Page 83 of Witch Undecided
Chapter Twenty-Four
“No,” Anna said. “Absolutely not.”
She stood behind her desk, fingers steepled on the wooden surface, a slight frown flirting with her brow. Sunlight streamed in through the windows behind her, catching the auburn highlights in her dark hair and setting them on fire.
I stared at her. “Why not?”
“Like I explained to Sloane this morning, the elder ghosts are fragile. The fire that took their lives was no normal fire. It was enchanted, and it burned not only their bodies but their memories too. We believe the Order was responsible. The fire is believed to be revenge for what we did to their leader Croatoan, and an insurance policy that we could never replicate the act.”
“They believe he’ll be free,” Conah said.
Anna nodded slowly. “Yes. And by destroying the witches who locked him away and burning both their memories and written accounts of how the act was achieved, they ensured that if he did get free, we’d be at a distinct disadvantage.”
So, that had been the reason for the fire. “But Meredith said she remembered something.”
Anna sighed and straightened. “Residual memories. Incomplete. She says the same things over and over from time to time, but there is nothing more. There never is. I spoke to her today and she doesn’t recall waking you or siphoning from you.” Her mouth tightened. “I’m sorry about that. In hindsight, putting you in the east wing was a bad idea. I’ve spoken to Sloane, and you’ll be bunking with her until you return to the cabin. We’ll have a new room set up for your next visit.”
If the elder ghosts’ memories had been burned away by a warlock spell, then there would be nothing for Conah to find.
I looked up at the reaper. “It was a good plan.”
“I’ll keep translating the journal,” Conah said. “There could still be a clue in there, some way to weaken the original vamps, or hurt them. Some way we can ward them off permanently.”
Anna’s smile was determined. “We won’t let them have you, Cora. I promise you, we’ll—”
There was a fizz and pop and then an envelope materialized on Anna’s desk. Silver smoke curled into the air from the cream paper.
Anna exhaled. “Finally.”
“What is it?” Conah asked.
“A message from the silent sisters.”
The silent sisters had helped put Croatoan away. “The silent sisters must know the spell used to siphon power from the Sons of Adam.”
Anna sighed and picked up the envelope. “The silent sisters were my first point of contact once Dimitri came into the picture. I asked them about the spell used all those years ago. They have no record of it. They were merely called upon to use the power to craft Croatoan’s prison. The spell itself was performed by the elder council at that time.” She deftly slit it open to pull out the note. She scanned it, her brow furrowing, before her gaze shot up to meet mine.
I didn’t like the surprise on her face. “What is it? Do they have the glamour?”
“Yes, they have it. And they’re ready for it to be picked up.”
Okay... “So why do you look worried?”
“Because they’re very specific about who collects.”
Oh boy, was she going to say what I thought she was going to say?
“They want you, Cora.”
Yep. She said it. The idea of heading to a maximum-security supernatural prison made my lungs tight with claustrophobia. But the glamour was important, and if this was the only way to get it, then so be it.
“Fine. I can leave right away.” I fingered the amulet around my neck. “I’d jump there, but I get the impression it’s quite far from here.”
Since becoming the anchor, making jumps was easier, but the amulet still muted my powers so jumping too often or too far was still a drain.
“No need.” Anna shook the envelope and a silver coin fell out. “They sent a portal.” She flicked the coin toward the wall. It turned heads over tails and then there was a flash of light and a silver door appeared. It stood a foot away from the wall, disconnected to anything. “It’ll take you to Blackmore. They’ll be expecting you.”
“I’m going with you.” Conah’s sapphire eyes were bright with concern.
