Page 106 of A Bolt of Magic

“We’ll need coordination,” Cordelia points out. “A way to communicate between covens, to synchronize our efforts.”

“We will discuss that internally,” Lilith says, her tone final.

Cordelia nods.

“One thing concerns me,” Seraphina says, eventually. “Snow has spies everywhere. How do we ensure our plans don’t reach her ears?”

“Careful vetting of anyone we bring into the alliance,” I reply. “And compartmentalized information; no one knows more than they need to for their specific role.”

Lilith nods approvingly. “Wise. We’ve maintained our secrecy here for years using similar methods. For now, our plans stay within this Circle. We decide who to bring in and when to do it. It is important to state that I only make decisions I feel are right and necessary for this coven…always.”

“Of course,” Morgana says. The others agree, too.

It seems like a strange thing to say, but I don’t comment.

“Good.” Lilith turns back to me. “I’m going to assume that my daughter knows of these plans as well.”

I nod. “She knows, but she won’t breathe a word.”

Lilith looks me in the eye, narrowing hers. “Very well.”

The meeting continues for another hour, covering everything from supply lines to magical ward networks. By the time we begin to wrap up, I’m feeling more optimistic about our chances than I have since this whole endeavor began.

“I cannot thank you enough for your support,” I tell them as we prepare to adjourn.

“You can thank my daughter,” Lilith says with what appears to be genuine pride. “If she hadn't brought you here, made the introduction…”

The mention of McColl sends a sharp pang through my chest. I haven’t seen her since last night. I woke this morning to find her gone, slipped away like a thief in the night. The memory stings more than it should.

Then Lilith spreads her hands, sucking in a breath. “This alliance might never have happened. Make no mistake, Kian, we still have a long way to go before this becomes a reality.”

“The first step is always the hardest,” I tell her.

“It is, indeed.” There is a strange look in her eyes that puts my back up. I’m not sure why. She smiles, and the feeling is gone.

“Will you be departing today? You still have time to make it to the caves before nightfall,” Lilith says, and there’s something in her tone that makes me look at her more closely.

“I was hoping to leave first thing in the morning,” I say. “There are a few matters I’d like to attend to before I go.”

“Matters,” she repeats, like she knows exactly what I am referring to. Namely, that I plan to take McColl back to my bed. That I plan on keeping her there the whole damned night.

Our last one together.

Something flickers across her face that looks a lot like irritation, but I ignore it. McColl is a grown woman. She makes her own decisions. If she tells me to leave today, I will go. I think of the magic that pulsed through me as my seed erupted from my body. Of the pleasure so intense, it was almost painful. Of how McColl screamed in sheer ecstasy. How her body tightened around me. How she vibrated. No, I think she will want me to stay, even if it is just sex for her.

“Of course,” she says smoothly. “You’re welcome to stay another night. Though I’m sure you’re eager to return to your fellow kings with the good news.” It is clear that I am expected to leave tomorrow.

“I appreciate your hospitality,” I tell Lilith. “One more night, and then I’ll be out of your hair.”

Her smile is polite but doesn’t quite reach her eyes when she inclines her head.

“I think that a small whiskey is in order,” Cordelia says.

“To celebrate,” Morgana adds.

“Yes, that sounds like a fine idea,” Lilith says as Cordelia stands, making her way to a desk in the corner. She opens a drawer and puts a half-empty bottle of golden spirits on the table.

“What say you, King Kian of the Emptyfae court?” Cordelia asks, taking out a glass tumbler. “Will you celebrate with us?”

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