Page 85 of To Ignite a Dragon's Desire

“And you didn’t bring your familiar with you?” Morgana frowned as she looked to the ground by Riley’s feet.

What does she mean?

“Never mind.” Morgana waved her hand.

A gust of wind seemed to follow, feeding the bonfire flames and illuminating all our faces in the orangish glow. The other witches stood quietly in a circle, keeping vigil.

“Come here, child,” she called to Riley. “Let us see your mark.”

Riley’s pulse increased as she clung to my hand.

“It’s fine,” Ember whispered as she motioned for her to step forward. “They’re only trying to help.”

I growled as Riley’s fingers slipped from mine.

“Trust us, cousin.”Kieran looked my way.“Not everything is a fight.”

Speak for yourself.

Riley swept her hair to the side, exposing her neck as she walked to the witch.

“If she lays one hand on her…”I grumbled to Kieran.

Morgana smiled in my direction, raising her fingers in the air and wiggling them dramatically, not actually touching Riley’s neck.

My fists clenched at my sides.

The old witch winked at me before stepping back into her coven’s circle.

“It’s a pretty mark,” she said, “but I don’t claim to understand dragon runes.”

Kieran hissed through his teeth.

Now who wants to fight?

“You told us you had an idea of this new addition to the prophecy.” He stepped forward, careful not to break the circle.

“Well, I have anidea.” Morgana rolled her eyes. “I wanted to see if I had any proof first.”

“And do you have your proof?” Riley asked.

The witch gave her a smile before glancing at me over my mate’s shoulder. “What say you, Ward Weaver? Did you notice the magic in their blood?”

I looked at Riley and Ember, feeling as though I’d failed some test. But I wasn’t a warlock.

I could sense strong elements of aggression and create protective wards to keep it out. I’d never studied magic further than what I could naturally produce. There was no need to.

Morgana seemed to take pity on me. “Don’t worry, Ward Weaver. The traces of magic aren’t strong. About as faint as the imprint you still carry of a recent memory. Black magic, perhaps?”

Witchcraft!

My eyes shot to her face. “How did you know?”

She pinched the bridge of her nose, motioning to her long skirts and hair.

Right.

“Did the MacAlisters come to you for aid?” I’d wanted to ask about this if given the opportunity, but I planned to be less aggressive.

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