Chapter 12

12

My stomach churned, but I forced myself through the motions of eating lunch. Bite. Chew. Swallow. Drink. I was about to release the Kraken on the coven, so to speak. The mood in the coven was cheerful, but I expected that may end in about—oh, ten minutes.

Huxley was grinning. “You’re screwed.”

Corentin smiled at me, or through me to something only he could see… I wasn’t sure.

Wild joined us, shrugging out of a thick set of robes.

“Good shift?” I asked.

“If good means no sign of activity at the demon gates, then yes.” He snagged a piece of toast off my plate. “We’ll need you to come out to the gates when you have time today. We’re tracking the speed the gates move at in the hopes of setting up defenses in advance so we’re always covered.”

Smart. Sexy too. “If I’m still leader in an hour, you got it.”

“If not?”

“I’ll be outrunning the pitchforks.”

Huxley grumbled, “I hate when you speak human.”

“Why?” I asked.

“Because I don’t like not knowing stuff, and I don’t know much human,” he snapped.

I looked closer. “You and Spyne are fighting again.”

“He’s being unreasonable!”

Mother save me from this bespectacled pain in the ass.

Sven sat, saving me from the need to reply. He leaned close. “We have a problem. The coven knows about the announcement.”

What? I peered around again. They’d been happy enough before, but now heads were bowed together in hushed conversation. Wide eyes. Shaking heads. “Fuck.”

My gaze swept to Opal, who sat eating her breakfast not far away. She was oblivious to the spread of gossip around her. If she didn’t spill the beans, then who did? I checked Winona, and then Ruby. Ruby sat with some friends from Vero, and she was shaking her head, lips pressed tight together. They were asking her for the truth, and she wasn’t giving it. Good.

I looked at Frond’s table. His numbers had diminished further overnight, but one person hadn’t shifted her butt from a chair. Josie. Bedwyr was back there, too, and looking pissed.

I had my culprit. “Josie was nearby when Barrow delivered the letter to me. She must’ve overheard parts of our conversation.” I pursed my lips. And Bedwyr had been waiting outside the advisory chamber when I’d exited the other day. He’d glanced at the letter in my hand. I was pretty sure he didn’t see anything, but I was beginning to suspect Frond had set spies on me.

Sven was sweating. “I’m barely holding this together, Tempest. You need to address the matter now.”

I rested a hand on his arm. “Done.”

I stood, opting not to use the stage still set up at one end of the eating chamber. I needed to appear as one of the coven. To be with them. Because I was. I didn’t want to be set apart and making these choices. I also didn’t want people to die because I wasn’t brave enough to venture beyond what had always been.

We needed help.

“Your attention,” I called.

Conversation was slower to cease today, and I tried not to let that bother me. Eventually, quiet reigned.

“A quick announcement this morning,” I said, sending battle to my voice so it reached everyone. “But one that may come as a shock to some. My advisory team has been hard at work this week, and one of the many things we’ve had to consider is the constant threat of demon attack. As you know, we share a contractual alliance with the original coven. The original coven responded to our call this week by sending a box of novice-level charms to use against the demons.”

I saw a few jaws drop at that.

“Not what we’d expected, I agree,” I said. “Not only that, they’ve been busy amongst the other covens, letting them know their stance against us. Out of ninety-seven covens, we have the support of seven.”

There was a collective low hum that was part sorrow and part fear. Frond was smirking, and I longed to wipe the fucking smile off his dial with my fist. One day.

“We must proceed as though a larger and more powerful demon force will be sent against us next time,” I continued. “I don’t say that to make you afraid or to keep you up at night. I say that because I wish to be transparent with the real danger that surrounds us. We cannot let pride or tradition get in the way of our survival. The lives of our families and friends, and of our young ones are in our hands. The demons will come and go, but this coven will remain. That I am determined to see through.”

And I fucking was.

“As many of you suspect or are aware, I have invited the leaders of the nearby Vissimo clan and Luther pack to a meeting to discuss alliance against the threat that faces our three species.”

I’d expected an uproar, but the opposite happened. Some people weren’t shocked at the news, but they were shocked the rumors had been correct. They hadn’t expected I’d do such a thing. I’d just toppled off a pedestal in the minds of some coven members.

“High Esteemed, what threat? Do you expect the demons to go for vampires and werewolves next?” a Vero magus called out.

“I believe we are the demons’ starting point to expand their territory. This coven knows I was raised outside in the human world, and I had more interaction with supernaturals as a result. I’d heard of the game played by the warring Bluff City Vissimo clans. I’d also heard of the game played between the human tribe and Luther pack in Deception Valley. I didn’t think much about these until coming here. Even then, the coincidence of this coven playing a game, too, didn’t strike me as odd. I told you that I think demons have used Caves as a means of getting a foothold of power within our walls. I’ve told you that they thrive on division and negative emotion. I suspect that the demons have used the same tactic against the Vissimo and Luthers through their games, Ingenium and Grids.

“Why do I believe the demons have attacked us first? Myriad reasons. We are more isolated than the other races, and known for shunning outsiders. We do not possess mates, and therefore may be perceived as weaker in that we don’t gain extra powers from that process. The Vissimo and Luthers are already in alliance together, and this may be knowledge available to the demon king. There’s also potential that the other races have strong intraspecies alliances that the demon king thinks shouldn’t yet be challenged. No, from what I can predict, the demon king plans to take us in the south, and then collapse from the north and south upon the other races in the west and east. This is what I foresee will happen unless we find more friends in this fight. We only have the support of seven covens, and while there will be a continuous effort to grow that number and to hold the original coven accountable for their pettiness and cowardice, we cannot rely on magus help alone.”

I’d been wandering aimlessly between the tables while talking, and Berry spoke from beside me, “But why have the original coven abandoned us?”

I considered putting Frond on the spot, but I didn’t want to acknowledge him in the slightest. “Because Wild and I didn’t obey them in joining the original coven. You may know that Spyne and Esteemed Advisor Lief came across a passage in their laws that forbids dealing in magus lives. The contract they held with this coven was null and void and illegal per their own coven laws. I forged another contract with them soon after to protect this coven, but they’ve decided not to uphold that in good will. While that is regrettable, I cannot regret that Wild and I are here with our coven during this time, and not forced to be elsewhere and unable to help you.”

Her eyes flashed. “Don’t they realize we could all die?”

I rested a hand on her shoulder. “Actions speak louder than words, Berry, so look closely at the actions of the original coven. Reflect on them. Question why they feel such comfort in behaving this way.” I lifted my head. “There will be no unnecessary loss of life in this coven. I hope there will be none. To that end, I will explore every avenue available to us. I give you my solemn word that I’ll explore everything with the utmost care. In two days, a small group of Vissimo and Luthers will arrive at the coven. They may opt to remain overnight after traveling here. They are our guests, and they are under my personal protection. I realize this will be a first for many of you, and I welcome you to the opportunity of experiencing two other supernatural races and cultures that exist freely outside of these walls.”

The murmurs were back, and they were an odd comfort. I preferred them to the leaden silence before.

I held up a hand for quiet. “Many of you have grown up on horror stories of these races from your ancestors. To that, I can only say that one encounter does not provide a good looking glass to observe an entire people. Think of the variety we see amongst magus, for instance. Be assured that I have ample experience of Vissimo and Luthers from my time outside. You will be safe, and I hope that by opening this communication, we will ensure our safety.”

Frond’s voice rang out across the eating chamber. “And what of the fact that you had contacted vampires and werewolves prior to the attack by the demons to warn them of the danger? What of that, High Esteemed?”

My focus landed on Josie, and despite her bizarre loathing of me, she quickly found another place to look. She was the culprit all right. I shifted my attention back to the real asshole. “Frond, what’s your motive behind such a question?”

“Is that a yes?”

I waited, and when he didn’t answer, “I take it you can’t think of any motive that would promote unity against demonkind.”

“My motive is transparency for the coven,” he answered.

I nodded. “That is a worthy motive. Are you certain it’s your only one? To answer your question—for the sake of transparency, as you profess to want—my aim, and that of those who surround me, is to keep everyone in this cave alive. That means that we are addressing the crucial matters at this time. Because there is much to do. Did I deliver an earlier warning to the other supernaturals? That story includes an ancient blade, the chance findings of a coven elder, and a few books, and I look forward to telling that story at a time when we have the space to enjoy such stories.”

“We deserve to know everything now.”

“I thank you for your time spent helping to govern the decisions of this coven as part of the council, Frond. If the relics had chosen you, then you would be in my shoes. I wonder if you would be so vocal about transparency, then, with the strength of your ties and loyalties to the original coven who has willfully failed to uphold their contractual obligations.”

Frond was the smirking and sneering type. The kind that swaggered with a more powerful opponent at their back. This was the first time I’d seen wisps of his power sneak out with the force of his rage.

I opened my hands, fully facing him. “I have no wish to quarrel with you or any coven member, Frond. What we must remember is that division only fuels the power of our enemy. I hope you and others”—I scanned the occupants of his table—“are able to recollect that and act in the best interest of the coven.”

I turned my back on him then. “That is the news. There will be no upset to the order of things with the arrival of our guests. Go about your day as usual. Once there is an outcome, I’ll share it with you.”

I’d ventured across the eating chamber, and I backtracked to join my friends again through the movement of magus leaving for the learning centers or various meetings.

The others watched me as I sat.

Sven was glaring daggers at Josie. “It was her, all right.”

“Yes,” I agreed.

“She’ll regret it.” He cracked his knuckles.

I shook my head. “Keep your energy for what’s most useful.”

“She’s a problem,” Sven growled.

“And she’s allowed to be a problem. I neither need nor want everyone to agree with me. There needs to be room for dissent if there’s to be room for growth. I may not agree with everything she or Frond’s group says, but I may agree with the odd statement, and that may alter my thinking. Other coven members may find the same, and may then raise points with me in the future that alter the way our coven works. I don’t want to smother or silence anyone, Sven.”

“Then what the hell am I doing every day?” He banished his tray and stormed off.

“Hissy fit,” Huxley stated.

Rooke had joined the table during my announcement. “He’s tired. I get what you were trying to say. There’s a difference between managing fear and division and covering every leak. There’s got to be room for open discussion.”

My cousin had a way of putting hard things into simple words. “Could you speak to him?”

“Physical outlets work best,” she mused.

Huxley groaned, then brightened. “Everyone will be in the apothecary learning center! You can’t have sex in the greenhouse.”

Rooke rolled her eyes. “Like that would stop me.”

Huxley shot me a look as she departed. “It would, wouldn’t it?”

I lifted a shoulder. “Don’t ask me.”

Wild drew me in to his side, murmuring in my ear, “Well managed. That was a tough question, and in front of everyone. As planned.”

Frond had ensured that was as public as possible, and though I’d navigated that round, he’d won it. The coven would sweep up that tidbit. Sven couldn’t waste time on the likes of Josie when he had to mitigate that damage. “What was your feel of the reactions to the news?”

“Grimoires were intrigued. Battles had their hackles up but could also see the logic of your strategy. Apothecaries seemed shocked but without anger, though they’re most likely to be curious about living things. Divinations were the angriest.”

I frowned. “Reason?”

“Because they have the strongest connection to our ancestors, and they have the most respect for the lessons of the past. That’s also why the elders here appeared more resistant than the younger magus too.”

The coven hadn’t marched me out of here naked, though. “Guess that went about as well as expected.”

“It did,” Varden said, sitting with a weary sigh.

I gave him a once-over. “How are the new quarters suiting you, sir?”

“I feel more tired than ever,” he admitted. “Every sleep is a deep one, and I have rather a lot of it to catch up on. A week or two, and I’ll be back to normal.”

He seemed older. “Is the team working out okay?”

“They’ve come up with quite a list of ways to promote unity. We’ll give the coven time to settle into the centering circles and aim to release one new incentive weekly.”

I waited to see if he’d offer more. “Something’s bothering you, Varden. Out with it.”

A twinkle entered his blue eyes. “Am I morose? I did not intend to be.”

“You are.”

He grinned as he tended to do when I reminded him of my grandmother. His grin trailed away. “I’m suffering the effects of foolish hopes unrealized.”

That was super grimoire.

Varden continued, “For many years, I pinned my dreams of more at the end of Caves. Then, division would end. We would unite against the foe. All would be well. The reality is different. Slower, and”—he lifted a shoulder—“as I said, I formed a series of foolish hopes that got me through each day and night when I felt hopeless. I feel somewhat disappointed, and only I am to blame for building up the end of Caves to such a degree. I will be well again soon.”

I set my hand on his. “We’ll get there, sir. I promise you. This coven will return to its day as a coven of old. I know it.”

Varden’s eyes sparkled with unshed tears. “Yes. All will be well.”

He rose and walked away, and I noted the slight limp to his gait that wasn’t there yesterday.

“I never know what to do when old people get upset,” I admitted.

Wild had remained silent through the conversation. “You treat them like you’d treat anyone else who was upset.”

“No, not in that sense. I find the whole experience bizarre. My grandmother only cried when people got hurt. Except she cried tears of laughter. I guess my concept of the elderly is skewed from that.”

Wild’s shoulders were shaking. “I wish I’d met Rowaness.”

“She would have loved you, after ensuring you knew the one hundred most painful ways to inflict damage on an opponent.”

Wild’s grin widened. “And your mother?”

“She would have made you a meal and welcomed you, all the while probing your weaknesses to exploit them if you ever harmed me. She would have appeared neat as a pin during the day, but would’ve spent all night with her eyes open, staring into the darkness as she formed the perfect trap to contain you for eternity. That kind of thing.”

He wasn’t grinning anymore.

“Too much?” I asked.

Wild didn’t answer the question. “And Syera?”

“She would have hated you, treated you like crap, and then when things reached a head, she would’ve attacked you with the intent of seriously hurting you. After that, if you fought back halfway decently, then you’d be part of the family in her books.”

Laughter startled from him. “It doesn’t make much sense, but I still regret that I’ll never know them.”

They would’ve chewed Wild up and spat him out when they realized he was made of the good stuff. “So am I.” I wished so badly that could be different.

Wild took my hand in his, and soothing calm filled me. “I need you to check the gates, but how about we let off some steam first?”

I quirked a brow. “Again?” There had been some raucous bedsheet activity before his early-morning shift.

“Always. But how about we play around with your grimoire magic this morning? I know divination is your focus, but bringing characters out of books to life is kind of fun.”

One of Huxley’s favorite fighting tricks too. I wouldn’t mind learning that one. “I can think of a few characters I’d bring to life.” Wasn’t it every paranormal romance reader’s dream to bring the male love interest into the world?

Wild growled low, “Who?”

“Uh, Humpty Dumpty.”

“You’re lying, but who’s that?”

“He’s an egg that fell. Couldn’t be put back together.”

I felt Wild’s urge to question me further, and then he forced it back. Didn’t blame him.

We walked to the library, and I jogged ahead to open the door to the grimoire learning center, ignoring Wild’s snicker. I’d never done this before—for certain, anyway. Now I had grimoire magic and could get inside. Cheap thrills would get me through this shitshow.

We entered the far cubby that belonged to the quad, and Wild wasted no time sending out a silence charm so no one could eavesdrop.

“Probably for the best,” I said. “Pretty sure Frond is setting spies on me.”

Wild’s chest rumbled. That was new.

“He’s close to going too far,” Wild said darkly.

I pulled a title off the shelf in Corentin’s section. He hadn’t returned the divination titles to the library yet. He’d been busy doing… linen pants. “We can’t take his bait, Wild. It’s frustrating, and I’m most likely going to sink my fist into his face one day. For now, that would achieve the opposite of what we’ve told everyone to do. There must be an effort toward harmony and room for natural negative emotions. From us too. Even if Frond is the mouthpiece of the original coven. He’ll get what’s coming to him in time.”

When Wild didn’t respond, I turned to find him regarding me with a small smile. I’d like to have that mouth on mine. Or on my body. I wasn’t picky. “What?”

“You won’t want to hear it, but you’re a leader, Tempest. There hasn’t been time for anything but meetings and letters and speeches, but I hope you’re proud of the way you’ve taken this in your stride.”

“More like in a crawl.”

“If you’re still moving forward, then you’re doing what most magus could never do. Think of how your life has changed in a week. Most would crumble under that. You’re incredible.”

Blood warmed my cheeks. “Thanks. My life has changed in worse ways in the past. I suppose that made me different from a lot of people.”

“You are different to a lot of people. I love you, Tempest Corentine.”

Maybe I hadn’t thought about myself lately, because I had the surprising urge to shed a few tears right now. “I love you, too, Wild Astar.”

“When we have our union, I’m taking your name.”

I opened the book on Ogham Staves. “Did you just casually mention tying yourself to me forever?”

Wild approached, tilting my chin. “We’re already tied, my love. A union would be so everyone else knew it, and I do want them to know.”

Learning grimoire magic was becoming less important by the second. His musician fingers had that effect.

Wild took the book from my hands. “Why this one?”

“So I can complete my homework from Ty and learn grimoire magic at the same time.”

“Multitasker.”

“You knew that from last night.”

He flashed me a grin from where he flicked through the pages.

I perched on the table, making sure to do so on Huxley’s side so I could tell him where my ass had been. No reason why the rest of us shouldn’t mimic Rooke’s efforts in the greenhouse. Not when Huxley had reacted so brilliantly. “Your regret about not meeting my family gave me an idea.”

“Mmm?”

“You could technically meet them.” It wasn’t often that magus spoke with their deceased loved ones. When we died, we moved on. To hold back from what was next was a choice the dead rarely made because once the choice was made, there was no moving on ever. As magus, we didn’t fear a return to the Mother. We expected to meet our family and friends in whatever was next by embracing the full journey of death when it arrived. In saying that, a spirit did sometimes decide not to keep going. When a mother was ripped from a child, for instance, or when one lover died before another and couldn’t face leaving them alone.

He shot me a sharp look. “Your family didn’t move on?”

“They did.” Thank the Mother. “That doesn’t mean you can’t see them in a memory of mine.”

Wild set the book down. “I thought you’d set yourself against further divination journeys.”

And here was my real idea. “I had. Mostly still have. I can’t stop thinking that my other half may be trapped in the demon realm, though.” I checked the silence barrier was still in place around our cubby. “I’m not content to wait on her return. What if she doesn’t?”

What would happen to Wild?

“There’s one instance where she has always come out of her hiding spot,” I added.

“Whenever you return to the memory of your family’s murder.”

“Exactly.” My voice was grim because, really, I didn’t want to do this again. Each time I woke up at the north mountains, naked and covered in dirt, and the victim of chaos. “Maybe that would give my demon a door to return to my divination affinity. Once she’s back, our ritual will restart.”

Wild’s focus didn’t falter from my face. He wanted to do it, and also didn’t.

“No,” he eventually forced out. “We can’t risk it yet. There’s too much that could go wrong if you’re harmed in any way on a journey. This coven needs you.” He added in a drier tone, “I can hold it together as long as needed.”

Could he though?

I had Vissimo and Luthers arriving in two days, and any number of other tasks to see through. “Not right now, no. But it’s an idea in case things get worse.”

“One that holds merit.” He held up the book on Ogham Staves. “In the meantime, how about we bring a memory to life in another way? Care to chat to the first diviner of the staves about how they came to be?”

My lips curved. “Call me a book dork, but the answer is yes.”