For a moment everything stopped. Then François yelled “THERE!” and then it was chaos. Most of the Grynn in the room weren’t sure what was happening, but François knew exactly where Alix was. She maintained her shield and cloak and prepared for the onslaught that was coming.
François started throwing energy balls at her. Alix was able to withstand them but if they all started in on it she didn’t know if she could. She was able to crawl behind a couch and think for a second. In front of her were a lot of angry Grynn and behind her was a large glass wall. Her answer seemed to be the glass wall.
She gathered as much energy as she could in the few seconds she had and stood up from behind the couch. She threw a series of powerful energy balls at the Grynn and anything else she could move with her magic. As the Grynn were dodging the objects she shattered the glass behind her with an energy ball and ran.
She heard François yell, “GET HER!” but she kept going.
Alix dropped her cloak as she ran out of the building. She stopped about thirty yards from where she shattered the glass and turned around. She pulled energy into her and bombarded the building with immensely powerful energy balls. When she was done it looked like a bomb had gone off. Not sticking around to see if anyone was going to come after her she ran.
She didn’t know where she was, she just wanted to get to where there were more people. She ran as best she could, but she was tired and weakened from not eating or drinking. As a last ditch effort, she flung her magic out to see if she could locate any Nykara in the area. She felt a tug, but it wasn’t close. She went that direction hoping she had enough left in her to get to someone that she could get help from.
The further she went the harder it was. She’d long since given up running. She barely had enough energy to walk. The tug on her magic was getting stronger, she wasn’t too far from a fellow Nykara. She found herself on a street that had all different kinds of shops along it. She was really struggling to move now. She concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other. She was really close. The tug pulled her left and she entered a store. She didn’t even know what it was. She heard a woman say, “Can I help you?” Alix managed to hold up her tattoo to the woman before she collapsed on the floor.
Chapter 36
Alix slowly opened her eyes. She stared straight up at a plain white ceiling. She turned her head but didn’t recognize her surroundings. She was laying on a bed in a bedroom that she didn’t know. She got up and walked out of the room.
“Hello?” Alix said.
“Oh, you’re awake,” said a very chipper voice with a French accent. A lady in a bright pink dress came around the corner.
“Where am I and who are you?” Alix asked.
“My apologies Kaelneth. My name is Marie. You came into my store and then collapsed. I saw who you were and called a friend to help take you to my home. That is where you are now.”
“Thank you, Marie, I owe you my life. Does anyone know I’m here, other than your friend?”
“No Kaelneth. I did not know what was going on, so I just let you sleep. My friend healed you before he left. You were very weak and dehydrated but other than that unharmed. Did I do the right thing?” she sounded worried.
“Yes Marie, you did exactly the right thing and please call me Alix. Do you know how to contact the Nykara safe house outside London?”
“No, but my friend that helped you is a doctor, and he has some contacts in London. May I call him for you?”
“Yes, please Marie, that would be great.”
Marie pulled out her cell phone and made a call. She spoke in French so Alix wondered if she really was in Paris. She didn’t really remember much after she escaped. Marie was back a couple of minutes later.
“He is going to call me back with a phone number to call,” Marie told her.
“Thank you. There are people who are going to be looking for me, at least I hope they are, if they made it out okay. Could I trouble you for something to drink?” Alix asked.
“Where are my manners, of course. Are you hungry?”
“Actually yes. I don’t know when the last time I ate was.” Alix followed Marie to the kitchen. “How long have I been here?”
“You came into my shop yesterday afternoon, so about twenty-four hours,” Marie said.
“Can you tell me what day of the week it is?”
“It’s Wednesday,” Marie told her.
“Oh,” was all Alix said and sat down at the table.
“Are you okay?” Marie asked her.
“Not really. The last day I remember was Friday. That’s when I was taken. Did you hear anything in the news about a disturbance taking place at an industrial building yesterday?”
“Yes actually. There was a gas explosion at a shipping company.”
“Were there any survivors?”
“There were a few but most of the employees didn’t make it out.”
“Good.”
Marie gave Alix a funny look.
“They were all Grynn Marie. They had hurt my family and friends and taken me with the final intention of killing me.”
“Oh,” Marie said putting her hand over her mouth. “Did you cause that explosion?”
“It wasn’t actually an explosion but yes, that’s how I escaped.”
Marie smiled. “So, the rumors are true.”
“What rumors?”
“About how powerful you are.”
“I guess. But I still let the Grynn capture me.”
“Did they take you by surprise?” Marie asked.
“Yes and no. They took people that were important to me and then started hurting them.”
“So, you sacrificed yourself to save them?”
“Yes. But after they got out of there I was told there was a small army waiting for them, so I don’t know if they’re even alive.”
Marie had been making Alix a sandwich while they were talking and brought it to her. Marie’s phone dinged with a text. She checked it.
“That’s my friend. He sent a number. Would you like to call it now?”
“Yes please.”
Marie dialed and handed her phone to Alix. It rang a few times before someone answered.
“Hello, you’ve reached Fox Hollow this is Gordon.”
“Oh my God Gordon, you’re alive! It’s Alix.”
“Miss Alix! You have no idea how good it is to hear your voice. Are you okay? Where are you?”
“Gordon, I’m fine. But I’m not sure where I am, but I think I’m in France. I’m in a safe place.”
“Are you with someone?”
“Yes. Her name is Marie, she’s Nykara and she saved me. This is her phone.”
“Can I please talk to her?”
“Sure, hang on. He wants to talk to you,” Alix told her and handed her the phone.
“Hello, this is Marie.”
She started talking in French and it sounded like she was answering questions. After a minute or two she handed the phone back to Alix.
“Gordon, I need to know that everyone is okay.”
“Yes Miss Alix, we all made it back to Fox Hollow. There were a few injuries, but they were easily healed by Miss Shelley. Marie has given me the address of where you are. And yes, you are in France, Paris to be exact. Someone will be there shortly to collect you and take you to a safe house.”
“Okay. Where are my parents, Shay and Ben?”
“They’re in France actually,” Gordon told her.
“But how did they know where I was? I didn’t even know.”
“It was Master Ben Miss Alix. After he recovered, he somehow knew where to go. I believe it’s the Protector in him.”
“What do you mean after he recovered?”
“He was injured in our retreat from the warehouse.”
“I’ve missed so much,” Alix said. “Gordon, are you able to get in touch with them?”
“Yes Miss Alix. As soon as we hang up I’
m going to call and have them meet you at the safe house.”
“You’re the best Gordon.”
“I am very much looking forward to your return Miss Alix.”
“Me too. See you soon Gordon.”
Alix hung up and gave Marie her phone back. “Someone will be here soon to take me to a safe house.”
“Good,” Marie said. “I take it from your smile that you got good news?”
“Yes, everyone that was taken by the Grynn are okay as well as everyone who helped rescue them. I was led to believe that they were all killed.”
“Oh, that is good news. I am very happy for you.”
Alix took a bite of her sandwich. She didn’t know what it was and didn’t care. All she knew was that she was starving. Marie laughed at her and Alix smiled back. Marie got her some fruit and a bottle of water.
“Thank you so much Marie. And not just for the sandwich. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t found you.”
“It’s been my pleasure Alix.”
“I don’t really remember your shop, what do you sell?”
“I make small painted clay statues and sell them.”
“Do you have any here? I’d love to see them while I wait.”
“Yes, I do, I actually make them in my garage.”
Alix followed her. Marie had two floor to ceiling shelves full of them. Alix loved them immediately.
“These are great Marie. You’re very talented. I bet you do well for yourself.”
Marie smiled at her. “Yes, they are quite popular with the tourists. Pick one out for yourself.”
“Really?”
“Yes, it’s the least I can do for you.”
“It’s me who owes you but I’m not going to say no, I love them.”
Alix looked at all of them and decided on a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower. She suddenly realized where she was.
“So, I’m really in Paris?”
“Yes.”
“Wow. I wish I was here on vacation. I’m supposed to be back home and in school already. I don’t know how this is all going to be explained back home.”
“The Council will find a way, it’s kind of what they do,” Marie said smiling.
“I’ve only been a Council member for two weeks. I don’t really know anything yet. And all I’ve managed to do is endanger everyone.”
“I don’t know the situation but I’m pretty sure it can all be blamed on the Grynn, yes?”
“Yes, I suppose.”
“So, there you go.”
Marie’s bubbly nature was contagious, and Alix found herself feeling a little better.
“I heard you mention some people on the phone. Are they here with you?”
“Yes. My parents, my best friend and Lossat Shay and my Protector Ben. And actually, his parents are here as well as three other people who have become rather close. Two are my teachers at school and the other my dad knew from when he went to school. It’s kind of a long story.”
“That sounds great. You need people around you that you can trust and help you. Would you like to take a few more statues for them? I don’t mind. I have a lot here as you can see,” she said smiling.
“I think they would love that,” Alix said.
“Wonderful. I’ll go get a box. Pick one out for each of them,” Marie told her and left the garage.
Alix carefully chose one for each of them. She tried to pick something that reminded her of them. Marie was back with a box and paper and they carefully wrapped them up.
Not too long after that there was a knock at the door. Marie made Alix stay in the kitchen while she answered the door. She came back with a man and woman that Alix didn’t know.
“Kaelneth,” the man said and bowed a little. “We have been sent by Gordon to collect you and take you to the safe house.”
“Okay,” Alix said. “And please call me Alix.” She turned to Marie and hugged her hard. “I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me. Thank you.”
“It’s been my honor and my pleasure Alix. I hope we meet again.”
“So, do I Marie. Take care of yourself.” Alix took her box and went with the two Nykara. They led her to a waiting car that already had someone in the driver’s seat. She waved to Marie and the car drove off.
On the way to the safe house she at least got to see some of the sights of Paris. She could see the Eiffel Tower in the distance and hoped one day to be able to come back here under better circumstances.
They drove for a while and like Fox Hollow the safe house was outside of the city. She was looking forward to a shower and a fresh change of clothes. But most of all she couldn’t wait to see her parents, Shay and Ben.
Chapter 37
The Paris safe house was a lot like the one in Sunset Creek. It was big but not a castle like Fox Hollow. After her shower she felt like a new person. They found some clothes for her to wear which she was really grateful for. She wasn’t sure what to do with her time, so she wandered around checking out the house. It was really nice and once again the house looked like it was from a different time. She figured most of the Nykara houses had been around for a very long time.
She had no idea when her parents, Ben and Shay would be there, and she was getting very anxious. The only other people she’d seen were the two Nykara that brought her there, but she was sure there were a few others in the house.
Her wandering eventually took her to the kitchen. It was empty, so she started looking in the cabinets for what they had. She found everything she needed for her Alix Cookies, so she decided to bake. She knew it would help take her mind off of waiting.
About halfway through making the cookies someone came into the kitchen.
“Oh hello,” Alix said.
“Kaelneth,” she said.
“Please call me Alix.”
“I’m Simone. Can I help you with anything?”
“No. I was just making some cookies to pass the time. I hope that was alright?”
“My kitchen is yours for as long as you like. I just came in to start making dinner for us.”
“Oh, I’ll be out of your way in no time. I just have two more batches of cookies to bake. Would you like to try one?” Alix asked her.
“Yes please, they smell great.”
Alix gave her one and she loved it. She even asked for the recipe and was impressed that Alix had come up with it on her own. She hung out in the kitchen while Simone made dinner. It was better than sitting around waiting.
When dinner was ready everyone who was there ate together. She’d only been at the safe house for a few hours, but she was feeling restless. She really wanted her family to show up and wondered where they were. Alix went to the room they’d given her and turned on the TV hoping that would keep her busy for a while. But after turning it on she realized that everything was in French and she kind of giggled to herself. Of course, it was going to be in French. She searched for something she recognized and watched it. She was starting to get sleepy even though she’d probably slept for almost twenty-four hours. She figured that basically blowing up a building had taken a lot out of her. She tried to stay awake, but sleep got the better of her and she closed her eyes and laid down on the couch.
* * *
Alix was woken up with a squeal and someone jumping on her. It was a good thing Shay started talking because after her recent experience with the Grynn she was still a little on edge.
“ALIX!” Shay yelled. “I’ve never been so happy to see anyone in my life.
“Shay,” Alix said smiling, “I can’t breathe.”
Shay let go of her and stepped back. Alix got off the couch and ran to her parents. Her mom had tears in her eyes which made Alix tear up too.
“Mom, dad, I was so worried about you. I’m sorry about everything.”
“Oh, Alix honey,” her mom said, “it’s not your fault at all. And thanks to the rings we have they couldn’t actually hurt us. We’re ok
ay.”
Alix put one arm around each of her parents and the three of them hugged for a long time. Shay eventually joined them. When they were done Alix went over to Ben.
She was expecting a lecture on sacrificing herself but instead he hugged her like he was never going to let her go.
“I thought I was going to lose you,” he whispered into her ear.
“I’m sorry Ben, I didn’t know what else to do when they started hurting you. I had to make them stop and I had to make sure everyone else got out.”
“I know why you did it, just don’t do it again, okay?” he said softly.
“Okay.” Alix noticed Shay yawn. “What time is it?”
“Around midnight,” her dad told her.
“I want to know everything that happened but right now I think we all need to sleep. Are we going back to London tomorrow?”
“Yes,” her mom said.
“How are we getting there?” Alix asked.
“We’re driving.”
“Then we’ll have lots of time to talk about everything on the way back. Right now, I’m just so happy to see all of you. Did they give you guys a room?”
“Yes, they gave all of us one,” her mom said.
“Okay. Should we all go to bed then?” Alix asked.
“Sure honey. I’m so glad you’re alright. I missed you so much and I’ve never been so worried before,” her mom said as she hugged her.
“Me too mom.”
“Okay everyone, let’s get to bed.”
“I’m staying with Alix,” Shay and Ben said at the same time.
The three of them smiled at each other.
“Alright,” her mom said with a smile. “Good night kids. Alix, we’ll be right next door if you need anything okay?”
“Okay mom. I love you. I love you too dad.” She gave both of them a hug before they left her room.
Shay hugged Alix again. “I was so worried that I wasn’t ever going to see you again. Don’t ever scare me like that again.”
“I’m sorry Shay. I didn’t really have much of a choice at the time.”
“I know, Ben told me, but I still don’t like it,” Shay told her.
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