Page 20 of Witch's Fate

“Shhh, calm yourself. Everything is all right.” Malcolm’s voice was soothing. He stepped toward her and she immediately stepped backward. He pulled to a stop.

Why was he suddenly being so kind? His voice had completely changed. Did he still care for her a bit? Or was he working another angle? Trying to lure her with the promise of help and kindness?

“We’ll find the information we need to get the Grimoire,” Malcolm said. “That shan’t be a problem.”

She nodded, forcing away her speculation. Salem was like Edinburgh and Cartagena. There was a huge Mythean population living secretly amongst mortals. They’d be able to find info about the Salem Coven and where they lived and worked. They just had to be clever about it.

“It’s too late to go now,” he said. “Nearly two and you’re tired. We’ll go in the morning.”

She frowned. She itched to get started, but he was right. She was almost shaking from exhaustion—mostly from the High Witch’s lightning but also from what he’d done to her.

“Fine. We leave in eight hours. Where do I sleep?” She gave him a hard look. “Not with you.”

“Take your pick of the rooms above.”

She nodded and turned from him, desperate to find some quiet and space for herself. His gaze burned into her back as she left, sending unwelcome heat across her skin.

“We sure know how to get into it, huh, Kitty?” she asked as she made her way down the hall. Her mind kept racing with everything that was at stake. Not just her village, but she’d be spending more time with Malcolm.

She’d never anticipated that. She didn’t even know how to handle it.

She’d just have to do her best to ignore him. She had a village to save. Her home. She could do this. Shehadto do this.

Kitty led the way up the sweeping staircase. The wide wooden steps gleamed beneath her feet. Malcolm either employed an army of house elves or he used magic to keep the place clean.

Given the isolation he seemed to bask in, she’d guess the latter.

Sofia reached the top and debated whether to turn left or right. Both hallways were identical, from what she could see. Wide corridors, the walls of each were plastered with priceless art. At least she assumed it was priceless. Art wasn’t really her thing. Maybe it would have been if she’d had time to get a hobby, but taking care of Bruxa’s Eye occupied all her time.

She shrugged and turned left, choosing the first door. It opened to reveal an opulent sitting room. Green brocade upholstered mahogany settees and chairs.

A door on the left wall of the room stood opened.

A bedroom? She entered and crossed the soft rug. Kitty stopped and dug her claws in, scratching. No doubt it was a priceless antique.

“Good work, Kitty.”

Kitty purred and Sofia grinned. Malcolm could afford to fix it. Hell, a wave of his hand and a shot of magic could spiff it right up.

As she’d thought, the door led to a beautifully appointed bedroom. An enormous canopied bed occupied the space, its green silk drapes hung in elegant folds. The fire in the hearth burst to life as soon as she crossed the threshold.

She frowned. What magic could already be here? The fire was enchanted to light, but were there other spells? A spying one, perhaps?

She raised her wand and spun in a slow circle about the room, removing any spell that might have been placed upon it. The fire died. The room felt different, as well. She didn’t know what spell he’d put on the place, but she’d broken it.

Good enough for her. A huge yawn stole over her. Kitty mimicked it.

A second later, she fell into the bed. She barely got the covers up over her head before she passed out.

Malcolm watched Sofia walk out of the room, her little black familiar on her heels. At the door, Kitty turned to glare at him out of her good eye, then flicked her tail and stalked out.

He frowned, then downed the last of his whisky, trying to ease the tightness in his chest. His wolf was restless, as if it sensed something of great value was near but out of reach.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get the image of Sofia out of his mind. Images of her from tonight were acceptable. That was about sex. But he kept seeing her as he remembered her, from their first meeting.

So beautiful. Smart and determined, she’d been so quick-witted she made his head spin. He’d first seen her sitting in Corrier’s study where they’d had their lessons. Corrier hadn’t arrived yet. It had been just them amongst the towering bookshelves stuffed with ancient tomes and trinkets.

He’d walked into the study to find her sitting in front of the fire, Kitty at her feet. The feline had assessed him with her one good eye, but Sofia had ignored him, preferring to spend her energy studying the book in her lap.

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