Page 132 of Traitor Witch
"The story the mages are spreading is that you couldn't afford the rent," I mutter.
"Makes sense. If I were her, I'd want to make my enemies look pathetic too."
Her rational words don't match the quiet fury on her face so I let the subject drop. We go silent again as we cross a bridge and enter the large balcony space which is the source of the chatter.
Huge tables dominate the space, filled with Lunar and Solar witches who mingle freely under the warm lamplight. The sea is clearly visible on the other side of the railing butit's far enough below that I can find the view beautiful instead of terrifying.
I can't stop myself from scanning the horizon again.
TheDeadwoodstill isn't there.
The way we left things feelswrong, like a niggling sense of unease has slithered under my skin. Some primal part of me, which recognised them even though my mind wasn't on the same page, feels a little bit lost without them and I hate the sensation.
Moping after men I barely know is not me. Has never been me.
I refuse to start now. Even if theyaremy harem.
"They won't be able to find us, you know," Reva says, following my gaze as she leads me to an overburdened buffet table. "Those pirates won't be able to see past the enchantments in the statue. Only a witch can. To anyone else looking at the cliff from the sea, it looks like nothing's here but moss and gulls."
I don't answer her. Won't admit that's where my mind was.
Instead, I grab a plate in silence and start filling it with food. Because Lunars are nocturnal, there's a range of breakfast options for us, but there's also a whole table devoted to evening meals for the Solars. I hover awkwardly between the two but settle for breakfast.
I have to get back into the swing of coven life now.
When both of our plates are full, Reva leads me over to a huge table by the waterside. I choose a seat furthest from the railing, but it's still close enough that I can see the floating pontoon docks beneath us. Tiny, colourful fishing boats are moored all along the wooden platforms. Men and women walk up and down between them in everyday wear, with only a few white and black-robed witches dotted around. Theremust be more humans here than just those in harems of the Lunar witches.
How easy would it be to just give up everything and have a simple life here? A harem of fishermen and a job making exorcism charms.
That's not a life I could ever live, but I envy the people who can find contentment in hard work and small pleasures.
If I ever asked the pirates to turn theDeadwoodinto a fishing boat, they'd probably just laugh.
Goddess, why does everything remind me of my pirates? It's like ever since I left them they've started haunting my thoughts.
I shake my head to clear it.
"So the mages are allied with the Queen?" It's not a subtle change in topic, but it works.
Reva takes a huge bite of her food as she considers her answer. "Some are. Their council of families is ruled by the Castlemans who despise—"
"Nilsa!" Elsie barrels into me, knocking the air from my lungs and almost sending my breakfast flying. "Oh my Goddess, you won't believe it! Look!"
She bends, scoops up a white furball from the ground and shoves it into my face.
"I have a familiar," she announces proudly.
The kitten takes one look at me and hisses, struggling to be free.
"I don't think he likes me." I take a few steps around her and put my plate down.
"Don't be silly. Milo loves everybody." She tries to dump the ball of hissing fur onto my lap but he—like me—is having none of it.
Where is Opal when I need her? She could scare this poofy white monster away for good, but all I can do is try to ward him off.
He ends up wriggling out of Elsie's arms and leaping to the ground, giving his best disgruntled look before slinking under the table.
"He's just shy around new people," the Solar insists.
