Page 4 of House of Ruin
Her skin was buzzing, and her magic wasn’t to blame.
To make things even worse, Blaze’s thumb started moving, making tiny circles on her palm. The touch was so soft, it was barely there, but Alecto didn’t miss it.
It was the only thing she could focus on.
“We call the Mother to our circle.” Val read the words from the Book. “The Maiden, the Mother, the Crone.”
The rest of them repeated the words. The rain intensified, pouring harder over their heads.
“We call the Father to our circle,” Val continued. “The Virgin, the Father, the Strigla.”
Once again, they repeated the words after Val, and within less than a heartbeat, a warm wave washed over Alecto.
It was similar to the feel of her magic, but it was so much more than that.
The warmth filled her chest, travelling through her bloodstream into the tips of her toes and fingers, filling every single inch of her body. It was like being home. Like being hugged by a loving mother, pushed against her warm chest as she hummed a lullaby under her breath.
When Alecto opened her eyes, she found the rest of the Inner Circle smiling, their gazes reflecting the same gleam she knew was in her eyes.
“Let the energy from the crystals return to its home, mother earth,” Val said. Their hands were still linked, Blaze’s thumb still making wicked circles that made Alecto’s heart beat faster. “Let it return to its place, where it belongs.”
They repeated the words again, and Alecto tilted her head backwards, letting the heavy raindrops kiss her cheeks. It wasn’t cold anymore, the rain carrying the scent of the forest and sea, the desert and sunshine.
For a long moment, they sat there in silence, letting the rain wash over them.
The presence of the Gods was with them; Alecto could taste it on her tongue. When the warmth finally retreated, leaving Alecto in the cold rain once more, only then did she open her eyes.
It took her another moment before she let go of Andro’s hand and then Blaze’s. Instantly, Alecto missed the gentle touch of his fingers against her palm.
Val ran a finger over the crystals.
“Perfect,” she said, pleased. “Now we can continue trying to protect our House better this trimester, during the second round of the Game.”
Alecto leaned back, bracing her palms on the slick stone.
“We’ve got the new protection wards from Gill,” Andro said, glancing back at the mansion. “They weren’t happy to see me and Blaze so soon. But they delivered.”
“Good.” Val nodded. There was already another blunt resting between her fingers. “I also put a spell on every member of our House so we could track their movements and what they’re up to.”
“Excuse me?” Jolene arched a brow, crossing her arms. “You’re tracking us?”
“Not the Inner Circle.” Val scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Just the other members.”
“And here I thought we trusted one another,” Blaze said.
Val threw him a glare. “I do trust everyone sitting in the circle right now. That’s about as far as my trust will stretch.”
Alecto had had enough. Slowly, she rose to her feet, and four pairs of eyes turned to her.
“Where the fuck do you think you’re going?” Val jerked her chin at her. “The meeting is not over yet.”
“It is for me,” Alecto said, moving towards the brownstone. She glanced over her shoulder at Val. “I’ve got a rehearsal with Norse, and I need to change into something dry.”
For a moment, Val’s face was blank, and then her dark eyes flickered.
“Don’t even think about it.” Alecto pointed a finger at her. “I’m not going to risk ruining my performance for the Game.”
“I’m not suggesting anything.” Val smirked, lifting her palms in fake innocence.
