20. Negal
As Negal walked toward the clinic with Margo at his side, he was running through different scenarios in his head for a way to administer a blood transfusion to Karen without anyone being any the wiser.
Through the open door of the clinics front room, Negal saw Karens older daughters standing next to the nurses desk. Kaia looked distraught, her eyes wide and darting around the room as if seeking some anchor in the storm of her thoughts. Her younger sister looked worried but calm and collected.
Raking her fingers through her long blond hair, Kaia mumbled under her breath, I need to crack the code. Im so close, but I dont have it yet, and I need it. What am I missing?
Negal exchanged a quick glance with Margo before returning his attention to Kaia. He had no idea what she was talking about.
What was the code she believed she had deciphered?
You will find the answer. Cheryl, her younger sister, moved closer and wrapped her arms around Kaia in a tight hug. You always do.
The words of comfort seemed to pierce through the haze of the young womans distress. Yes, I know. Its just that Im almost there, and once I get it… She finally noticed Negal and Margo standing outside the door and stopped. Hi. She forced a smile. If you are here to ask about my mother, there is no change. She is still unconscious.
The door to the inner room opened, and Doctor Bridget stepped out, her gaze sweeping over the small crowd before settling on Karens oldest daughter. Kaia, you need to calm down. Your mother is not dying. Shes stable and doing just as well as most of the other Dormants in this stage of transition. There is no need for alarm. An easy and straightforward transition like Frankies is the exception, not the norm.
The tension slowly dissipated from Kaias expression, and she took a deep breath. What about her blood pressure? You said that it was elevated more than it was for other Dormants during this stage.
Its stable, Bridget said. There is no need for you to be hovering around here. Go inside, talk to your mother for a little bit, and then go take care of your brothers and sister. They need you more than your mother does right now.
Kaias thunderous expression indicated that she didnt like getting lectured by Bridget, but her only response was a nod.
Negal was glad that the doctor was sending Kaia away. It would be great if she did the same to the younger sister. With only Gilbert remaining, it would be easier to execute his plan.
Where was Dagor, though?
He needed the guy to get him a syringe and to create a distraction.
Can we see Karen? he asked the doctor.
Perhaps a little later. She cast him an apologetic smile. I dont allow more than two visitors at a time. After Kaia and Cheryl are done, you can go in and keep Gilbert company for a little bit. She looked at Margo. Im sorry, but youll have to wait outside.
Margo looked disappointed, but she nodded. I understand. I dont really know Karen, but Im curious about the process.
When Negal goes into Karens room, Ill answer any questions you might have.
Negal needed to get Gilbert out of the room as well, but first, he needed the damn syringe.
Hello, Dagor said from behind him. I was looking for you. He signaled with his eyes that he wanted Negal to follow him.
Negal let go of Margos hand. I need to have a word with Dagor. I will be right back.
She smiled. Ill stay here and talk with the doctor.
Negal followed Dagor to the coffee station. Do you have it? he asked quietly.
I do. Dagor took a paper cup, put it under the coffeemaker spout, and dropped a pod into the slot. Do you want coffee?
I dont, but Margo might want some.
He felt Dagors hand slide into his pocket and deposit his loot.
I have more. Ill leave them in your bathroom in one of the drawers.
Thank you.
When the machine stopped brewing, Dagor removed his cup and placed a new empty one under the spout. How are you going to do it?
Im not sure yet. Do you have any ideas?
Dagor looked around to make sure that no one was within hearing distance. I was thinking about delivering a cup to Gilbert and accidentally spilling it on him, but Ill wait for it to cool down.
Thats a good plan. Make another one, and Ill pretend to drink it when I go into Karens room. Ill spill it over Gilbert.
Dagor nodded. Thats a better plan. You have a good reason to visit them. I dont.
Negal hadnt told Dagor about his role in Karens transition, but his friend had probably guessed it, and Negal wasnt going to bother with denials.
When the elevator dinged at the end of the corridor, Negal looked in the direction of the sound. More visitors will make this more complicated.
His eyes widened when he saw Toven striding down the corridor with a determined expression on his face and his glow on full display.
Whats going on with him? Dagor asked in a whisper. He never glows.
Im wondering the same thing.
The Clan Mother asked me to perform the blessing ritual in her name, Toven announced, sweeping into the clinics front room with a flourish Negal had never seen him show before.
Dagor leaned closer to Negal. Are you thinking the same thing Im thinking?
Yeah, I think hes about to do what I had in mind. Negal walked over to watch the performance from the opened door with Dagor right behind him.
Bridget eyed Toven with skeptical eyes. Karen is not in critical condition.
I thank the merciful Fates for that, but why wait? Karen is like family to me, and its my privilege and duty to bless her.
How are they related? Dagor whispered in Negals ear.
No clue, but we need to support him.
I wish I could bless Karen, Negal said out loud. But only those with royal blood can do that. Its a sacred ritual that no one else is allowed to witness.
Margo turned to him with questioning eyes. You didnt tell me about a blessing and neither did Frankie.
Frankie didnt need it, and I didnt know whether either of the gods would volunteer to bless Karen. Its not as if I can speak in their name.
Bridget rose to her feet. Very well. Ill let Gilbert know.
Can Cheryl and I stay here? Kaia asked Toven.
I prefer for everyone to stay outside. My full concentration is needed for the ritual, and I dont want to get distracted.
Kaia nodded. Thank you for doing this for our mother.
Tovens eyes softened. Im glad to help in any way I can.
As Bridget entered Karens room and everyone other than Toven left the clinic, Toven snuck a quick look at Negal and dipped his head in acknowledgment. I entrust you two with guarding the door. He shifted his gaze to Karens bewildered daughters. Its part of the ritual. It needs to be done in total secrecy.
Negal bowed to the royal. Dagor and I are honored to be the guardians of the blessing.
Once Bridget and Gilbert joined them out in the corridor, Negal closed the door, and he and Dagor stationed themselves in front of it.
The Clan Mother and Toven have performed the ritual for several of the transitioning Dormants, Bridget said. I dont know what she did, but it seemed to help. They all did better after that.
Gilbert wrapped an arm around each of Karens daughters. We are grateful for any help we can get.