Page 29 of Fated for Flames

“This is Kit.” He gestured toward him. “Best thief in town.”

I gave him a short nod.

“This is little witch,” he said to Kit.

“Pleasure to meet you.” The glint in Kit’s mischievous eyes made the knot in my stomach tighten. This stranger was nowincluded in my crazy scheme, and I couldn’t help but question my sanity for even considering this.

“I don’t know, Chad,” I began, my voice wavering with uncertainty.

Chad stepped closer, his sandy hair falling over his bright eyes as he offered me a reassuring smile. “Trust me, little witch,” he said. “Kit’s the best, and we go way back. He won’t tell a soul.”

I shifted my weight from one foot to another, the worn wooden floor creaking under my boots. My gaze flicked between Chad and Kit as I chewed on my lower lip.

“Okay,” I finally muttered, pushing away the doubts gnawing at the edges of my mind. I wasn’t left with much choice, anyway.

Chad’s grin widened as he clapped a hand on Kit’s shoulder. “See? Our little witch has some guts, but I’m wondering why you didn’t just use your magic?”

I shrugged. “Just wanted an excuse to see you,” I said. Chad’s grin widened wickedly. Then I added, “And I’ve always been curious to know how it’s done, you know, the old-fashioned way.”

Kit chuckled lightly, tipping his head in acknowledgment. “I never decline a good challenge. Plus, honor among thieves and such.”

I felt my cheeks warm up and waved my hands. “We’re not here to steal anything. It’s complicated, but I need to get in.”

“I’m happy to help,” Kit assured.

“And I’m happy to tag along,” Chad chipped in.

I inhaled sharply and waved at Kit to do what he was good at—picking locks.

Without missing a beat, Kit stepped forward and pulled out a set of tools from his pocket, not hairpins. I felt my cheeks flush at the sight; my amateur attempts at lock-picking paled in comparison to his expertise.

With a swift flick of his wrist and a quiet click, the door swung open, revealing the office.

“Thanks,” I murmured as I stepped past them into the carpeted room.

My gaze quickly swept over the polished mahogany desk littered with papers, the towering bookshelves, and finally settled on the imposing portrait of Miss Clarissa herself.

I had forgotten how lame this painting was!

“This one definitely cray-cray.” Chad snorted, pointing at the portrait.

I could feel Chad’s curious gaze on me as I began my search for the perfect hiding spot for my precious cargo. After several minutes of contemplation, I decided to play it safe.

Kneeling by one of the walls, I used a small knife to carve out a hole, just big enough to fit the book section. I slipped it inside, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over me.

But I wasn’t done yet.

I had to make sure no one would suspect anything.

Taking a deep breath, I extended my hand toward the wall, letting my magic seep out. It was a risk, but this was worth it. The wall repaired itself under my touch, leaving no trace of the hole.

In the Luminary Coven, power levels were a well-known hierarchy; everyone was aware of each other’s capabilities. Although Miss Clarissa held considerable power, it was nowhere near enough to sense the black magic concealed within her office walls, siphoning her powers.

Satisfied with my work, I straightened up, feeling a little dizzy, and turned back to face Chad and Kit, with a triumphant grin.

Take that, bitch witch!

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