Page 74 of To Crave Deeply
“You sent for me?” Selene drawled.
The muscle beneath Violette’s eye twitched in annoyance. “Give me my crown back.”
“Or what?” Selene said softly as she stepped closer.
I could feel the team ready themselves around me. Shoulders tensed, backs straightened and Torsten drifted closer to me. The Sin Reaper unfurled her fingers as Torsten drew closer. It was almost like she was happy he was there. It was weird being able to feel the demon without Iveri. I looked over to her and she looked miserable. I needed to fix this. I didn’t care what anyone else thought; I wanted to help her.
The air crackled as magic came to life and my attention went back to the two witches.
“You’ll regret stealing it,” Violette whispered menacingly.
Selene just grinned.
Oh, shit.
The witches attacked at the same time. Blasts of magic filled the air with snaps, cracks, and loud booms. Screams of fury intertwined with the sound of magic and the two witches were a blur of movement as they moved deeper into the throne room.
Rogue blasts hit the gilded ceiling and golden plaster rained down on us as we stood watching the two witches hash it out. It was like a bitch fight of epic proportions. Alec had his arm out signalling us to hold back. He was right to do so. Going up against witches was idiotic when you didn’t have your own witches. Mage magic worked differently, and I was completely untrained. I suddenly wondered if I was still welcome in the Arcane Forum after the whole angel attack at the Gathering. I was kind of responsible for that. I should speak to Fenris, but I just couldn’t bring myself to be alone with him. I’d either kill him or kiss him, and neither of those were particularly favourable options.
Fenris glanced over at me, and I looked away, not wanting him to catch me staring at him. What a mess. The worst thing was that I missed my friend, and I worried that I’d forgive the whole issue with hiding Elissa, just so I could have that time back. But I couldn’t do that. It wasn’t fair to any of us.
The fight was over in seconds. Selene gave a casual flick of her wrist and brought Violette crashing to the ground. The original witch placed a stiletto-clad foot against Violette’s neck and leant down with a sneer.
“Yield.”
“Never,” spat Violette.
Selene dug the heel of her shoe deeper into Violette’s neck. “Yield!”
The Witch Queen grabbed at Selene’s foot, but it wouldn’t move. I was just about to get involved, despite Alec’s orders to stay back, but Violette turned her head to the side and removed her hands from Selene’s foot in a show of surrender.
The original witch held out her hand to Violette and helped her to her feet. They both looked at each other and then burst into laughter.
What? Was that just some kind of test?
I didn’t understand witches. Demons, I got. Their whole hierarchy was based on dominance, power, and strength, but I thought witches were based on knowledge? Maybe Selene was just old-school. I mean, she was the first. Maybe the traditions had just changed over time.
“I haven’t had to stretch my power like that for ages,” Violette said. “You are a worthy adversary.”
“I’m still recovering from six centuries in the Pit,” Selene replied, indicating that she still had more power yet to recoup. Shit. How powerful was this witch? I was beginning to doubt whether rescuing her was a good idea. I still had to face Lucifer and tell him I’d broken her free. I bet he was going to be pissed. God, I had so much shit to sort out, I didn’t have time to be standing here while they chit-chatted like long lost buddies.
“It’s great you’ve made up and all, I’m sure you’re going to be best friends for life, but I need this debt cleared.” I rolled up my sleeve and displayed the blood runes marked up my arm.
Violette turned her eyes on me with a scowl. “Fine. But you will have to bring me Alec’s heart if you want me to put it back where it belongs.” She walked over to me, grabbed my wrist, and muttered some more foreign sounding words. There was a tingle that spread up my arm, like pins and needles, and the blood runes faded until they were completely gone. I felt the magic leave. It was like a weight being lifted off my soul, and every breath felt a little bit lighter.
“I’d say it was nice doing business with you but… well, I’d be lying.” I turned to Alec. “Come on, we need to find Jasper.”
I made to head out of the throne room, but Alec’s voice stopped me in my tracks.
“No.”
“What?”
He sighed and fixed me with a determined stare. “We have bigger problems. I’ve received a message from de Santis demanding our return. Riots are breaking out in the Conclave and the second team needs us back there. Jasper is capable of looking after himself. Returning to the Conclave is a priority.”
“You’re just going to leave him in the Pit?” I asked incredulously.
He walked up to me and there was a sorrowful look in his eyes. “I know I am asking a lot, but with any luck, Jasper will already be back at the base.” His hands cupped my shoulders. “We will find him, I promise. We just need to make our home safe. I don’t know what’s happening, but I know I need your help. Please, Lori. Trust me.”
