The Clash, Book One

Chapter 41: The Eighth Witch, Part B

Hyperion Heights, Present Day

Lucy lied in a hospital bed surrounded by doctors, nurses, and various medical staff. They checked her IV and made sure she was comfortable.

Sabine put her arms around her best friend - one on her arm and one on her back. She then tried to reassure her: "She's gonna be fine, J. She's the toughest kid I know."

Jacinda then looked at her - her expression haunted and her eyes brimmed with tears. Sabine then questioned, "Do you want to call anyone? Nick or Henry?"

"Yeah, I should call them," she answered as she glanced back at her daughter - her tone distant and far-off.

With a nod, Sabine then suggested, "And I'll call Detective Rogers. Maybe he can help us figure out where Lucy was today, what she was doing."

"Thank you. - Yeah. That would mean a lot. I'm so glad you're here," Jacinda gratefully responded before she pulled her friend in for a hug.

Once more, Sabine reassured her: "Oh, honey, don't worry, okay?" They then pulled away from the hug, and she told her, "Look, one way or another, we are going to find out what happened," holding onto one of Jacinda's hands.

She then set her gaze back on her little girl and simply said, "Yeah."

In another part of the hospital, Victoria smiled as she watched Anastasia, who watched television with a pair of headphones. The monitor steadily beeped beside her.

Weaver then strolled up and surmised, "Your daughter looks quite peaceful."

Victoria turned to face him, her expression betraying the unexpectedness of seeing the Dark One. "She's adjusting to this strange, new world, thanks to you."

Irked, Weaver pointed out, "I never would have helped you had I known Lucy was gonna pay the price."

"But you did help me because you were desperate to find the Guardian," Victoria refuted, an air of condescension in her voice.

"And I did find her," Weaver stated as he pointed to Anastasia, "She's right there in this room."

Victoria scowled as she told him, "No, my daughter is not your Guardian - "

The detective interrupted: "Gothel believed she was..." receiving a scoff in reply, "and I'd like to find out for myself. And if I'm right, her magic may be able to save Lucy, but not if she dies today. Drizella and Gothel are still out there, and I very much doubt they've given up."

Victoria began considering his words as she looked back at her daughter - the one she wasn't sure she would ever see again. The one she wasn't sure she could lose again.

Weaver then finished, "You have no choice but to let me protect her."

New Enchanted Forest, Four Years Ago

Alena's blue eyes widened in recognition as she turned to face the owner of the voice. Recognition gave way to surprise and shock as she asked, "Tiger Lily? You brought me here?"

With a nod, she began, "Indeed I did." She then glanced over at Jack and continued, "Though I did expect you to be alone, I can't say I'm too surprised that Jack came along."

Alena blushed slightly and twirled her hair around her fingers. Jack, however, only wore a curious expression as he asked, "You know who I am?"

Alena then chimed in: "Well, Tiger Lily is a fairy, and she's also my fairy godmother - it's pretty much her job to look out for me."