Chapter 7

7

" H oly shit, it's cold here," Sofia said.

A grin cracked Malcolm's face as he glanced at her. Surprised, he almost reached up to touch his own cheek. It was the second today. A record.

They stood in an alley near Salem's main street, having just aetherwalked from his home.

"I suppose you don't get out of the jungle much," he said. She wore a puffy brown jacket that somehow still managed to highlight her curves. He still wasn't used to actually seeing her. After so long apart, it was hard to keep his gaze off her.

Kitty stood at her side, scowling. The familiar didn't like the cold either.

"Not to cold places," she said. "How is it colder here than in Scotland?"

"Gulf stream. But it's not much worse. You're just used to the jungle."

"True." She set off down the alley, her footsteps silent on the cobblestone .

They walked out onto a residential street. Behind them were shops. Being one of America's older cities, Salem was a mix of long-standing houses and shops pressed up against one another.

"Looks like a Halloween bomb exploded here," Sofia said, surveying the street avidly.

Malcolm dragged his gaze from her. Red, orange, and yellow leaves rustled in the trees and floated through the air to land on the brick walkway beneath their feet. The homes on the other side of the street were all New England charm. Clapboard fronts with jack-o-lanterns on the stoops and a mishmash of other Halloween decorations. Two women in witch hats giggled as they walked down the other sidewalk.

"Mortals," Sofia said. "I hear they like it here around Halloween. It's commercial, but the magic beneath it all is what draws them, I think."

"Makes sense. Some mortals are sensitive to it." Though they had no idea that another world existed alongside their own, full of real witches and things that went bump in the night.

"Let's see if we can find the entrance to the Mythean street. Salem Hollow, I think it's called."

They turned and headed up the street. A black wooden building sat on the corner. With a steep roof, an overhanging second floor, and mullioned windows, it looked to be from the seventeenth century.

"Creepy," Sofia said.

"From the witch hunts, no doubt," Malcolm said. Evil lurked around the place. The two giggling mortals who stood in the front yard of the ancient building beneath a brilliant red-leafed tree didn't appear to feel it .

The house was a reminder of Salem's dark history, though the place was entirely different now. The streets were brightly festooned with Halloween garlands and jack-o-lanterns. An emblem of a flying witch was emblazoned on dozens of surfaces—signs, shop windows, cars. It was cheerful in a way that its history was not.

Sofia shook herself. "Come on, let's go find Salem Hollow. Maybe things will feel more normal there."

They made their way down a street lined with stores. Mortals in costumes bustled down the street. Magic shops butted up against t-shirt stores and bars. Wooden folding signs for psychic readings sat on the sidewalk and tour guides hustled for patrons.

"This is… interesting," Malcolm said. It made him itch, being so close to so many mortals. Two screaming children dressed as demons raced down the sidewalk in front of him.

"That's one word for it. It's really very charming," Sofia said. "Let's go in here. This shop has potential. I'd bet dollars to donuts we'll find Mytheans peddling goods to mortals in a few of these places. They can tell us where to find Salem Hollow."

Malcolm ducked through the low doorway behind her. The shop was small, with bundled herbs and flowers hanging from the ceiling and candles and knickknacks on every surface. Books crowded the two tables inside. Wicca, or whatever it was the mortal witches practiced, was obviously the theme of this particular shop.

He sensed no magic within. The proprietress, a blond woman wearing layered skirts and about a dozen scarves, smiled at him. He nodded at her, then caught Sofia's eye. She nodded briefly, and after a moment of browsing, they turned and left.

"All right, that was a bust," Sofia said. "I mean, if I wanted my house to smell nice, that's the place I'd try. But for anything more than that? Nah."

It took them three more shops before they found one that reeked of magic. Black and red candles burned in the window and pentagrams were painted on the glass. He pushed open the heavy door and held it for Sofia, then followed her inside.

The interior was dark and cramped. It screamed black magic—or at least, what mortals thought black magic might be. Crystals and candles decorated the shelves, along with animal bones and vials of brightly colored liquid. Fog drifted along the floor, coming from a black door in the back.

A young, dark-haired demon from an unidentifiable afterworld sat on a stool behind the narrow counter, snapping her gum and reading a book. She glanced up when the door shut, her eyes widening slightly behind black-framed glasses. She looked like something out of the 1950's, with bouffant hair and red lips.

"Can I help you?" she asked. "You're not from around here."

"No, I'm not," Malcolm said. "What's a demon doing selling spells and trinkets to mortals?"

"Gotta make a living. And besides, they'll pay out the nose for this crap. I stay away from the Wicca stuff. Respect their religion and all that—I'm not a monster."

"What do you sell?"

She shrugged. "Folks who frequent my fair establishment aren't interested in mortal witchcraft. They just want to curse their colleagues and make people fall in love with them. So I don't exactly feel guilty about selling them a bullshit spell and a black candle."

"Fair enough," Malcolm said.

"What are you?" Her green gaze darted to Sofia. "She's a witch. What kind, I don't know. But I can't tell with you."

Good. The charm was working. "Sorcerer. We'd like to find Salem Hollow."

"Oh? Why's that? You know we locals like to keep that on the down low. Hard to hide the street from mortals if we have all kinds of strangers coming and going."

"We'll be subtle. My friend here is looking for someone."

"How do you know you'll find them in the Hollow?"

"A hunch."

"Hmm. Well, it'll cost you."

"How much?"

Her gaze ran up and down his form. "Thirty minutes in the back."

"That's quite the offer."

She smiled. Before it could fade from her lips, he slipped the charmed cuff off his wrist and reached out to touch her temple, sending a burst of his magic and will into her mind that broke down her barriers.

He lowered his hand. "Do you know anything about the Salem Coven?"

In a slightly wooden voice, she said, "They live here. Not sure where. No one really knows."

"No?"

"No. They keep to themselves. Not all witches are part of the Salem Coven, though. Only twelve. Maybe thirteen. No one is quite sure. They're secretive. "

"Where's Salem Hollow?"

"Off Derby Street. In front of the water. To the right of the old Custom's House, there's a row of shops and bars. Next to the Witch's Brew Cafe, you'll find an alley. There's a gate within—looks like it leads to a basement apartment. It's fairly well hidden. Push the gate with your right hand to enter. Mytheans will walk onto Hollow Lane. Mortals will just walk into a small empty courtyard."

"Thank you. You'll forget us in five minutes." He turned to Sofia and nodded.

She led the way out of the little shop and into the brisk autumn air. The door shut behind them with a clang.

"Why didn't you just do that to start?" she asked as they turned left and headed down to a cross street that would take them to Derby.

"I wanted to find out what kind of demon she was. Some of them are particularly resistant to mind control."

"You can do that? Control minds?"

"It's just another facet of destruction. I break down the barrier that keeps a person from telling me what I want to hear. One who might keep silent because it's in her own best interest can no longer do so."

They made their way down the shop-lined street, past old buildings and under bright-leafed trees. The autumn wind was sharp and the smell of candles burning inside jack-o-lanterns permeated the air.

"What exactly have you been doing the last four hundred years?" Sofia asked as they dodged a group of be-hatted mortals sipping coffee from paper cups.

"You're interested?" His ego hated to admit it, but he was flattered .

"Strangely, I find that I am. But don't worry—it might not even be interest in you. After all, I wanted to be a warlock too. Until the cost became too great." There was bitterness in her voice.

Darkness filled his chest. She'd never forgive him for leaving her. He shook the thought away. But being without her was no longer bearable, so he would make it work. "I've been a mercenary. First for the money. Then to keep myself busy. I only take on work I like now."

"Did you have any standards, or would you do any old thing? Destroy villages, perhaps? Destruction is the specialty of a warlock, after all."

Sharp-tongued. But he liked it. Better than false sweetness bought with his gold or power. "I never destroyed any villages, no. But remember, destruction can be used to break evil magic. Dark spells. Plague. I didn't say no to much, though. It wasn't all good."

"Hmmm." Disappointment.

"I never did anything too terrible," he said. He didn't have much hope of her forgiving him, but he could at least try not to add to her dislike. "Mostly only to people who deserved it." Mostly.

"Have you been happy?"

He blinked, unsure of how to respond. Had he been? "I've been all right."

"I imagine the wulver half of your soul wouldn't like the cold life of a warlock."

No, she was right about that. Wulvers valued clan. Family. Love. But he'd been raised by his mother's people—sorcerers who prized magic and power over all else. That part of him had been ignored. Suppressed. "That hasn't been as easy."

"Is it why you've abducted me?"

His step faltered, but he forced himself to keep going, trying to cover it up. He hadn't expected her to figure it out. He almost hadn't figured it out. Was it the wulver part of his soul that had demanded he bring her back to him? Or just his desire? "Perhaps." He needed to change the subject. "What about you?"

"That's Derby Street up there." She pointed to a sign at the corner ahead.

"Not going to answer?"

"No."

"It's fair. I answered your questions."

"Life isn't fair, Malcolm. I know that as well as anyone."

He couldn't argue that point.

They stopped on the corner, looking out at the bay across the street. A glance left revealed that the old Custom's House sat down the road. The tall, elegant building looked to be mid-seventeenth century. Perhaps earlier.

It took them only a few minutes to find the alley between the shops next to the Custom's House. They slipped down the narrow passage. The gate sat at the end as the demon girl had said, a wrought iron affair that was rusted in places.

He put his right hand to it and glanced at Sofia. She nodded.

It swung open easily and they stepped through. A narrow street opened up before them, lined on both sides by shops and bars that looked far older than the mortal ones just outside. Mytheans had been here far longer, after all.

"Like freaking Diagon Alley," Sofia muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing. I think we should find someone that you can talk to."

"It's getting dark. The pubs should be filling up. Let's find one. We can ask around."

"All right."

They set off down the street. Brick and wooden buildings rose three stories high on either side, pressed cheek by jowl. Shops and bars sat on the bottom levels and Sofia guessed the apartments were on top. It was the most magical place she'd seen outside of her own village. Like a northern version of her home—Mytheans allowed to use magic in the streets and walk around freely even if they couldn't pass for human. Outside of places like this, Mytheans were supposed to keep a low profile.

Within protected spaces, they went wild. Even more so than in her own village. A trio of fae with lavender skin and gossamer wings walked in front of them. Some sort of demon with large horns and blue skin strode down the other side of the street, his huge shoulders hung with two great swords that crossed over his back.

The chimney of a narrow wooden building to her left belched pink smoke. The brick storefront next to that was painted with ancient runes. A seer worked within, from the look of them. A black cat streaked across the cobblestone road, its fur sparkling like dark diamonds.

Kitty hissed .

"I know, Kitty. What a show-off," Sofia said. "But if you like, I can make you a glittery purple."

Kitty looked up thoughtfully, then shook her little head once and continued on.

Noticeably absent were magic shops, though Sofia wasn't surprised. The Salem Coven wouldn't be the sort to sell their magic. But otherwise, there were restaurants, clothing shops, and weapons retailers. A potions store had the most elaborate front window Sofia had ever seen. Gleaming bottles full of jewel-tone liquid lined the shelves in artful array. Smoke snaked around their bases.

There were no cars. Many Mytheans could aetherwalk, so there was no need. For others, they'd just have to make do, no doubt. Sofia couldn't see anyone successfully driving out of the alley.

"What do you think of this place?" Malcolm stopped before a quiet storefront that sold fantastical furniture. He nodded toward a set of stairs that led down from the street and through an arch.

"The Cauldron Bar." The sign hung above the archway. A little emblem of a witch flying on a broom was etched onto it. Only the witch was flying backward, facing the broom bristles. "The demon at the shop said that not all witches here are part of the Salem Coven. Maybe we can find some others in there who can tell us what we need to know?"

"My thoughts exactly." Malcolm started down the stairs.

Sofia followed, marveling at the breadth of his shoulders. He moved so smoothly for such a big man. Quiet and elegant.

They reached the bottom. Kitty hissed. Sofia squinted down the narrow, stone-paved passage. The brick walls were studded with yellow gas lamps and Malcolm's head brushed the narrow ceiling. At the far end, a wooden door beckoned.

"These witches are freaking creepy," Sofia said.

"Stay behind me." Malcolm started down the alleyway.

Sofia bristled. She could take care of herself, damn it. No one talked to her that way. She was the Protector of Bruxa's Eye.

But then, if there was a hit coming, perhaps she should let him take it.

She should definitely let him take it.

Suddenly, the floor dropped out from under her. She screamed as she fell. Pain streaked through her legs as she crashed to the ground. Kitty's smoky form floated beside her. Heart racing, she looked around. Dim light illuminated a stone-walled room. Dungeon, more like.

She glanced up to see that the ceiling above her was normal. No hole through to the street upstairs. It began to shimmer, then opened up to the street above. Malcolm jumped down into the room, landing gracefully beside her.

He leaned down to help her. "Are you all—"

The door crashed open. Malcolm surged upright and moved to stand between her and the door. She scrambled to her feet, wincing at the pain in her leg. But it was already a bit better. She drew her wand from the aether.

"What ‘ave we here?" The burly blue demon that she'd seen walking down the street entered.

Another one loomed in the doorway. This one had smaller horns but bigger muscles and deep red skin. No swords, just wicked looking knives strapped all over his body. They both had to duck to get in. They were at least a foot bigger than Malcolm. "Looks like a witch. Though I've no idea who this bloke is. Or how he triggered the trap. Should've only caught the magic one."

Sofia glanced at the beaten metal that gleamed dully around Malcolm's wrist. No doubt that had stopped him from triggering whatever booby trap she'd just set off and kept the demons from sensing what he was capable of.

"What the hell is this place?" he demanded.

"You was trying to enter the Cauldron," the blue one rumbled. "That's invite only. Everyone knows that. And you're not invited. So now we feed you to the hounds." He lumbered toward them.

Kitty hissed. Sofia flung out her wand hand, sending a jet of flame at them. Nothing happened. Magic fizzled at the tip of her wand.

"Ah, ah. No magic down here."

Fuck.

She wasn't terrible in a fight, but she sure hated getting other people's blood on her.

Malcolm lunged for the biggest demon. He was all lethal grace. At the same time, the golden wolf burst from his chest, a shimmering apparition of snarling fangs and glowing eyes. It lunged for the other demon, going for his throat.

Like in the High Witches' dungeon, his wulver soul wasn't contained by the magic.

She stepped back, eyeing the fight for an opportunity to jump in and help. Kitty danced on nervous paws beside her. Not the best in a fight, that one.

Malcolm grabbed the big red demon by his collar and swung him away from Sofia, toward the other side of the room. The beast lunged out, swiping a huge fist. Malcolm ducked, then delivered a quick uppercut that slammed the demon's head back. He plowed a fist into its gut.

He was so fast, and his wolf so savage that Sofia just leaned back against the wall and watched. They didn't need her help.

His wolf had the blue demon on the ground and was ravaging his throat and chest. Malcolm was grappling with the red demon, a battle of wits and muscle.

The demon landed a punch to his head that had him staggering back, blood trickling from split skin at his temple. Malcolm shook himself, then charged the demon, grabbing his shoulder and spinning him around so that he could reach up and break his neck.

The sound turned Sofia's stomach, but she was grateful to see the demon slump to the ground.

Malcolm looked up at her, fury in his golden gaze. His dark hair fell over his forehead and his chest heaved.

He looked so good it almost made her head spin.

"Are you all right?" he demanded.

"Fine."

He nodded, then glanced at his wolf. It stood guard, its front feet on the blue demon's chest. Blood pooled around the demon's body.

"Check the hall," Malcolm said as he walked to where they'd fallen through the ceiling and pressed his hands against it. "It's blocked. The spell closed it behind us."

Sofia peered out into the dark hall. "Empty."

"Okay. We'll sneak out. We're not getting into the Cauldron." He bent over the fallen red demon and heaved him up over his back in a fireman's carry. "We need to get these bloody bastards out of here. "

"Are they dead?" she whispered as she crept out into the hall. The golden wolf dragged the blue demon behind her. Kitty joined in to help, pulling at his shirt with her teeth. Sofia doubted it did much good, but she clearly liked the wolf.

"I don't believe so. They heal quickly. But I need to get them somewhere that doesn't block my magic so I can enchant them into forgetting they saw us."

"We should go left. Leads back to the street, I think."

He nodded and set off, his heavy burden not even bowing his back. She'd forgotten how physically strong he was. But then, wulvers usually were.

The underground passage wound around to the right. Sofia kept her wand out, though she wasn't sure it would work. Her heart pounded in her chest as they crept along. If anyone saw them—Malcolm carrying one and his wolf dragging another—they'd be shit out of luck. She just hoped no one checked the little room and saw the blood on the floor.

They came to a set of stairs and Sofia tried not to heave a sigh of relief as they made their way up. She peeked out to see another alleyway like the one they'd been in before. Empty, thank fates.

She held the door for Malcolm and his wolf as they unceremoniously dumped their baggage on the ground. When the door shut behind her, she could no longer see it.

Malcolm tapped his chest and his wolf approached, stopping briefly to nuzzle Kitty's head, then blended seamlessly into Malcolm's form until he disappeared entirely. Malcolm drew the charmed cuff off his wrist and leaned down to touch the temple of each demon, no doubt destroying their memories of the encounter .

"I'll be right back," he said, then crouched down and grabbed each demon by a wrist. He disappeared.

A moment later, he returned. He slipped the cuff back on and wiped the blood from his forehead. No one would be able to tell he'd just been in a fight.

"Where'd you take them?"

"Siberia. It'll take them a while to get sorted out. We should be gone by then."

"Good." She glanced around at the creepy alley. "Let's get out of here. Find somewhere else."

He nodded and led the way down the alley. Sofia's shoulders relaxed a bit when they reached the main street. It was still vaguely creepy, like all of Salem, but it was far nicer than where they'd just been. Even Kitty seemed less nervous as she stalked at Sofia's side.

Sofia rubbed the back of her neck. Were they being watched? Or was it just creepy Salem? Full dark had fallen while they'd been in the cell, and clouds drifted in front of an orange moon. The leaves rustled on the trees overhead. Dim yellow light from shop windows and gas street lamps gleamed on the cobblestones.

Most of the shops were empty now, as was the street. Everyone had holed up to get out of the cold. If she had to guess, the temperature had dropped at least ten degrees. Miserable.

"Let's find a place that's not quite so hidden," Sofia said. "I don't exactly want to run into any more demon bouncers."

"Agreed." He pointed up the road. "What about there?"

The road curved left and Sofia could see the gleaming windows of a pub. The Spiked Potion. It bustled with people and didn't look to have any hulking bouncers. "All right. "

They slipped inside a moment later and she heaved a sigh of relief when warmth from the crackling fire enveloped her. The pub was large with a low ceiling. The gleaming wood bar took up the back left corner, while trestle tables jutted out from the rest of the walls.

The space was about three quarters full. No one sat alone. About half could pass in the mortal world. The other half… not so much. Besides the wings and horns, there was fur, scales, and an assortment of skin tones that fell closer to rainbow than beige or brown.

They approached the bar.

"What'll you have?" the bartender asked, wiping her hands on a towel. Her gaze lingered on Malcolm and Sofia had to stop herself from sneering.

Of course she didn't care if the hot bartender gave Malcolm an I-would-bone-you-immediately look. Why would she?

"I'll have a coke," she said. "And tuna water for my familiar."

The bartender nodded and looked at Malcolm.

"Pint of porter, if you have one on tap."

"We do."

She filled their orders and Malcolm paid her, then turned and headed toward a table in the back corner. Sofia grabbed her Coke and the saucer of tuna water and followed.

"You don't drink?" he asked as they sat. They each took a chair in the corner. Kitty sat on a chair of her own, facing out toward the room so that she could watch the going's on.

"I do. But I'm not as big as you. One beer can make me a little lightheaded, and since I don't know what's coming at us tonight…" But Malcolm clearly wouldn't have that pr oblem. It'd probably take a lot more than a few beers to dull his reflexes.

"Of course."

They eyed the patrons. Sofia tried not to focus on how close Malcolm was to her. His arm was only a few inches from her own. If she really focused, she imagined she could feel his heat.

Oh, how she wanted to feel that.

She started and almost smacked herself. What a damned stupid thought. It didn't matter how handsome he was, or how powerful he'd looked when taking care of those demons.

Or how skilled he'd been with his hands last night.

The memory sent a shudder through her that she barely repressed.

No matter how angry she was with him for leaving her and how much she didn't trust him now, she wanted him. Even if it was only for one night. Which was all it could be. He couldn't keep an oath. He couldn't be in any kind of real relationship.

He'd ensured that when he'd become a warlock.

She scowled at him and asked, "Is your plan to just approach the first person who walks in alone?"

He nodded.

"No. Too obvious. I'll make them come to us." She conjured a cigarette—magic that was small enough to not require her wand—then got up and headed to the door as if she were going to have a smoke. Kitty hopped off her seat and followed. "I'll be right back."

She wound her way through the tables and patrons, ignoring a few appreciative glances that were tossed her way. The door swung open easily and she stepped out into the frigid air and lit the cigarette. She didn't particularly like the thing, but if one was going to be hovering in doorways, it was good cover.

Once she'd determined that the coast was clear and she stood near enough to the door that people couldn't see her through the pub's windows, she drew her wand and ran it around the door frame. Satisfied, she stubbed out the cigarette and went back in, Kitty hot on her heels. She dropped the butt in the trash and found her seat next to Malcolm.

"What was that all about? You don't smoke."

"Know me so well, do you?"

"I once did."

True enough. But she ignored it. "I charmed the door. The next individual to walk in alone will be attracted to me. They'll come sit with us. Then you'll ask the questions. It won't look so strange."

"No one would have noticed us approaching a loner. I'd have seen to it."

She didn't know how, probably with some sort of enchantment, but it wouldn't be a problem for him. "My way is easier."

"Perhaps."

"You're such a bastard sometimes, you know that? You steal my dagger, kidnap me, and are generally a jerk. Yet you throw yourself in front of lightning for me. What's with that?"

He glanced at her, his expression closed, then back at the door. It opened and a man walked in. "He's got potential."

"No he doesn't. Someone's behind him. And you're changing the subject."

"Now's not the time. "

She scowled. But he was right. She needed to keep her eye on the room. They were outsiders here. Though she'd heard of tourism even in Salem's Hollow—Mytheans loved going places where there were no mortals—she didn't know how well they blended. Tight-knit communities were always wary of outsiders.

"We need to have some kind of lighthearted conversation. So we look normal, not like vultures waiting for our prey."

He huffed a laugh. "Fair visual. Fine. What are your hobbies?"

"Don't have any." No time.

"All right. I suppose you're too busy taking care of Bruxa's Eye."

"Nailed it. Not that you'd know anything about that. Loyalty isn't exactly your thing." She kept her gaze focused on the crowd. If she looked at him, she was afraid he'd see how much that hurt her. The barb had sounded acidic, but it tasted bitter.

"I'd like it to be. With you."

"Don't exactly have that choice, now do you? You're stuck. A warlock. Can you even—"

Her words stopped when a woman walked through the door. Young and pretty, with golden hair and a red dress, she was alone. Her gaze went straight to Sofia and she walked toward them, her stride intent.

"Women, too?" Malcolm asked.

"I'm not a homophobe." Sofia smiled at the woman as she neared.

"May I?" The blonde asked. Her tone was slightly confused, as if she wanted to sit near Sofia, but she wasn't quite sure why. But she didn't even glance at Malcolm. The spell was working.

"I'd be delighted," Sofia said.

Kitty had smartly arranged herself in the seat next to Sofia, so the woman sat next to Malcolm.

"I'm Caroline," Sofia said. "What's your name?"

"Lucy." Her blue eyes were riveted to Sofia.

Out of the corner of her eye, Sofia saw Malcolm slip the cuff off, then reach up and touch the woman's temple. He quickly slipped it back on and glanced around. Sofia did as well, but no one looked at them. He'd been quick enough that they hadn't noticed his power when the cuff was off. It would have felt like electrical tension, or a tickling on the skin, to be near someone as powerful as he for the first time. But they felt nothing, thank fates.

"Lucy, look at me." Malcolm's voice was low and commanding.

She looked his way immediately.

"What are you? fae?" he asked.

She nodded and slipped her hand into her hair, drawing it back. A pointed ear showed.

"What sort?"

"Melusine."

"Water fae?"

"Yes."

Good. They were powerful, but not overly so. Sofia doubted their new friend would be able to break Malcolm's enchantment or remember it if he told her not to.

"Are you meeting anyone here?" Malcolm asked.

"Yes. But I'm early."

"How early? "

"About thirty minutes."

"Do you know anything about the Salem Coven?" Malcolm's voice had dropped so low it was nearly a whisper.

"Some."

"How many are there?"

Lucy's brow crinkled. "Thirteen, I think."

"All right. Good. Are any here right now?"

"No," Lucy said immediately.

"Where do they live?"

"Near the shore. By the park. Halibut point. The land is enchanted so mortals can't see it. Some Mytheans can't either. But when I'm in the water, my vision is better." She shivered. "It's terrifying."

"Are there any patterns to their movement? Do they ever leave the house?"

"No pattern that I've noticed, but I don't go close very often."

"Good. Can you take us there?"

"But I'm meeting my friend tonight. He'll come looking for me."

"Tomorrow, then."

"Yes, I think so. As long as I'm in the water. That's the only way I can find it. And where my vision is best."

"Excellent. We'll meet you at Salem Harbor. We'll be in a boat."

"All right. But we need to do it at night. I can't let them see me." Her eyes went a bit wild with fear.

"Of course, Lucy. Of course. We'll meet you an hour before dusk at the marina. Then you'll take us."

"All right. "

"Thank you, Lucy. If you're asked, you thought you recognized us. You were wrong. We're just here on vacation. We'll see you tomorrow."

She nodded and stood, still slightly dazed, but it was only visible if you knew to look.

"That was good," Sofia said.

"It was. Let's go."

She followed him out into the cold night air, Kitty at her heels.

"We'll head back to my house," he said.

"Shouldn't we get a hotel? Scotland is far." The magical energy required to aetherwalk that distance was pretty large. It'd take her nearly a day to recoup and she'd rather have it on hand for spells and the like.

"Distance doesn't matter for me. I'll aetherwalk and take you with me."

Of course. He could recoup whatever he spent directly and immediately from the aether.

"Fine." She didn't want to wander the streets looking for a hotel anyway. She held out a hand.

He ignored it and pulled her into his arms. His warmth suffused her immediately. The strength of his arms was impossible to ignore, as was the hardness of his chest. Her annoyance at his heavy-handedness made it easy to stifle her sigh of pleasure.

Sofia glanced down to see Kitty pressed up against Malcolm's leg. A second later, they stood in his library. The fire was bright and cozy and she broke free of his embrace to rush toward it.

She soaked in the warmth as she rubbed her arms, grateful that the fire was enchanted to burn continuously. Kitty had sprawled out on the floor and was trying to toast her belly.

"I'll get us something to eat. You can stay there. Get warm."

She glanced over her shoulder to see him leaving the room. He'd bring her food while she waited in front of the fire? That was nice. Was he taking her words to heart?

Or was she crazy for seeing kindness where there was only more machinations?

Idiot. It didn't matter how nice he was about the little things. He'd stolen her dagger. Kidnapped her. When it had counted, he'd left her. He'd chosen power over anything they could ever have together. That choice made it impossible for them to have a future. So what did it matter if he cooked for her and saved her from danger?

He returned ten minutes later with three heavy bowls full of fragrant stew. He handed one to her and put one on the floor for Kitty.

"Thanks." She inhaled. Fates, this was just what she wanted after a long day. She ignored him and went to a big chair that sat to the right of the fire. It enveloped her in heavenly softness and she ate while staring into the fire. Kitty made contented purring and snarfing noises at her feet.

Malcolm took the chair across from her, but she ignored him.