“Little tiger,” his voice came from the shadows.
Tegan turned to him. Cord emerged from the darkness of the room.
“Cord!” Despite everything the surge of relief she felt at seeing him was overpowering. He smiled at her in return. “Cord, my father is missing and Tove thinks you are working with the Drakhyn!” Tegan blurted, her hands covering her mouth in shock at her lack of composure.
“He’s here!”
Tegan heard Tove yell and then she heard the sound of approaching footsteps.
“Come with me, I’ll explain,” Cord held his hand out to her.
Tegan looked at it uncertainly, her eyes running over him. His black fatigues and dark grey shirt looked dirty, his hair dishevelled, his face gaunt.
“Tegan – don’t,” Michael said softly from behind her. Tegan looked at her brother – Salem stood behind him, his eyes pleading with her to stay.
“You’re a murderer,” Tove hissed.
“I probably am,” Cord said softly.
“He isn’t here,” Kateryna’s heavy accent said into the quiet. “A trick I haven’t seen for centuries. You are strong, Castor.”
“You’re not here?” Tegan asked in confusion, he looked real.
“Come with me,” Cord held his hand out again. “Little tiger, do you trust me?”
“No,” Tegan whispered, her eyes filling with tears as she looked at him. “Not even a little bit.”
“Good,” Cord smiled softly, his hand extended again.
“Tegan, no!” Salem cried as Tegan reached out.
Cord became solid for a moment, his warm hand enclosing around hers. “I’ve got you, little tiger,” he promised before they portalled away from Headquarters.