Hadrian Graham continued to watch a young teacher herd a gaggle of kindergarteners from the schoolyard playground through a pair of high-powered binoculars from a city park across from the school.
“I know.” Frank Stone sounded grim.
“It’s going to be Christmas in a week.” Hadrian knew firsthand what it was like to be thrust into a world of the impossible. He’d been a few years past ready when the magic had happened to him and learning the truth still had been hell. “Can’t we wait until after the New Year at least? Give her one last chance to enjoy her normal life with her normal friends?”
“No. It’s too late for that.” Frank trotted down the concrete steps that led to a sunken fountain. A sheen of ice covered the silent waters. “Forces are in play that have taken that luxury away from us.”
Hadrian followed down the steps. “She’ll break,” he warned.
The Protectors had been watching the young woman with that quick smile and ears with a slight elfin point for the past three years.
