Free Shadow Blood: Kallen's Tale (Witch Fairy #4.5) by Bonnie Lamer Page B

feel helpless.  I would have gladly taken the poison inside of me instead of her being the one in pain.
     
    In the blink of an eye, her Angel wings are on her back with a distinct black feather mixed in amongst the white ones.  And for the second time tonight, she is not where she was half a second ago.  I find myself being less and less shocked by her Angel powers.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 13
     
    Kegan helps Alita to a sitting position when the shock of Xandra’s magic wears off.  She is still a little green but she will be fine.  Looking up at Xandra, she says, “I am sorry I could not do more to save him.”
     
    Xandra kneels down next to her trying to keep the guilt off her face.  It was only a few minutes ago that she was ready to end Alita’s life.  Or at least maim her a little.  Taking Alita’s hand, she says, “I’m sure you tried your best.  What happened?”  She is not succeeding in hiding her guilt in either her expression or voice.
     
    Alita is not any better.  Her face is a terrarium housing nothing but guilt.  “I had gone down to the kitchen to make some tea and came back upstairs to read more.  The tea tasted a little bitter, but I assumed I simply had not put enough sugar in it.  After several sips, I began to feel weak and dizzy.  My eyes would not focus.  I vaguely remember someone picking me up off the floor and carrying me in here.  I could not see the person’s face, it was covered I believe.  I saw your brother lying on the floor with blood around him.  I remember nothing after that.”  She bows her head and her short, black hair nearly covers her face.
     
    Alita’s words are not lost on any of us.  “Zac’s fine and there was nothing you could have done to prevent this.  But, you’re saying that you made the tea that had the poison in it?” Xandra asks.
     
    Grandmother and Tabitha both start their day with a cup of tea.  If Alita had not tried it first, it would have been them who were poisoned.  I do not know if Xandra would have been able to heal both of them, if she came upon them soon enough. 
     
    Alita looks up at Xandra, meeting her eyes for the first time since she regained consciousness.  “Yes, I made it.”  She looks at Tabitha.  “It was the tea from the green jar.” 
     
    Tabitha nods curtly.  “I will see to its disposal.”  She looks to Grandmother and they have one of their non-verbal discussions before Tabitha leaves the room to find the poisonous tea. 
     
    “Kegan, please help Alita back to her room.  Kallen, I would like you to accompany me as I search the house and grounds.” 
     
    I would much rather stay with Xandra, but Grandmother is right.  She and I are the best for this task.  Xandra has her wings that should not be seen and she does not know the grounds like Grandmother and I do.  I nod in agreement.
     
    “What can I do?” Xandra asks.
     
    Grandmother tilts her head and gives Xandra’s wings a pointed look.  “I believe that your wings will be better kept inside at the moment.  Perhaps your place is here, with your parents and brother.  I fear that Zac was not the only target.” 
     
    Her words are seeping into Xandra’s mind and for the first time I believe, Xandra is realizing that Zac truly may not be the only target.  But she is not completely convinced.  “Why go after Zac and frame Alita if I’m the target?”
     
    Her mother lays a ghostly hand on her shoulder and goose bumps form on Xandra’s arm.  “It could be that whoever this is wants to hurt you as much as possible before coming after you directly.”
     
    Xandra shakes her head and sighs.  “I guess that makes sense.”  She flops down on the floor like a jelly fish.  “I’ll be here if you guys need help.”
     
    I can feel the anger roiling around inside of her; mixing with her magic.  Never a good combination.  I already pity whoever did this.  If Xandra unleashes that mixture on them, they will