Page 42 of Spellbound
“Ah, Felix. Oh.” I perked up. “Maddox actually found out something about the murderer last night. About the cloaking spell.”
His shoulders tensed. “What was it?”
“They are killing people to cloak themselves. Blood can be used to fuel powerful spells, or so I’ve read, and Maddox said he thinks that’s what they’re doing and there will be more killings yet. So the tracing ritual Edmund was attempting to do wouldn’t have worked anyway.”
“Did he say if he found a way to break the spell?”
“No. Only that he would let Edmund know.”
“Elle.” He hesitated. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something. What do you know about the vaults down below the—”
Both our hands tingled. It was a magic quill from Maddox.
Downstairs. Now.
Viktor sighed. “I’m going to regret doing that joining spell with him, aren’t I?”
I couldn’t help but smile. “He’s not too much of a pain with sending quills.”
“Good.”
I eyed a green glass chess set over by his closet. “You like to play.”
He looked over his shoulder, his eyebrows raising. “Yes, I do. Do you play?”
“I have.” I shrugged. “I prefer to read or draw.”
“We should have a game sometime.”
My eyes narrowed. “Maybe, but for now, we should go downstairs before Maddox has a panic attack.”
It felt good to brush my teeth and be back in my own clothes, a black top with frills and a high-waisted dark-green skirt that stopped just below my thighs. I brushed my hair back, but it was too wild.
When I reached the kitchen, I breathed in the smell of fresh coffee.
Maddox and Felix stood side-by-side, weary-eyed. Naomi’s hair stuck out at different angles, her curls crooked in places. Craig looked like he’d been dragged from a lake.
“Good, you’re all here.” Maddox’s hardened stare landed on me. “Finally. What took you so long?”
Viktor’s gaze found mine, then trailed along my body as he undressed me with his bedroom eyes. I glanced down, realizing my outfit might not have been the best choice, considering what had happened last night. I could practically feel Naomi’s stare burning into me.
He continued. “Magicians, you will be leaving this morning with Felix. We thank you for your help.”
I heard a meow behind us and saw Benji run in, looking for the bowl of food I’d forgotten to put out.
“Due to the new security measures, the call festival has been canceled.”
Relief flooded me. I wasn’t ready anyway.
Maddox continued. “Anyone willing to put their name forward can today, with me.” He gave me a look. “The same goes to you four, with Felix.” He nodded toward Naomi and the others. I couldn’t help but notice she was standing with her back toward Craig. “Before we all depart, who will be putting their names forward in my coven?” He looked at me, smiling. “Elle?”
I was about to decline. Without Viktor in the running, I didn’t need to.
“I will.” Viktor’s voice splashed shock through me.
“Are you sure?” Maddox hesitated. “You need to pass completely, and you haven’t touched on the grade two curses.”
“I’m sure.”
