“It is settled then, Lyssa will go to Avalon as soon as possible. Eli, Zoey Wes and Deravon all of you here will escort her. Once there you will meet with Casperina, she has agreed to help us, she is doing so in secret and we must respect that.”
“Nothing like an old fashion tug of war between mother and daughter and to make it interesting, they’re royalty.” Deravon playful stated.
Merlin looked at him from under his thin eyebrows.
“This is serious Deravon.” Eli wanted nothing more than to kick him out of the room.
“Eli is right. This whole thing is serious and I know everyone here is after the same goal.” Merlin glanced over them meeting everyone in the eye. “Elijah and I will stay here and secure the portal. Once the Everspell is safe in the Glass Room, everyone will go with Casperina and she will take you safely to and from the portal. Does everyone understand?”
Everyone in unison agreed and then scattered to prepare.
“Eli.” Zoey caught him just before he went out the door.
She smiled and touched his arm as he stood and looked at her blankly. A few moments passed as she waited for Deravon to leave who seemed to linger.
“I understand…private time,” Deravon said with a puckering of his lips. Eli rolled his eyes.
“There’s something I want to ask you.” Zoey stated in a slightly formal manner. “Did you take Lyssa’s diary?”
Eli didn’t know what she meant at first and then realized after a few seconds that was the book he had taken from her. “Yes, but I didn’t know what it was before…”
“How did you know she had one and know where to look?” Zoey suddenly started to quiz him.
“I, uh…just found it.” Eli struggled with an on the spot excuse.
“No, you couldn’t without knowing she had one. How did you find out Eli, this is important?”
Eli looked into her tired, desperate eyes. He didn’t want to tell her and no other excuse was coming to him that would be believable. “I did a uniting with her.”
Zeoy’s mouth dropped open. “You did what?” She whispered.