Page 42 of Lunar Desires
Stefan sat ramrod straight—almost too straight, as if his body wasn’t built for it. “Firstly, I would like you to tell me exactly what happened from the moment you left Aurora Mansion this afternoon.”
I felt myself blanch and turned to Erin. “I…” Damn. I couldn’t do this.
“You can tell him,” Erin said soothingly. “Don’t worry.”
I glanced at his witch bangle, the light green for active.
The threat of his truth magic made me go with complete honesty. I relayed every detail from the train station incident up to now, leaving nothing out. By the end of it, I felt like I’d said too much, betraying my dad by divulging those details.
At the end of my tale, Stefan returned his glasses to his face. “Thank you for not lying to me, Riley.” His bangle made a ticking sound.
“You’re welcome,” I answered, my throat dry.
“Now, let me tell you what’s going to happen.”
Tell us? How about we tell you, arsehole?
I drew blood from biting my lip, its metallic taste hitting my tongue.
“The coven elders have decided the return of House Aurora cannot be ignored or shut down,” he said. “At least for the time being. So, you will be sent back to the mansion to perform your duty with the full support of the High Coven.”
Wow. I hadn’t expectedthatresponse.
Isaac shuffled in his seat, keeping his mouth shut.
The coven elders were the real power, a global council laying down laws, making moves in the shadows. No one knew who they were, apart from those deemed worthy of the privilege to be within the inner circle.
You could say they were unelected officials, handed the keys to the kingdom with zero say from the people. But to question such authority was treason, and too late anyway. The High Coven took power with no votes, sticking a finger up to an already frayed democracy.
Stefan continued. “You are permitted to do your work on the streets, but also required to hide your faces with a High Coven approved glamouring potion.”
What the hell was that?
As if reading my mind, Stefan answered. “Glamouring is a new creation. It changes your appearance—from your face to your clothing. It isn’t infallible, and we have found shadow witches can see through it. Curse them. However, we will brew the potion to our liking. You only need to drink it.” He smiled at Isaac. “An especially useful tool for a famous model like you.”
My brother said nothing.
“It will allow you to move freely through the city, looking like High Coven agents. This is the best way to keep your work secret in order to protect the public, as well as yourselves.” He cleared his throat again, looking between Isaac and me with a piercing regard. “We cannot be having mass hysteria over your return.”
Hard agree from me. My family’s name was a dirty word in many pockets of the world, and we didn’t want the pitchfork brigade kicking down our doors.
Ugh. What a thought.
“Your new shade-killing ability, which we will monitor closely, is truly a gift from Hecate. A sign to embrace House Aurora once again.” He smiled without any warmth.
Him and the coven elders must hate us for doing what they couldn’t.
Suck it up, arseholes.
Erin went to say something, but the inquisitor cut her off.
“Let me finish this, Miss. Lovell.”
“Apologies.”
He nodded. “You will be designated a High Coven liaison and be expected to keep a diary of your activities. Any changes in your powers or circumstances must be recorded, and I will be checking for any falsehoods every Sunday morning.”
Sounded like hell having to see his face every seven days.
