Page 22 of Witch's Fate

“Sorry about that.”

Felix joined Aurora and wrapped an arm around her waist. He leaned down to press a kiss to her head.

A jolt of jealousy shot through Malcolm. He swallowed it down.

That right there—seeing his brother so bloody happy with Aurora—was the reason he’d finally caved and sought out Sofia.

Their happiness shined a light on the great, gaping hole in his life. Maybe he’d always known it was there. Maybe not.

But he knew now and was unable to ignore it any longer.

“You remember the dagger I brought you? The one that returned Aurora’s soul to her body?”

Felix nodded, rubbing Aurora’s shoulder. Her gaze had grown dark, no doubt recalling the horror of learning that a huge part of her soul had been stolen by an old enemy. Mouse appeared at her side, leaning against her shin. The smoke rat had been abandoned in favor of comforting her mistress.

“I didn’t return it. On purpose, but now I could be in a bit of a bind.”

“What do you need?” Felix asked.

“I’m going to Salem to retrieve the Salem Coven’s Grimoire.”

“Oh shit,” Aurora said, her eyes bright. “You sure you want to do that?”

“Yes. If I fail, I’ll have a problem with the High Witches.”

“Double shit,” Aurora said.

“Do you want help in Salem?” Felix asked.

“No. Stealth is the only way to get the book and I should be able to get it. But in the unlikely event that we fail, theHigh Witches will destroy my friend’s village.” He didn’t like calling Sofia his friend. He wanted to call her something more than that.

Soon.

“Can’t they move?” Felix asked.

“I asked. Not possible. I’m going to Salem tomorrow to retrieve the Grimoire. If I don’t have it within a week, we’re going to need help with the High Witches. A lot of help.”

“Not a problem,” Felix said.

“I’ll get my sister, Esha. And her best friend is Andrasta, Celtic goddess of war. For that matter, Logan and Sylvi might step in as well, as they did when I was in a bind. And we can put the word out at the university. This is right up their alley.”

“Thank you.” He’d worked at the university for a few decades, though it was easier to come to his brother for help. The Immortal University, as it was called, was located in Edinburgh. It was more of a governmental organization than a learning institution, dedicated to maintaining the order and secrecy of British Mytheans. Sofia had no ties with them—they normally didn’t operate outside of Europe—but at Aurora’s request, they would.

“I’ll leave you then,” he said.

“Can’t you stay for a drink?” Felix asked.

Malcolm shook his head, though he wanted to nod. While he’d managed to stay in his brother’s life, it’d been at the periphery since he’d become a warlock. He’d helped Felix after he’d been captured by a sadistic seer three centuries ago, and again with saving Aurora, but for the most part, Malcolm had had to stay scarce. He loved his brother. Only by keeping himself scarce could he help mitigate the risk.

“I’ll let you know how we get on in Salem,” Malcolm said. “Thank you.”

“Good luck,” Aurora said.

Malcolm nodded, then aetherwalked home.

He found Kitty standing at the base of the stairs, staring at him. Glaring, more like. Familiars were notoriously loyal. Kitty might like his wolf, but she didn’t trust him.

“Did you miss me?”

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