Page 61 of Madness of Her Mages

“What magic does your black cloak signify?”

Her smile spoke of nightmares come to life. “Black signifies a different kind of magic, almost as rare as white.”

“What is it?” I pressed.

She held up her hand like she was making a toast with an invisible goblet. Black smoke curled from her fingers likeslithering snakes. “I’m known in the magical world as a death bringer. My magic is black, just like my robe.”

Bile projected into my throat. Death bringer. What a fitting name considering all the Fae she’d killed. “I see.”

Malvolia motioned to Daminica, who reached into a cabinet beside the hearth and returned with a white bundle.

Malvolia took the bundle from her, shaking it out. “And this robe, niece, is for you, for the rarest magic of all, white magic.”

I took the robe from her, gasping at the texture of the fine fabric that felt like water running through my fingers. In all my life, I’d never owned a garment so fine. It certainly was a far cry from the coarse wool dresses I was forced to wear while growing up.

“Thank you, Aunt.” I turned the robe over in my hands, admiring the beautiful silver clasp in the shape of a shield. “It’s lovely, but why wouldn’t I have a gray robe? Isn’t the siren’s call associated with mind magic?”

“Ordinarily, you would have worn a gray robe, but the average gray witch could only use her persuasive powers on one person, not an entire army.” Her smile appeared genuine as her eyes flashed with what looked like pride. “The strength of your magic means you’re a white witch.”

I bit my lip, feeling conflicted for judging my aunt so harshly. “I see.”

“And I suspect you will develop more abilities than just the siren’s call. Most white witches have many talents. My spies report your twin was a healer and she grew a fortress made of plants around the satyr village.” She paused, shadows falling across her eyes. “Not to mention, she killed several of my spies with death bringer magic similar to mine.”

I clutched my new cloak in a white-knuckled grip while my aunt gave me a look as if she was trying to see into my soul.

“Tell me, Niece. Do you have any other magic besides the siren’s call?”

Fuck.“I do, Aunt,” I said through a sigh, “though I’m not in a position to share.” I didn’t want to tell her about my ability to listen to the projected thoughts of bonded mates. Not yet. Especially as I knew it would come in handy at court.

Malvolia’s eyes flared then narrowed as a black fog lifted off her body like a dark halo, hovering above the surface of her skin. Malvolia’s coven slowly backed away from us, as if they feared they’d be caught in the crossfire of her punishing magic. My throat tingled with energy as I prepared to defend myself, but before my aunt could act, I was saved by a knock on the door.

“What is it?” she snapped, her words coming out like a crow’s cackle.

A solitary fire mage came in. I recognized him as Malvolia’s handsome, young lover with the cleft chin. “My Queen,” he said as he bowed his head. “Your army is ready for you.”

“Good. Good.” She rubbed her hands together, her eyes lighting up like starbursts before she turned back toward me with a scowl. “We haven’t finished our discussion, Niece.”

I swallowed a lump of apprehension. “Yes, Aunt.”

Malvolia shot ahead of us and smacked her lover hard on the ass. He yelped and fluttered backward, rubbing his sore behind, his cheeks flushing crimson. I actually felt sorry for the guy, and I was relieved my aunt had never slept with my mates.

“My coven shall accompany us,” she said to him while dragging her claws down his bare chest, “and aid us if needed while my niece interrogates my army.”

He gave her an obedient nod and then flew to the door, holding it open for her as she marched past him without so much as a ‘thank you.’

Her coven fell in line behind her, Felicity at the front with Lady Veronica at the end, and like a dog with her tail tuckedbetween her legs, I followed my mate’s former lover, wondering when and how my aunt was going to punish me.

“It will do no good to hide your magic from her,” Lady Veronica whispered to me. “She will find out in the end.”

Of all the nerve. “Thanks for your unsolicited advice.” I didn’t bother hiding the barbs from my tone.

“And since she has no mates to mind-speak,” Lady Veronica continued, “your talent won’t affect her anyway.”

Wait. What? I stumbled over my own feet with a gasp, stunned when Lady Veronica caught my arm and steadied me. How did she know about my ability to hear bonded mates mind-speak one another? I hadn’t even told my mates.

“Definitely use it on Felicity and her mates.” She dropped her voice to a sibilant hiss. “I suspect they’d plunge a blade through your back if given the chance.”

I could think of nothing clever to say as I gaped at her. How did she know? She turned her back on me and followed after the other witches, but not before I caught that knowing look in her eyes. That’s when I knew her seer magic was far stronger than she let on. I also realized Lady Veronica would either become a powerful ally or a dangerous foe during our stay in Malvolia’s court.

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