“Everyone has gone. The Drakhyn attacked, and we only got out by the grace of the Ancients.”
“If there is no one there, why are you here?” Tegan asked Hendry, taking in his appearance for the first time. His uniform looked worn, and his hands were bruised as if he had been in a fist fight. He had yellowing on the side of his face from fading bruises. “You’re alone?” She took a step back in order to defend herself if she had to.
“No, I’m with Lycans. They came to our aid, but they were too late.” He looked at his feet. “The Drakhyn won.”
Tegan gasped and lurched forward, grabbing his jacket with both hands. “Drakhyn do notwin, Sentinel. Now tell mewhereare my family?”
“We haven’t been able to find them, Tegan,” a familiar voice declared.
She turned swiftly to look at the speaker. Tove stood in front of her and watched her with a hooded expression on her face.
“Tove?” Tegan felt relief overwhelm her. “Thank the Ancients you are alright!” She fought the urge to race forward and greet her friend. “What happened? Is my brother okay? Is Salem? Sloane?”
Tove looked around the clearing before looking back at Tegan, studying her closely. “Where did you come from?” she asked.
“A few miles to the west.” Tegan took a step back, wary of the hard look in the older female’s eyes.
“How did you get there?”
“I was portalled.” Tegan swallowed against the lump in her throat.
“Byhim?” Tove’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
“Yes.”
“Did you know he was doing this? Did you know he was going to carry out the attack?”
“He wouldn’t.” Tegan shook her head in denial.
“Where have you been?” Tove demanded impatiently.
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?” Tove repeated flatly.
“No.” Tegan chewed at the inside of her cheek. “Are my family okay?”
“I do not know.” Tove’s tone was cold. “Hendry, take Elite Sentinel Holt back to base. I will follow.”
“Tove!” Tegan protested as she reached out.
“Now, Hendry.” Tove strode past Tegan, not meeting Tegan’s pleading eyes. “We’ll question her on my return.” Tove strode into the trees, and Tegan watched her go, her head in turmoil.What had happened here?
“Err…Tegan?” Hendry said to her tentatively. “Can you follow me?”
“Why am I to be questioned?” Tegan asked him softly, still staring in the direction that Tove had gone.
“Because you went with the Castor before he attacked the Headquarters with the Drakhyn,” Hendry explained.
“Castor?”
“Cord Ivanov.”
Tegan closed her eyes as she realised how damning Cord’s and her disappearance was. “Castor Ivanov is suspected of orchestrating the attack? With Drakhyn?”
“It is believed that he was involved.” Hendry placed his hand on her arm and tugged gently. “Come, Tegan, we can get you warmer clothing.”
Tegan stood for a moment more, her gaze returning time and again to Headquarters. “Where are the Drakhyn now?” She turned to look at him. “Are they in Headquarters?”