Isaura by Ruth Silver

got along well with Adelaide although no one
had told she might become her caretaker. Wrinkles formed at the corners of her
lips as she grinned affectionately at Adelaide. I wanted to tell Adelaide but
only when I was sure they were both ready.
    Joshua sat beside me as Tria and two others cleared the
table and helped her. I hadn't asked their names as they were busy and I didn't
want to interrupt. “Can I talk to you?” I heard Joshua's soft whisper beside
me.
    “Sure.” I shifted in my seat, hoping he wasn't against
Ainsley looking after Adelaide. It would be good for her to have a home again.
Living in a suite and with us wasn't in her best interest. I understood that
now, more than I had when I'd first met her.
    “I'm going to Torv tomorrow with Gavin and a few others,”
Joshua confessed. He was trying to gauge my reaction.
    “Good,” I answered. “I spoke with Henry earlier today and
thought one of us should go and make sure they accept Spade into the new
council.” Joshua gave me a strange look. I wasn't sure quite why or what he was
thinking. “What?” I asked rather blatantly.
    “I want to find out if anyone else from Shadow is alive.
Maybe they stayed in Torv.” It was a long shot. “I also want to see what they
know about Isaura. It's possible she's not working alone.”
    I reached for his hand. “Be careful, okay?” I had no idea
what she'd be capable of from the Mindonsiphan and it terrified me. We'd faced
a lot together already but Isaura was something entirely new.
    “Of course.” Joshua gave my hand a squeeze. “I also want to see
how they react when I tell them Shadow was destroyed.”
    I frowned. “You think they already know?” I didn't
understand how they could. News didn't travel particularly fast and I doubted
Isaura had visited Torv. I shuddered at the thought.
    “Possibly. It's why I want to see how surprised they are
with the news. I also spoke with Henry.” Joshua gave me a pointed look I
couldn't quite read.
    “Okay. About what?” I asked.
    Joshua leaned in, dropping a soft kiss to my cheek. “I know
I don't have anything to worry about.” My jaw dropped. What had he said to
Henry? Joshua trusted me, didn't he? “I'll be back before you know it.”
    “You’d better.” I leaned in, capturing his lips with a kiss.
Inwardly I debated on whether I should join him to Torv. I wanted to go, to
travel and be with him, but I also knew someone needed to stay in Spade and
make sure everything was as it seemed. Besides, Isaura would be looking for us–especially
me–and I didn't want to chance her finding me on the open road.

CHAPTER 12
    We said our goodbyes and I felt my heart constrict as
Joshua, Gavin, Elsa, Aidan and a few others I was unfamiliar with, headed out
in a van towards Torv.
    Ainsley stood beside Adelaide, keeping an eye on her as she
waved goodbye to them. Once the gates closed, Ainsley bent down to Adelaide's
level. “Would you like to come home with me this afternoon?” she asked the
young girl. I appreciated that Ainsley tried to make it seem like something
special and not forced. Adelaide was a tough girl and had been through a lot
already. She was the last person who would be told what to do, even if she was
a child.
    Adelaide pondered over it for a moment. “Do you have cookies
there?”
    I tried to hide the laugh bubbling within me as Ainsley
answered her. “We can make some together. Just you and me.”
    “I'd like that.” Adelaide turned towards me. “Is it okay if
I go with her, Olivia?”
    “Of course.” I gave Adelaide a hug. “Have fun.” I waved as
Ainsley took her hand and they together walked through the city square. At
least someone had found a new home in Spade.
    “I'm going for a walk,” Cate announced. “I'll see you two
tonight at dinner.” I didn't know what type of walk entailed her being gone all
day, but I didn't argue. She had a mind of her own and I suspected she wanted
time alone as she adjusted to this new life in