Page 58 of The Witch and His Crow

Caym perked up, flapping over to my side. ‘We can both agree that this witch is irritating, but Hector, show some thanks that he’s kept you alive. I haven’t brought you up to be so rude, or have I?’

I shot my familiar a look that told him exactly how he brought me up. Caym didn’t interrupt again.

Pain shot through my head. I was thirsty and hungry, frustrated and confused. I massaged my temples as I tried to focus on the worries at hand. ‘What about the other issue? You said there were two.’

‘Don’t you feel it?’

I wanted to snap at him and demand he got to the point. But Caym’s words lingered in my mind, reminding me that it wouldn’t kill to be polite. Hekate, why was this man so inclined to be secretive? ‘Besides the shit on my skin, my back and the impressive headache you’re causing me, I’m feeling nothing but fucking irritated.’

‘Then I might as well just ruin your day completely,’ Arwyn snapped. ‘Our Gifts are gone.’

He said it so matter-of-factly, the laugh that I released was the only natural reaction. But that laugh quickly faded when I focused on the bucket of stale water near me and attempted to move it with my Gift.

Nothing happened.

‘My shadows are gone too, Hector,’ Caym said, filling my mind. He sounded as helpless as I felt.

I was standing inches before Arwyn within the blink of an eye. My entire body buzzed with tension, so much so I didn’tthink I would’ve been able to uncurl my fingers if I’d wanted too. Before he could so much as move, I grasped the front of his shirt and clung on with one hand. ‘What. Have. You.Done.’

He smiled, which only infuriated me more. ‘Whatever you’re suggestingI’vedone now, you can try again.’

My jaw ached from how tightly my teeth were clenched together. ‘Don’t play stupid with me, Arwyn. You’ve poisoned me. We both know thistlebane is the only plant with properties to weaken our Gift...’

‘It’s not him,’ Caym screeched, flying up to my shoulder and grasping onto me.

‘Whateverthe crow is saying, you better listen. I know you think I’m your enemy, but I highly recommend you don’t make me a real one with this incessant blame game you seem to enjoy.’

I tried to shake Caym off, all without taking my eyes off Arwyn. ‘Then get talking.’

The moment of silence that followed was so thick with tension, a spoon could’ve cut it. We both refused to look away from one another, trying to read the micro-expressions to determine each others’ silent, inner thoughts.

‘Eleanor, the witch who owns these stable, would be better to explain it. But I’ll relay. There’s a stone circling surrounding the village. It is what keeps those demons, and others, out. I don’t know the connection between that old magic and how it’s affecting our Gifts, but it explains why webothcannot connect to our powers.’ Arwyn leaned in, his breath tickling the fine hairs on my face. ‘Did you hear the emphasis on my use of the wordboth? Because why, if I was the reason behind your lack of Gift, would I also take away my own?’

I released him and stumbled back. An apology lingered on the tip of my tongue, but I clamped my lips shut and swallowed it down.

‘And where is this witch?’

Arwyn’s gaze flickered towards the stable door. ‘She’s promised to return at dusk to check on your progress. I think she’ll be relieved to find that you are up and about—until you open your mouth and ruin it that is…’

‘Shut up,’ I snapped.

‘Make me.’

My cheeks warmed as though fires had been set inside them. I turned around quickly, before he could see the embarrassment stain my face red. It was only then when the reality of everything he had just said settled in.

‘Romy,’ I stammered, my mind filling with demonic birds and promises of other monsters. ‘If this the Trial, who’s to say she isn’t out there?—’

Pain flared on my back, stifling my words. It was a phantom ache, but a way my body reminded me of the power these creatures had. Arwyn hadn’t said it, but I knew I’d almost died. If he hadn’t intervened, my time in the Witch Trials would’ve come to an abrupt end, as would my life.

‘I understand your loyalty, but this is a competition.’ Arwyn’s words were cold, but the way he said them was full of pity. ‘Romy will either survive, or not. It is just the way of the game.’

No. I refused to even add power to those words. ‘If that’s the case, good luck.’

I moved towards the stable doors again, only to be stopped by Caym. He flew before me, flapping black wings directly before my face.

‘You’re not leaving this village, Hector. I refuse to let you.’

‘Get out of… the way… Caym.’

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