{+}+{+}+{+}+{+}+{+}+{+} CH 9
"So there is nothing that you can do to help?" Angela asked quietly.
Violet shook her head. "Maybe if I had more time," she said softly, "or if I knew the process that was used to make them."
"So they're just going to… die?" Angela asked, tears forming in her eyes.
Unable to face the heartbreak of someone who had known the clones longer than she had, yet mirrored the same feelings of helplessness, Violet averted her eyes.
"Angela," Broadway said softly, helping his mate to her feet. "Come on."
As Broadway escorted her from the great hall, silence descended upon the somber group.
"I have gone through everything that I got from Sevarius," Xanatos said, "But I'm afraid that he was paranoid about his work being stolen. The actual processes are something he never put into writing in any way that I can find."
Goliath let out a long, low growl that made Violet shiver involuntarily.
"Is there anything that we can do?" he asked after a moment.
"I'm afraid not," Violet admitted. "At their current rate of deterioration, I give them until sunrise. Maybe tomorrow, but I doubt it."
Violet felt a hand cover hers, and she looked up into the understanding gaze of Elisa.
"Is there anything we can do for you?" she asked.
Violet gave her a small smile and shook her head. "I'm fine," she insisted, hoping she sounded more convincing to them than she felt. "I did manage to find a way to ease any suffering that they may experience, but…"
"That's enough," Elisa said, giving the hand a squeeze. "This was a no-win situation with horrible results. You have worked yourself into exhaustion, and we all know how hard you have been trying."
"Thank you," Goliath said with a nod. "We appreciate all that you have done."
The others in the room bowed their heads to her as well.
"Miss Bauer," Xanatos said, "If you would, I would like to offer you a car and driver to make sure you get to and from the Labyrinth safely."
"Thank you," Violet said, standing from the table. "I will get my things together."
"The car will be waiting outside for you when you are ready." Xanatos said.
Violet turned, making her way back out of the hall and to the elevators.
"Will she be alright?" Goliath asked softly.
"She's strong," Elisa said, watching her go. "After all she's been through, she's had to be."
"Maybe we should go," Brooklyn said slowly. "To the labyrinth. Be with them."
"We can go," Elisa said, "but I think it would be best to say our goodbyes and leave. It's going to be a hard night for everyone."
The clan nodded their heads.
"Should someone go get Broadway?" Lexington asked.
"No," Goliath said firmly. "Let him comfort his mate. Come," he said, motioning to the doors. "Let us go and wish them well on their journeys."
It was almost poetic, the way he put it, Elisa thought sadly. She wished she could be more help, but it was going to be hard enough without seeing clones, mirror images of her family, dying.
She took a breath, steeled herself, then hurried to join the others.