Page 60 of House of Malice
“Aren’t there spells to protect from that?”
Jolene pouted. “None that I’m aware of. But I think it’s safe to say that there probably are.”
Finally, they reached the eight-panel glass double doors leading to the back of the property. The doors swung open the moment they reached them, the warm spring air and chirping birds greeting them.
“Ah, and have I mentioned the variety of birds that have made this flower maze their home?” Lyra asked, smiling. She inhaled the air and sighed with pleasure. “It’s absolutely riveting.”
“Do you come here to visit often?” Alecto asked Lyra as they descended the wide marble stairs and stepped on the graveled pathway leading to the entrance to the maze.
Lyra shook her head. “Not as often as I’d like. These high-tea events take place in different locations around Inathis. There’s a schedule we follow. Sometimes we host them at our home in Old Haven as well, usually in the midfall.”
Alecto nodded.
“I was so pleased that you joined me today. Reverie couldn’t make it because she got stuck working on the charity event in Holly Hills,” Lyra said and awarded them both with the sweetest smile.
Alecto thought she meant it.
It was hard to believe someone as sweet as Lyra would be capable of participating in all those murders. But then again, Alecto hadn’t think her mother was capable of such things either.
Looks could be deceiving.
“So, how’s it going with the Game this round?” Lyra asked once they stepped into the maze through the arch made of blood oak branches weaved together. “Have you chosen a House whose Book you’ll steal? I suppose the Tigers would be the easiest target. But there is no glory going after a House that’s already been weakened, is there?”
The pathway they walked was wide, but the tall flower-heavy walls that stretched high above their heads made Alecto feel claustrophobic.
Jolene looked at Alecto and nodded. Alecto cleared her throat and said, “Yes, we have chosen a House. House of Rats. And we even have a plan that not only will help us get their Book, but also significantly weaken their House.”
Lyra looked intrigued, arching an eyebrow. “That sounds impressive. The other alumni will be pleased.”
“Actually, Auntie, it’s good that you asked about it,” Jolene said, feigning innocence. “We could use your advice, as an alumnus.”
Lyra smiled once more, and it was a smile that lit up the whole room. “Oh, you flatter me, Jolene. Tell me, girls. I’ll try to help in whatever way I am able.”
They had rehearsed the speech before, knowing well what to say and when. Alecto hadn’t expected Lyra to be so easy to work with so far.
“Well, we are taking on a bit of a stronger spell this time around,” Alecto explained. “It’s a spell that requires a lot of energy. More than we have and could channel all by ourselves.”
Lyra frowned a bit. “That is very brave of you. But is it necessary? These types of spells can be dangerous.”
“But it is a spell from our Book,” Jolene said. “We figured that means it is alright. Someone in the past had managed it, and so can we.”
Alecto nodded her agreement. “We’re no weak witches, Miss Frone.”
Lyra put her hand over Alecto’s forearm. “Oh, my dear, call meLyra.Miss Fronemakes me sound so cold and official. And I was there when you learned to walk!”
Alecto smiled, something in her chest twisting.
“So, tell me more about that spell,” Lyra said. “Maybe I’ll know it and can give you some pointers.”
“The spell requires a sacrifice of sorts,” Jolene said.
Lyra nodded. “All spells do.”
“Yes, but this one requires a…human sacrifice,” Alecto said. “In fact, a few ritual murders.”
The moment Alecto’s words left her mouth, Lyra’s face dropped, and she came to an abrupt stop. She glanced around as if to check that there was nobody around.
“Do you recognize the spell by any chance?” Jolene asked, still playing her part. “It is from our Book, so you must know it.”
