Page 91 of Spellbound
He rolled his eyes, whistling out a breath. “Enough of this. You’re getting out of this house today, whether it kills me. We need you, Elle. You’re a keeper now. You’ve had your time to wallow, so if finding Raiden is what it takes to absolve you of all this bullshit guilt so you can live your life again, then we’ll find him.” He clicked his tongue, standing. “Anyway, we still need to stop Freya. She’s the one who was killing our own, and Edmund plans on going to the council today to tell them.”
My breath hitched. “If they know about Freya, they will hunt all of the gods.”
“That’s why Edmund didn’t say anything at first, but we have little choice. We need to kill Freya, and we can’t do it on our own.”
“No. He can’t go to them. Let me try first. Surely Aziel can at least be contacted.”
He shrugged. “Naomi said he left shortly after you got back.”
“I know, but he didn’t say where he was going to?”
“She didn’t say so.”
I bit my lip. “We have to fix this. Raiden’s just lost his sister; I can’t have him lose his brother...” I paused, feeling nauseated at the thought. “To lose his own life.”
“Ah, there’s the spirit. Now go shower because no offense, girl, but.” He pinched his nose, and I slapped his arm. He chuckled, then shoved his hands in his pockets. “I’ll call Edmund off, but you better have a good plan.”
I gulped. “I should go alone.”
He laughed again. “Right. Because having your more powerful coven mates with you would only what, slow you down?”
I shot him a glare. “Don’t be sarcastic. I just don’t want anyone else getting hurt.”
“You’ll get killed, and look, this isn’t just about you or Raiden. We’re stopping a murderer. It’s our choice. Together, Elle, we might stand a chance. Not alone.”
“I... I don’t know.”
“Either you come up with a plan that involves us or we go to the elders. Don’t get me wrong; it’d be a shame to have Raiden killed. We all like him—well, me and Dora do. Edmund is so-so.” He shook his hand, smirking. “Only because he could see the way he looked at you. You know Edmund sees you as a daughter, and Raiden is, well, reckless, arrogant, extremely handsome...”
“Enough.” I rolled my eyes. “Fine, we will all go.”
“I’m bringing Naomi. After the magic you said she pulled off, she’s an asset. Get dressed. We’re going on a god hunt.”
“Oh gods.”
“Oh gods, indeed.”
I rushed down to the kitchen after having a quick shower and getting dressed. I wore my leather jacket, black pants, a tight white top, and boots suitable for hiking. I wasn’t going to be caught out in the wilderness in a dress. In my bag, I shoved gloves, a hat, scarf, extra top, and my pistol with extra bullets. Around my thigh, I sheathed my dagger into the scabbard, then shoved a second, smaller dagger inside my boot.
Maddox grinned when he saw me. “Evening, bounty hunter.”
I dropped the bag on the table. “Is it too much?”
He patted his own bag. “I’m bringing ten dark objects, so no.”
“That is smarter.”
“Of course it is.” He smirked. “But then, I am smarter.”
I rolled my eyes. “Where are the others? Did Edmund agree?”
“Yes, and don’t worry about a plan. Edmund already has one. Dora’s staying here to protect the mansion.”
A meow sounded from behind me, followed by a nose nudging me.
“Hey, Benji.” I leaned down. “Look after Dora for us while we’re gone.” I scratched his head and stood. “At least she’ll remember to feed you.” It was my job, but I forgot half the time. In my defense, I tried, but I had told Dora and Edmund when they put me on lunch duty for Benji, to teach me responsibility, that I struggled to keep a plant alive, let alone an animal.
“I’m sure he’s grateful,” Maddox joked. “What’s taking them so long?”
