Page 73 of Witch's Fate

“Fair enough. Thank you.” Sofia held out her hand to Malcolm. “Lead the way to your brother’s place.”

His big hand grasped hers and she shivered, unable to help the streak of pleasure that ran over her skin. A second later, they stood in the snow. Bright sun gleamed on the icy whiteness, nearly blinding her. A charming cottage—like something out of a fairy tale—stood before her.

Kitty turned herself into smoke to avoid the cold. Sofia used her wand to remove her Crone’s visage and to replace the cloak with all-weather gear. Malcolm seemed not to notice the cold, though he wore only a t-shirt and dark jeans with leather boots.

They knocked on the wooden door, which swung open seconds later to reveal Aurora, wearing pajamas covered in wine bottles. Heat wafted out of the house, along with the delicious smell of bacon and eggs. How could something as normal as breakfast be happening when she was about to lose everything she loved? Maybe even her life?

“Ah, fuck,” Aurora said. “If you’re here, it means things have gone to hell, doesn’t it?”

Sofia nodded, her throat tight but her back stiff.

Aurora stepped back. “Come on in.”

They stepped into the warmth just as Felix walked in from the back room wearing loose sweatpants and a t-shirt. Mouse was draped over his broad shoulders, yellow eyes watching them thoughtfully. Felix carried a fluffy cat toy in his right hand.

“This can’t be good,” Felix said.

“It’s not.” Malcolm scrubbed a hand over his face.

“Why don’t we take a seat and you can tell us what you need?” Felix asked.

They sat. Mouse jumped down and went to greet Kitty, who’d chosen to sit by the fire. They sniffed each other, then sat down companionably to enjoy the warmth.

Sofia took a deep breath and began to speak. It didn’t take long to spell out exactly how dire her situation was.

“We’re happy to come,” Aurora said. “And we can get some help from the university. My sister of course, and her friend Andrasta, I’m sure. She’s a Celtic demigod and her man is the Celtic God of War. Camulos, I think he’s called. Logan and Sylvi will help as well, I’d bet. I used to think the university was full of assholes and egos, but most of them aren’t that bad and they’re happy to jump into a worthy battle.”

“Thank you.” Sofia took a deep breath. Maybe they could win this. Maybe even without too much death. They had immense numbers on their side, and powerful allies. She had to cling to hope.

“We can go there now,” Aurora said. “I have a flat on campus. We can use it as a base.”

Sofia nodded gratefully. “Thank you. Really.”

“It’s not a problem. I understand what it is to be in a bind. Let us change, and we’ll go.” Aurora and Felix left to change.

Malcolm came to sit next to her. He rubbed her back and a small bit of tension dissipated. She hated that he could make her feel better. He’d left her. He’d stolen her dagger and gotten her into this mess. But she still melted when he was near.

It was annoying as hell. She had huge things to worry about. Obstacles that were likely insurmountable.

But then, wasn’t that a good reason to take comfort where she could find it?

She shook the thought away. A moment later, Felix and Aurora returned, dressed in jeans and coats.

“Get a move on, Mouse, we’re headed back to the university,” Aurora said.

Mouse glanced at her, then rose, stretched, and sauntered toward Aurora like a tiny jaguar. The little familiar had as much feline grace as her larger brethren, but Sofia would take roly-poly, squinty-eyed Kitty any day. She smiled at Kitty as she made her way toward her.

“Malcolm, you remember where Aurora’s flat is, aye?” Felix asked.

“Yes. I’ll take Sofia.” Malcolm wrapped his big arms around Sofia and transported both her and Kitty to the base of a tall stone tower. Rolling green hills and giant, gnarled oaks surrounded it. In the distance, Sofia could make outhuge, ornate stone buildings. The air had the bite of autumn, with winter coming.

The Immortal University. They were outside of Edinburgh, Scotland. It didn’t look like she’d expected. It was greener. But then, she’d never thought much about Scotland or the university. Though the university was vital to British Mytheans, she’d never had a reason to come.

Until now, when she hoped to find as many powerful Mytheans as she could who were willing to fight a deadly battle with her.

This wasn’t going to be easy.

Aurora and Felix appeared next to them, Mouse at Aurora’s side.

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