Page 6 of Familiar of the Witch

‘Tsch,’ my father uttered from his borrowed voice box. ‘This one is a fighter. Too bad. Never mind. I’ll get another.’ The vampyr’s eyes fixed on my athame. ‘I’m glad to see you’re keeping the athame safe, Amber. Keep it on you at all times. It is not a trinket.’

My jaw clenched. The athame was a family heirloom, but until now I hadn’t thought to ask which side of the family it had come from. Was it from my mother’s side? Or my father’s?

My father interrupted my thoughts. ‘Look lively, Amber, here he comes! A crucible of fire, and you’ll come out stronger than ever.’ Then thevampyr’s eyes were black again and he leapt towards me, moving with supernatural speed. His fangs snapped out.

Death was only moments away and I froze with fear, holding my athame out awkwardly in my manacled hands.

With a gurgling laugh, the black-eyed vampyr jumped on to the athame and pierced his own heart. He hung there for a moment, stuck on my blade as I stared in horror. Then the vampyr’s eyes faded to blue, he smiled a little and stilled.

‘I’m sorry,’ I managed to say as he disappeared in a puff of dust and ash.

I tried to tell myself that my father had killed him, not me, but the athame in my hands was coated in thick red blood. It dripped towards my hands, staining them like the stain that was growing on my soul.

Chapter 5

I heard footsteps before I saw Mack. Luckily, I was prepared. I had already swept the dusty remains of the vampyr into the toilet bucket with my bare hands. He had exploded into ash right in front of me and, though I’d done my best to brush him off, I had ash marks across my clothes, hands and face. The struggle had also torn my skirt and my blouse and I’d also ripped the skirt in my haste to free the athame.

I had no doubt that I looked even more neglected than I felt. My discomposure wasn’t far from the truth, but now it was visible to the world. So often in life we keep our wounds invisible, but that wouldn’t do me any good today. I needed the masses on my side, so I would let some vulnerability show. Not that I had a whole lot of choice.

Mack either didn’t care about my unkempt appearance or he didn’t notice. My money was on the former; he wasex-army and he was an observant man. ‘Move,’ he grunted as he clanged the cell door open. His eyes swept over me and his jaw tightened but he said nothing. If he could tell I’d battled and killed a vampyr, would that make him think I was more evil or less?

I stood. ‘Can I get some food and water?’ Thanks to Kass’s visit, I didn’t particularly need either, though a bit of H2O is always welcome. Hydration is important. What I wanted was a refusal from him that I could use later.

‘No. Move,’ he growled.

Bingo. ‘Charming,’ I muttered as I made my way out of the cell. Once again he grabbed my upper arm, yanking me forcefully. I winced as he pressed against the bruises he’d made yesterday. ‘You’re such a gentleman,’ I said sarcastically.

Perhaps riling your jailor wasn’t wise, but no one has ever accused me of being wise.

‘You’re no lady,’ he bit back.

He continued to drag me forwards. I was surprised when he pulled me not towards the Council’s chambers, as I’d expected, but to the witches’ hall. A new golem was standing on the door. He was as hulking as Benji, but he didn’t smile as he caught sight of me.

‘Hello,’ Igreeted him curiously. ‘I’m Amber DeLea. What’s your name?’

‘David Abrams,’ he responded shortly.

‘Are you newly awakened?’ I pried, though I already knew the answer.

‘Yes – since you stole the last golem.’ His tone was accusing. Yeesh, he’d been awake a few days and he’d already decided I was persona non grata.

‘I didn’t steal him. Benji is my friend.’

David’s eyebrows rose. ‘You’re friends – with a golem?’ His tone was incredulous.

‘Yes, why shouldn’t I be?’

Surprise danced across his features as he looked at me afresh. He parted his lips to speak but Mack got there first. ‘Abrams,’ he interrupted us with a scowl. ‘Announce us.’ He glared. ‘Now.’

David’s eyes flashed red then back to brown. ‘All clear,’ he confirmed. As he pushed open the door behind him, he slid me a sideways glance and I smiled encouragingly. He cleared his throat. ‘Announcing the arrival of the witch, Coven Mother, Rune Mistress and Potion Mistress Amber DeLea.’

His voice boomed into the hall and it fell gratifyingly silent. Maybe Davidhadwarmed to me justa little, because it was unusual to announce a prisoner’s full titles like that. My smile widened and he gave me a small nod in return.

I looked into the hall and let my jaw drop as if I were surprised. Truthfully, I was a little. Despite my machinations, I hadn’t been sure my allies would be able to pull off my plan but it looked like they had.

The hall was crammed to the rafters. It normally had a capacity of two to three hundred, but it was so packed that there seemed to be even more. I had no idea how Frogmatch had done it, but he’d brought in witches from all over the country. No matter what I’d done for the imp, the scales had swung back in his favour. I owed him.

The Council were sitting on a raised dais. I was pleased to see that they all had their cowls down – and that they all looked a little unnerved by the number of witches crammed into the room.

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