Page 64 of The Crow Games

The commander tugged on the sleeve of the Guardian at his elbow and pointed her out. “Take two items from that witch.”

Blue returned the gesture with one of her own, raising both of her middle fingers at him.

I like this witch who’s causing a stir, Nott purred in my ear. I searched the crowd behind me for him but didn’t immediately spot him.

A brewing commotion at the end of the line rose to a crescendo, prisoners and guardians alike scattering to make way for the God of Night and Mischief in his black cat form. He prowled toward me, smiling in a manner that was Otherworldly and almost too human, too expressive, with his lips pulling back over jagged teeth.

My coven started to part to make way as well, but I waved them down. In the old days, fleeing in such a fashion or putting your back to another was offensive, a sign of disrespect. It was possible the custom hadn’t reached the Otherworld, but I wouldn’t risk it.

“My lord,” I greeted. “I wonder what you think of these mere mortals gathering tributes for themselves instead of offering them to you?”

The Guardians at the gate seemed unmoved by Nott’s nearness. They shouted for the line to press on.

They’re scum, he hissed.But Alrick has forbidden me from interfering in his son’s attempt to claim the crow throne and start the games.

I couldn’t have heard him correctly. My next effort to speak spluttered out of me. “His son?” I said, my attention drifting to the library, the towering stone building hiding Bram inside it somewhere. “Bram is going to start the games for the god king?”

The high warlock was aligned with the king in more than just ambition. Alrick had sired him. Alrick, who remained top of my list of gods who had the most to lose from a gray witch gone rogue . . . I’d already put together that Bram hadn’t been visiting my shop just to deliver coal or to flirt. He’d come as a spy for his divine father.

Had he told Alrick who he’d found hiding in the little hat shop in Kosh? Is that why Lisbeth was dead?

And why had I been spared?

I don’t like to talk politics, pet, Nott said, yawning inside my head.Politics bore me. Tell me something interesting. Tell me about this lovely witch with the silver in her hair and the starlight in her gaze and the lines of great wisdom on her face. She’s glorious.

“Nott favors you,” I told Blue to soothe her. Her shoulders had gone taut as a drawn bowstring when he stalked near.

Her flinty eyes shot wide as the great panther circled her, rubbing his neck against her hip, demanding pets. Tentatively, she patted the top of his head, and he purred loudly.

“There isn’t much I can tell you about her,” I said. “Blue doesn’t like to share her name with anyone.”

How intriguing, Nott cooed.Tell her to climb onto my back. The scum wouldn’t dare collect a tax from her up there. They aren’t complete fools. They won’t come near me.

“Wouldn’t you like to tell her yourself, my lord?”

That would be pretentious, pushing my way into her head like that. No. My servant will tell her for me.

I shared Nott’s wishes, and Blue’s eyes only grew. Her throat bobbed. A devout witch, she did as she was bid, tucking her satchel against her side and climbing astride.

He carried her through the archway, past the line of thieving Guardians who wisely kept their hands to themselves. We followed close behind. The uniformed coven didn’t touch any of our things either. Not even the commander dared.

Nola didn’t have to stab anyone.

Nott came to a halt farther down the descending tunnels.Now tell her to get off. I’m not a pack mule.

“He would like you to climb down,” I said, but Blue had already jumped off before I finished the sentence.

Come along now, pet. Leave the other witches behind.

“Hurry to the platform,” I told them. “I’ll meet you on the train.”

Nott padded along at a brisk pace, past where the tunnels forked.It’s tedious walking with you. You’re much too slow.

“I apologize for my mortal deficiencies, my lord,” I said breathlessly. I had to jog to keep up with him.

The stone around us was damp. Images of the broken crow decorated the walls, the wing Alrick ordered Death to tear free raining down its feathers to form reapers.

Nott came to a stop so suddenly I bumped into his hindquarters. He swatted me with his tail.Climb on, pet.

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