Gray

Chapter 33

Silas

I was working in the shop on an order when I suddenly doubled over in pain. It felt like my insides were being ripped out. My fingers dug into the workbench as I gasped, trying to catch my breath. I knocked my glass off the shelf as I stumbled, making Anna run into the room. "Silas!"

"I...I think I need to get to the hospital," I groaned through my gritted teeth. Anna helped support me as we made our way to the car. She kept glancing sideways as she sped down the road, hazard lights flashing. I tried to choke down my pained moans as we drove, but a few slipped past my lips.

She pulled into the emergency lane, yelling out the window, "Please, someone help us!" Two paramedics came running and soon I was on a stretcher being wheeled into the hospital.

Gabe

"Oh fuck," Luke groaned as he fell to his knees.

"Luke, what's wrong?" I asked, rushing to help him up.

"It...it's time," he gasped. Kota and I exchanged panicked looks and muttered under our breath as Luke gripped my arm, "Hurry, Gabe, there isn't much time left." I had no idea how he knew, but I wasn't going to question it. We helped Luke into the Jeep and Kota began driving toward the hospital. I sat in the back, pushing up the hatch window as I began letting my magic build. It felt as if my body were floating, my eyes closed and I began to envision the funnel clouds as I brought them to life in various areas of town. Sweat ran down my forehead as I forced the wind to move in tandem with my commands. I didn't want to harm anyone, just move them to the safety of the hospital. We only had one chance to not only save Gray, but every soul caught in this maelstrom of a spell.

Gray

"Ahhhh!" I screamed as a flood of liquid saturated my dress. "Reid! Hurry, my water broke!"

He came rushing into the room, his face contorted in a wicked grin. "Finally," he rushed, "Okay, let's get this show on the road." He roughly grabbed my elbow, forcing me to stand as he hurried me to the door.

"Wait, can I change?" I asked, but he shoved my coat in my hands.

"No time. Weather is a bit crazy right now. Better to hurry and get you to the good doctor. It's time to meet the boy," he huffed.

I winced as a contraction hit, but he continued to buckle me in, "O...okay, Reid." My fingers dug into the door handle as he rushed down the streets. Out of nowhere sheets of rain began to fall as the wind rocked the car making me squeal in fright. Reid just growled and furrowed his brow as his speed increased.

Sean

I watched as dozens of people streamed into the already cramped emergency room. Mr. Korba was being evaluated for what we suspected was appendicitis, Judge Blackbourne had just gotten stitches for a nasty cut on his head from debris falling from one of the four twisters that had been seen near or inside of town. Those same twisters were what was causing the crowds to linger. Other than a few homes with deep cellars, this was the only structure in our old town sturdy enough to withstand the high winds.

Our small staff could barely keep up with the chaos unfolding before me. The emergency room was a whirlwind of activity—people screaming, crying, and desperately trying to find safety. An attendant stationed at the front desk was trying to manage the flow of patients and direct them to the appropriate areas. Every time the doors swung open, another gust of wind and the stinging rain rushed in, adding to the frantic atmosphere inside.

North

I'd been doing my best to pick up stranded townspeople as I made my way to the hospital safety area. I'd found Victor, his car in the ditch as he tried to push it out, and about three miles further, we picked up Nate from the supermarket as he was trying to walk through this mess. Meanwhile, the storm had intensified. The twisters raged around town, uprooting trees and causing widespread destruction. The winds howled mercilessly, and the rain came down in sheets. When we reached the chaotic emergency room, there was no escaping the pressure of the situation. Stepping into the foyer, the power flickered, and the emergency backup generators kicked in with a deep rumble.

"Everyone, stay calm," Dr. Greene called out, trying to keep some semblance of order as the lights stabilized. "We're going to get through this."

Just then, a voice crackled over the PA system, "Attention, all medical staff and patients. We have a critical situation. Please remain in your designated areas. We are coordinating with emergency services to ensure everyone's safety." Dr. Greene and several other staff members rushed to the double doors as the sound of a piercing scream filled the room.