16. Chapter 16

16

Chapter 16

Rowan

I bite my lip, trying to concentrate on the glowing orb hovering between my palms. Heath's voice drones on about energy manipulation, but my mind wanders. Again.

"Rowan? Are you with me?" Heath's concerned tone snaps me back to reality.

"Sorry, I just…" I trail off, letting the orb dissipate. "Can we take a break?"

Heath nods, but he looks concerned, clearly impatient to keep going. As he steps away, memories of our training sessions flood back. The exhilaration of finally casting successful spells, the pride in Gran's eyes. But always, always, the nagging worry about Mia.

I slump against the wall, closing my eyes. Darick's face swims into view for the umpteenth time. I shove the thought away, focusing instead on Mia. It's been so long since that cryptic text about her, and what have we actually done? Nothing.

Gran's words echo in my head: "The coven leaders are working on it, dear. These things take time."

Time. As if Mia has all the time in the world while she's being held captive by vampires.

I clench my fists, frustration bubbling up. We should be out there, searching. Doing something. Anything. Instead, I'm here, learning to make pretty lights while my sister suffers.

And Darick… I can't shake these thoughts of him. The memory of his kiss in my dream sends an unwelcome shiver over my skin.

"Dammit," I mutter, pushing off the wall. "This isn't enough."

Heath turns back to me. "Rowan? What's not enough?"

"Nothing," I say with a tight smile. "I'm just tired, I guess. Could we take a break?"

"Sure." He gives a wide, toe-curling smile. At least, that's what I would have thought a couple of months back when I was still fighting off a giant crush on him. Now, he's just…sweet. Too sweet, if I think about it.

Not like Darick at all.

Stop thinking about Darick!

With a smile, I head to the door to my cottage and hold it open. Heath gathers his spell books and slips out, hesitating on the patio beyond the threshold.

"Just keep practicing," he says. "And remember, there comes a responsibility with the power you now wield. Be careful with it."

"Absolutely." I nod too much, a hand on the door.

"So…I'll see you tomorrow?" He sounds eager.

"Sure," I say, already thinking up ways to bow out of it. I start to close the door. "Goodnight, Heath." I shut it just as he's about to say something, then lean against it.

"What's got you looking so bleak?" Poppy peers out from a fruit bowl where she's been helping herself to a crisp apple.

I heave a sigh. "I'm just wishing everyone would take this more seriously," I tell her. "I understand that I need to learn how to control my magic, but I feel like I'm back in school."

I'm about to launch into another rant when my phone buzzes. Frowning, I fish it out of my pocket.

Unknown number.

"What is it?" Poppy asks, scampering closer.

I read the message aloud: "Info on Mia. Nocturne Lounge. 9 pm. I will find you there."

My heart races. "It's got to be a trap," I mutter.

"Don't even think about it," Poppy squeaks, her tiny paws on her hips. "You know how dangerous that place is. Remember what happened last time?"

I wince. How could I forget? "This is different," I argue, more to myself than Poppy. "This is a direct link to Mia."

"Exactly why it's probably a trap!" Poppy retorts. "Some creepy vampire trying to lure you in."

She's right. I know she's right. But…

"What if it's real?" I whisper. "What if someone actually has information? We've been sitting on our hands for ages, Poppy. Mia's out there, suffering, and we're just…waiting."

I stare at the phone, my mind racing. The smart thing would be to tell Gran or even Kara. But I already know what they'd say. It's too dangerous. We need to be patient. Let the Conclave handle it.

But the Conclave isn't handling it. Not fast enough.

"I have to go," I say finally, meeting Poppy's worried gaze. "I know it's risky, but I can't just ignore this. Not if there's even a chance it could lead to Mia."

Poppy sighs, her tiny shoulders slumping. "I know that look. You're going no matter what I say, aren't you?"

I nod, already moving to my closet to find something suitable for a vampire club.

"I'm going with," she says, leaping onto my shoulder. "Someone's got to keep you from doing anything too stupid."

"Don't be nuts, Poppy. It's a nightclub."

"So? I can practice my moves." She shakes her little tush, tail swishing. I shake my head, grateful for the moment of lightness. Because God knows, there's nothing lighthearted about what I'm about to do.

This is insane, Rowan!

But how can I just ignore it? If I'd been stronger, we might have been able to save Mia by now. I owe it to her to at least try to find her. At least pick up some kind of clue.

As I dress, my mind races with possibilities. Who sent the message? What information could they have? And most importantly, how am I going to handle whatever I find at the Nocturne Lounge?

I gnaw on my lip as I think on this. "Come on," I tell myself. "It's a crowded venue. I'll use the wards to keep me safe. I'll see what they have to say, and then I'll get out of there quickly." Even saying the words out loud doesn't make them sound like a good idea. But this is the closest we've come to a solid lead since this nightmare began.

As I finish dressing, I stand in front of my mirror. Gone are my usual comfy jeans and oversized sweaters. Instead, I'm poured into a skin-tight black miniskirt that leaves little to the imagination. My top isn't much better – a deep V-neck in black satin that plunges dangerously low, revealing more cleavage than I'm used to showing. I've swapped my practical flats for a pair of ankle boots with heels so high I'm not entirely sure how I'll walk in them.

I'll fit right in.

My hands shake slightly as I apply a final coat of deep red lipstick. The smoky eye shadow makes my eyes look huge and mysterious. My hair is slicked back into a sleek ponytail, not a strand out of place. It's a far cry from my usual tumble of curls.

I reach for my glasses out of habit, then pause. Lately, they've been giving me trouble, blurring my vision instead of sharpening it. I make a mental note to get my prescription checked, then decide to forgo them entirely tonight. I need to blend in, after all.

I freeze as I hear a knock at the door. "Rowan? Are you in there, sweetie?"

My heart races.

Mom. Crap.

"Just a second!" I call out, frantically looking around. I grab my fluffy robe from the back of the door and throw it on, cinching it tightly around my waist to hide my club outfit. A quick glance in the mirror shows my face still done up. I snatch a towel and wrap it around my head, hoping it'll hide my styled hair.

Taking a deep breath, I crack open the door. "Hey, Mom. What's up?"

She smiles, but there's a hint of concern in her eyes. "We were wondering if you'd like to join us for dinner at the house tonight. Your father's making his famous lasagna."

My stomach growls at the thought, but I force a yawn. "Oh, that sounds great, but I'm actually pretty beat. I was thinking of having an early night in with some Netflix and ice cream."

Mom's brow furrows slightly. "Are you feeling alright? You look a bit flushed. And your eyes…"

I laugh nervously. "Just took a hot shower. You know how I like to boil myself alive. Should've cleaned off the mascara first. I'm sure I look like a panda."

She chuckles, but I can tell she's not entirely convinced. "Well, if you change your mind, you're always welcome. We miss having you around the house."

Guilt gnaws at me. "Thanks, Mom. Maybe another night?"

She nods. "Get some rest, sweetie. Love you."

"Love you too," I call as she heads up the path back to the family home. I close the door and lean against it, letting out a long breath.

That was too close. I need to get out of here before someone catches me. I take a deep breath, bolstering myself. It's time to take matters into my own hands.