An uneasy standoff

Several days passed, and the time intensified the group's anticipation as the Count's inevitable arrival drew closer. Emily spent time on the surface with Trace's father, looking far and wide for any sign of arrival.

If there was any, she was the one who could get word into the cave fastest. It was also a way to give her as much time outdoors as possible. 

Seth returned, bringing with him all the materials and supplies Trace had asked for. To Anaisa's amusement, her husband's prediction about the conversations amongst his family went almost exactly as described.

Seth wanted to get powers. Sarah had forbidden it. He intended on doing so anyway, and his father talked him out of it, at the cost of getting himself pulled into the mix. The only variable that Trace had not counted on was that his mother would insist on doing so if her husband was.