’d feel better if you continued to function, Butterberry. Take a shower, take off your blood-stained clothes, but most importantly help them. They need you, okay? Don’t you dare hang down by my bed. Got it?”

She nodded.

Royce’s sapphire eyes were wide as he stared at his cousin. He tapped on Thiago’s chest excitedly. He wanted to say something but couldn’t.

Tegan scowled. “Royce, they didn’t fix your voice?”

Thiago grimaced. “Myrtle has not been able to heal his voice, and Willow cannot hear yet either.”

Tegan nodded and held her hand up. “Willow, come here and hold my hand. I’ll relay everything to you telepathically for now. Okay?”

Willow rushed over and stood behind the couch so she could take Tegan’s hand. “Thank you.”

Tenn cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. Without a word, he walked over to stand behind Tegan. She reached up and took his hand.

Royce was making strange faces at Thiago, but his boyfriend must have finally put the pieces together because he cleared his throat and raised his hand. Then he pointed to Deacon’s astral projection. “If we can do this with D, why not with Henley or Devon? You said Henley was in a meeting before⁠—”

“It’s not the same circumstance,” Tegan said softly. “It’s complicated. Just trust me, please.”

Royce and Hunter nodded.

“Butterberry, please sit back down.”

She huffed but went and reclaimed her seat next to Hunter. “Come closer.”

“Right. So, the new prophecy?” Tim rubbed his hands together. “Let’s have it.”

Tegan gasped and jumped to her feet. Then she exhaled roughly. “Sorry, I think I fell asleep for a second there.”

Tenn glared at her, but I knew he wasn’t angry with her.