* * *
Outside Phoebe’s tent, the celebration of the Solstice had grown solemn as the muses were all gathered around Dirk’s lifeless body. Alexander stood behind his wife, who had thrown herself onto Dirk’s chest. She was sobbing. Alexander looked blank, stunned. Nora’s heart went out to both of them.
Maddie and Agler pushed through the crowd to be next to Sawyer and Nora. They both had drawn faces. Nora embraced Maddie.
Maddie cried into Nora’s dress. “I didn’t mean to do any of that. I swear I didn’t. It was so awful. It was like I was watching myself do things, and I couldn’t stop it.”
“It was Owen,” said Nora. “Don’t worry about it. You’re all right now?”
Agler nodded. “Owen’s influence switched off about a half hour ago. I found Maddie, and we’ve been looking for you guys ever since.”
Nora released Maddie. The four stared at Dirk’s body, half lit up in the fire from the fire pit. Everything seemed horrible right now. Nora swallowed. Tears threatened.
She felt Agler’s arm on her shoulders, and she gratefully sagged into him, letting him draw her close. She looked up at him to see him gazing down into her eyes. “You’re okay now,” he said. “Everything’s okay.”
Dancing Days Page 56
