Victor Arganbright entered the Halcyon Manor hospital room first, making introductions with lightning speed.
“Lily, Chandler, this is Allegra Raines and her husband, Byron Raines. They are the parents of Sierra Raines, who is currently helping North locate the artifact that we need to try to reverse the damage to your aura, Chandler.”
Lily was sitting by the bed, holding Chandler’s hand while she read the newspaper to him in an effort to maintain some sense of normality. She put the paper aside and got to her feet.
“Thank you for coming all this way,” she said to Allegra. “We appreciate your kindness.”
Allegra smiled a wistful, understanding smile. “But you don’t think there’s much I can do to help. You may be right, but we won’t know until I try.”
Lily did not know quite what she had been expecting—a couple of aging neohippies who played at living a back-to-the-land, meditation-and-yoga lifestyle in an intentional community, perhaps.
At first glance, Allegra and Byron Raines fit the image she’d had in mind. Allegra wore her graying, shoulder-length hair in a casual twist at the back of her head. No makeup. Her dress was loose and flowy and definitely homemade. Clunky sandals and a small backpack completed the outfit.
Byron’s hair was a little too long and a little too shaggy. He wore easy-fitting denim trousers, a plaid flannel shirt and low, scuffed boots. A pair of old-fashioned round spectacles was perched on his forceful nose. He looked like a cross between an eccentric academic and a farmer.
“The doctors are afraid the damage to my husband’s aura is continuing,” Lily said. She squeezed Chandler’s hand. “We are willing to try anything.”
“Let me see what I can do,” Allegra said.
Lily felt energy rise in the atmosphere. Allegra moved to the other side of the bed and placed her fingertips on Chandler’s forehead.
She was silent for a long time. Lily knew she was viewing Chandler’s aura. She would no doubt sense the rising tide of panic that Chandler was working so hard to control.
And then Allegra began to sing. Softly at first and then with increasing power. Lily had anticipated a guitar and folk music. Maybe a soothing lullaby. Possibly a meditation chant or a religious hymn.
What she got was a full-throated coloratura soprano. The music resonated through the small space, filling it with power. The paranormal vibe shivered through the waves of energy, raising the hair on the back of Lily’s neck and thrilling her senses.
Lily realized she was receiving only the backwash of the song. Allegra’s focus was on Chandler. She kept her physical connection with him as she launched into a fierce aria that sent shock waves through the room.
There was movement at the observation window. Lily turned her head and saw that a small crowd of medical personnel had gathered there. The power of the music had reached out into the hallway.
Allegra sang as if she were creating a thunderstorm with the energy of her talent. When she finally stopped she was drenched in sweat. Her eyes were hot. It was clear that the effort had pushed her close to exhaustion.
Byron moved forward and put a supportive arm around her. She sagged against him.
There was a stunned silence in the space. The crowd at the window stared, openmouthed.
Victor was the first one to speak.
“I’m not a great aura reader,” he said. “But Chandler looks a little stronger.”
Lily tightened her grip on Chandler’s hand and opened her senses. Hope bloomed deep inside her.
“A lot stronger,” she whispered.
One of the doctors walked through the doorway.
“I’m a damned good aura reader,” he announced. “I can tell you that Mr. Chastain’s aura has stabilized, at least for now. The damaged bands are still in bad shape, but the deterioration has halted.” He looked at Allegra. “Any idea how long the effects will last?”
Allegra raised her head from Byron’s shoulder. “No, I’m sorry,” she said. “I’ve never dealt with a case like this one.” She looked at Lily. “Byron and I will stay here in Vegas until your son and our daughter arrive with the artifact. In the meantime I’m going to get something to eat and some rest.”
“Yes, of course,” Lily said. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
Allegra smiled. “It’s what I do. If your husband’s situation starts to deteriorate again, call me immediately. I will try more therapy.”
The doctor looked at Allegra. “When you’ve had some rest, would you be willing to examine a couple of other patients here at Halcyon Manor?”
“Yes,” Allegra said. “I just need time to recover.”
“I understand,” the doctor said. “Thank you.”
Lily watched Byron guide Allegra out of the room. When the door closed behind the pair she turned to Chandler.
“It’s going to be all right,” she said. “North will be here soon, and he’ll have the artifact.”
She felt a whisper of energy and knew that Chandler understood. She also sensed that his panic had receded. He was calm now. It was as if he was in a more peaceful, meditative state. That alone was a very great gift.
“Thank you, Allegra,” Lily whispered.