Page 37 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“Hecate hasn’t been living here, I doubt she’d leave the journals here for anyone to find if people across Lethenia are searching for them,” I added.

We were fucked.

Again.

“Hecate doesn’t have the journals anyways.” Lennox ran her hand over the shelf lined with relics, her fingers dusting over the glass jars.

When she came to the end of the row she turned and headed back out the open door without another word.

I followed Lennox to the porch and sat next to her on thesagging front step. “You knew she didn’t have them? And she wouldn’t be here?”

“I had a hunch.” She looked out into the woods before us, to the same woods we had crossed through together this summer, only a few months ago. “She knows we’re here. She’ll come.”

“Are you planning on staying here until she does?”

She took a dried leaf in her hand and crushed it, letting the pieces drift from her palm on the light breeze. “I guess I didn’t think that far ahead. I thought she’d be here soon after we arrived, like she’d know I was here or something. But maybe I’m wrong.”

“She’ll come,” I assured her.

“The boy has faith—now that is unexpected.” We both jumped at the sound of the familiar voice behind us, looking over our shoulders to find Hecate and two of her Wampus Cats approaching from the forest.

I shuttered as I took in the two beasts—hoping and praying they wouldn’t come any closer.

“Don’t worry boy, they’ll behave this time.” I had a hard time believing she had that much control over those creatures.

“I knew you two would be back—But I didn’t anticipate it would be so soon.” Her red eyes roamed between the two of us before looking behind her into the cabin. “And you brought friends.”

“We did, I hope that’s okay,”

“Depends.”

“On what?” I asked.

The witch ignored my question and ushered us into the cabin instead. “Let’s meet them, shall we?”

Luciana’s gasp rang throughout the room as we reentered the cabin.

“You’re Hecate,” she stammered.

Hecate smiled. “The witch heir—I was wondering if I’d ever get to meet you.” Her gaze scanned the room. “And the Star Princess.” Her gaze continued around the small room.

“Quite the interesting group you two have gathered here.”

“It’s an honor to meet you.” Luciana was unable to hide the awe from her voice.

“And you, Luciana.” Hecate nodded her head toward the witch. “My magic suits you. My book is well used in your hands.” A half smile curved on Hecate’s lips.

“You know I have your book?”

“Of course, I don’t let my spellbook land in anyone’s hands.” Luciana’s mouth formed a perfecto.

“But be careful, Ichor Magic has a price,” Hecate warned.

Luciana sobered. “I know.”

Hecate only dipped her chin in acknowledgment. “Well, should we get on with it? Why are you all here?”

“We’re still looking for the journals.” Lennox wasted no time.

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