Page 103 of Dissection of Immortal Hearts
He waved dismissively. “It’s time you learned uncontrollable impulses can cost you your life.”
She bared her teeth in irritation, but he was scanning the valley and didn’t notice her expression. This distant, arrogant Mikhail, who believed he knew everything and had the right to command her, was driving her mad.
“The plan is to find the necklace, retrieve it, and then have you open a witch’s portal or do something magical to get us out of here,” he said.
Amelia hesitated, unsure how to break the next bit of news. She hated showing weakness in front of him, but… “I don’t know how to open portals, Mikhail. And I don’t do magic.”
He tilted his head and locked eyes with her. “You have witch blood in you, don’t you? It’s time to make use of it.”
She pursed her lips. At this rate, she might remain trapped in a witch’s gathering for some time, with one very grumpy manticore.
***
Amelia
As they headed towards the lake, Mikhail placed a steady hand on her lower back. Not so long ago, his touch had felt natural. Now, it made Amelia glance at him out of the corner of her eye.
“How do you suppose a manticore would end up at a witch gathering unless he was a witch’s lover?” he asked, his tone laced with dry amusement.
She didn’t reply, though it was impossible to ignore the warmth of his closeness. As much as his recent behaviour repelled her, her body couldn’t forget him.
Mikhail leaned in, his breath brushing against her cheekbone. “We’ll pass by the stalls to see if the necklace is on display. Novices attend this sort of witch gathering. The truly dangerous ones – the traditional witch families who wield genuine magic – don’t bother with such frivolities. I learned that while researching witches before our trip to Alberobello last year.”
They walked past two young girls in dresses similar to Amelia’s, giggling and whispering to one another. Their speech carried a slightly stronger accent, and some of their words sounded unfamiliar.
“They can’t be older than fifteen,” Amelia observed in passing.
“These gatherings are just entertainment for the young and the timid – those wishing to dabble in magic but lacking the courage.”
When they neared the stalls, the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon drifted through the air, tickling Amelia’s senses. “Well, at least I don’t have to worry about being struck down by the black magic of some furious traditional witch.”
“Don’t count on it.” Mikhail steered her towards a stall lined with glass jars.
They squeezed past the small crowd gathered around the display to examine the beautifully labelled jars. Each contained a different ointment – for faster hair and nail growth, improved circulation, or greater stamina in bed…
“It’s not here,” Mikhail said.
They moved on to the next set of stalls, passing baked goods, silver spoons, perfumes, love potions, clothing, leather shoes, knitted toys, and even jewellery – but no sign of the necklace.
Only a few stalls remained when the crowd stirred, gathering towards the far end of the lake.
“There it is!” someone exclaimed.
“Is it starting already?” another asked.
“Come on, let’s go!”
At first, Amelia and Mikhail couldn’t understand what had captured everyone’s attention, but as they approached, the witches had formed a circle around a man in a blue tunic.
“Any idea who he is?” Amelia asked.
Mikhail shook his head. When the commotion subsided, the man cast his eyes over the gathered crowd. He was remarkably handsome, with a sun-kissed face and piercing blue eyes that resembled the clear horizon above.
“A beautiful day, isn’t it?” He glanced briefly at the skybefore flashing a wide smile at the crowd. The gesture elicited a wave of sighs from several young women. “I am Balian Tata, and you are the honoured guests of the Tata family’s annual celebration…”
Mikhail’s hand clenched around her waist.
“What is it?” Amelia asked in a hushed tone.
