Page 39 of Wicked Thirst
Her lips twitched like she was trying to hide a smile. She tucked a lock of her long, sandy blond hair behind her ear and my eyes widened at the tiny points. Her eyes met mine and I found her unwavering gaze to almost be unnerving. “She can stay.”
“Um, thanks?” I wasn’t planning on leaving without their help.
“Come on, let’s get out of the cold and go somewhere we can talk.” Zinnia motioned to a hallway behind me. “The Academy is pretty empty right now because of the holiday, but you never know who might be listening.”
“That would be great.” I turned to walk toward the hall but paused at the shattered fountain. “Am I going to get in trouble for destruction of property?”
Tucker sighed and kicked at a stray piece of stone on the ground at his feet. “No, but we are.”
Water shot straight up into the air and sprayed in all different directions. It misted over us and the frozen grass. The redheaded woman, Astrid, stood just beside the shattered fountain, looking down at all the pieces. The water misted her hair, making those auburn waves seem even darker. “Not if I have something to do about it.”
She held her hands up and gold glittering magic swirled around her before drifting over the grass like a creeping fog. The pieces of the fountain all lifted from the ground and floated in a million different directions. One by one, they all moved to fit together like puzzle pieces. Her magic flowed over the jagged edges, sealing them together like nothing had ever happened. Bright light shined from them and suddenly the whole fountain was back together perfectly. The sound of trickling water filled the quiet courtyard.
Tucker patted her on the shoulder as he passed by. “We really could’ve used you a few months ago. Matteaus would’ve loved for us to be able to clean up our own mess.”
“Yes, but I’m here now.” She winked and they started to follow him into the hallway. “He’ll never know.”
“Oh, he’ll know.” Tuck chuckled. “He just might not be as pissed.”
I stood there for a moment, staring at the fountain and looking for a crack or something. But there was nothing. My jaw dropped and Zinnia gave a light chuckle. “Magic. I know, right?”
“It’s very impressive.” She turned toward where the others had gone, and I fell into step with her. “So, you’re the head queen? What’s your power like?”
She gave a light chuckle. “You don’t beat around the bush, do you? I can see why Gray would like you.”
“I’m not sure the rest of his family sees it that way. But deep down I always thought we fit. You know?” From the moment I’d met Grayson, I knew there would be something between us. I tried to fight it and clearly so did he. But the universe had other plans. Finding out he was my soulmate only solidified the course of action I needed to take now.
She nodded and gazed at Tucker’s back. “I know exactly what you mean.”
“That’s why I came here. I need the Witch Queens to help me, and I’m hoping that’s you?”
“I guess you’d say I’m the Queen Witch, yes. My father was the High King of the Witches.”She shrugged like it didn’t matter.
“Oh, a princess first then.” I chuckled. “He must be proud to have you as a daughter.”
“I don’t think so. He’s dead.” Her words were so emotionless, like his death was a matter of fact and not an emotional thing at all. But then again, I of all people knew how parents could suck.
Way to put your foot in your mouth, Piper. I didn’t know what else to say but to offer my condolences. “Oh, I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. I killed him. Well, me, Tuck, and my sister, Ophelia.” She waved me forward as my steps slowed. It was the shock of all the information she just blurted out like it was nothing that made me stumble. How was killing your parent okay in this world?
I tried to go for the only thing I could think of. “Ophelia is your sister? I’ve met her. Did you know?”
Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Have you?”
“At the vampire castle.” I nodded. “I kind of liked her.”
“It’s hard not to like the lovable psychopath. And I would say I’m surprised she was there, but somehow I’m really not. Our relationship with the vampires has always been limited until Grayson began to bridge the gap, so O being there is kind of very Ophelia.”
“And you and she . . . killed your father?” What the hell was I walking into? And who the hell was I asking to get help from?
She smirked and gave me a sideways look. “You know your face kind of has subtitles, right?”
I tried to smooth my features and hide my shock. “I’m sorry. I just wasn’t ready for murder.”
She chuckled. “Well, don’t tell my sister that. She’ll be very disappointed in you. But my father was an evil man who used his powers to hurt the witches. He was a siphon witch, like me. I can take power from others and use it as my own. He took too much and used it for his own gains. A lot of good witches died under his rule. I was pretty much born to stop him, along with the other queens.”
“Ohhh, hence your ability to take mine?” I followed her down the hall and we turned and went down a set of long, winding stairs. Cool, damp air seeped through the thick stone walls. It was only slightly warmer here than outside. But as we descended lower into the castle, it became warmer.
