Page 182 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“No harm in trying,” she admitted.

The cabin came into view as we continued through the snow. Our boots leaving tracks behind us. Smoke billowed from the chimney—hopefully, someone was home.

Although maybe it would have been easier if there was no one here. We could steal the journal without them knowing.

We each took in a deep breath before Lennox knocked on the door.

Silas’ surprise at us appearing at his door was evident, but he wasted no time in ushering us out of the cold.

Malina and Auden stood from where they sat by the fireplace to greet us. “Lennox, Luka, what do weowe the honor?” Malina asked.

“Shouldn’t you be celebrating your wedding?” Silas added.

“We’re not here on good terms I’m afraid,” I admitted

The family shared a look of worry. “Well, why don’t you take off your coats and sit here by the fire and warm up while you tell us why you’re here.”

We didn’t argue, quickly shucking off our coats before sitting by the fire.

“I’m going to get right to the point.” I braced my hands on my knees. “Lennox’s sister, Kara, was taken.” Lennox sucked in a breath from where she sat next to me.

Malina gasped. “I am so sorry my dear.” Her gaze softened as she assessed Lennox, surely now noticing the differences in her demeanor since the last time we were here.

“But why are you here?” Silas asked. “What does this have to do with us?”

Lennox’s voice was rough as she spoke, “Whoever took her left a note. They said if we wanted her back we needed to bring them the journal.”

The air in the room thickened to the point it was almost painful.

“I know how important the journal is to your family. But you have to understand, this is my sister at stake here.” Lennox’s hands trembled in her lap, I took one of them in my own as she continued, “Once we get her back I’ll find a way to get the journal back to you I promise.” I squeezed her hand, we hadn’t discussed this. “I need to get my sister back. I need to make sure she’s safe and then I will get the journal back to you. You have my word.”

Silas and Malina shared a look. “We will give you the journal. Of course, we will.”

Lennox’s shoulders dropped, tension visibly leaving her body. Malina stood until she was in front of Lennox, kneeling in front of her chair and taking her hands in her own. “We can still share the contents of the journal by sharing the stories. The people in our stories have long since passed. Your sister isstill alive. We will gladly give you the journal so you can find her.”

“Thank you,” Lennox rasped, a tear falling down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away with her hand.

“Why would you do this for us?” I asked.

Malina turned her attention to me. “She is my High Queen. She could have come in here and demanded we hand over the journals, but she didn’t.” She looked back at Lennox. “Lennox, you came in here with an open heart, asking for help. I admire that deeply.”

Silas returned with the journal, handing it to Lennox. I watched as she ran her fingers over the leather bindings.

“Give me a second,” she told the family as she stood and pulled me away.

“I have an idea,” she whispered. “I need you to tell me if it’s too crazy or not.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“What if I used a spell to replicate the journal? That way I can leave the original journal with the Galtains and I can manipulate the duplicate and remove random pages so whoever’s hands this journal ends up in they are unable to recreate the spell to end vampires.”

I ran my hand through my hair. “Do you think that would work? Would anyone be able to tell it was a duplicate?”

“Maybe an experienced witch, but they’d need to suspect it was a duplicate. If it’s Astria’s journal it will already feel and smell strongly of magic. It’s worth a shot. Besides, by the time they find out it’s a fake we will hopefully be far away with Kara in safety.”

“Do it.” She let out a sigh of relief. “How are you going to conduct a spell without the Galtain’s finding out?’

“I’m not going to. I’m tired of hiding my heritage. Let all of Lethenia find out I’m half-witch. I don’t fucking care anymore.”

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