Page 70 of Midnight Enchantment

“What?” Ava stared at her in open-mouthed astonishment.

“You heard me. And what an amazing and scary place it is.”

“I’ve no doubt of that! Let’s go in the kitchen and have some tea. Or maybe you’d prefer dinner?”

“No, I ate earlier tonight. But tea sounds good.”

Lily sat at the table while Ava set out two flowered China cups, a bowl of sugar, a pitcher of milk, and a jar of honey before quickly conjuring a pot of dandelion tea.

“What did you do while I was gone,” Lily asked. “Besides try to find me?”

“While I was worrying about you, an idea occurred to me.”

“Oh?”

“The Elder Knight keeps a large, comprehensive library of ancient grimoires and spell books at the stronghold.”

“Really? I didn’t know that.” Lily sipped her tea, her expression thoughtful.

“Few people do. I was thinking of paying him a visit and offering him a gift in exchange for a chance to search the library.”

“What do you hope to find in there?”

“The secret to opening the black book, or, better yet, a way to destroy the blood-demon without also destroying Raedan.”

“I’m game! When are we leaving?”

“Mason and I are leaving as soon as I can locate their new stronghold, which I’m hoping hasn’t been moved since I gave them that new directive.”

“You’re not thinking of leaving me behind, are you?”

Ava’s first thought had been to do just that, until she thought it through. Taking Lily with her was probably a far better choice than leaving her behind, alone with Raedan. “I was,” Ava admitted. “But on second thought, I think you’d better come along. We’ll leave as soon as I verify the location of the stronghold. You might want to gather your wand and whatever other amulets you think you might need. I’ll be up in my workshop.”

Lily finished her tea and magicked the cup into the dishwasher. Rising, she hurried up to her bedroom where she gathered her wand, a crystal amulet infused with power to ward off evil, and a bracelet that was capable of imbuing her wand with added strength. Lifting a hand to the medallion Ava had given her, she glanced around the room, thinking she could summon anything else she might need.

She was about to go up to Ava’s workshop when Raedan materialized in the room. “I didn’t expect to see you again tonight,” she said, smiling. “But I’m so glad you’re here.”

“I came for a good-night kiss. Or maybe two.”

“Or three?”

“As many as you can spare,” he murmured, drawing her into his embrace. “Do I need to keep count?”

“Never.” Lily closed her eyes as he bent his head toward hers. As always, warmth flowed through her as he kissed her again, and yet again, until her knees were weak. She moaned softly when he raised his head. “Don’t stop.”

“Ava is coming,” he said, frowning. “Where are the two of you going?”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s a simple question.”

“We’re going to see the Knights of the Dark Wood.”

“Indeed?”

“Ava thinks they might have the answer to opening the black book, or maybe the secret to destroying the blood-demon without harming you.”

“And you didn’t think to tell me?”

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