I unhook the chain and open the door fully. “Come in, Mr. Vale.”
“Thank you. And call me Vale. Most everyone does.” He steps inside and surveys the entryway with the calculating gaze of someone inventorying assets. “I must say, the house has maintained itself remarkably well.”
“You’ve been here before?”
“Many times. I was a junior during the establishment of the Emberwood Elite. I’ve been assuring your families’ interest for generations now.”
I blink. “Looking good, Vale. Generations? You don’t look a day over forty.”
Vale dips his chin appreciatively. “Before she died, your mother entrusted me with certain responsibilities regarding the Hallowind estate and specifically your inheritance. Do you have a moment to discuss her wishes?”
“Absolutely. Anything you can tell me is so incredibly welcome.” He follows me back to the living room and sets his briefcase on the coffee table with practiced efficiency. “Can I get you some tea?”
He shakes his head. “Thank you, no. This visit will be brief and straight to business.”
I curl up in the armchair across from him, tucking my feet under me. “All right. Let’s hear it.”
Vale releases his briefcase with twin clicks and then opens the lid. Inside, everything sits in perfect compartments: documents, what looks like a jewelry box, and several items wrapped in midnight-blue silk.
“Your mother’s will stipulates that upon your twenty-first birthday, you are to inherit the following: first, a trust fund containing approximately two-point-three million dollars.”
My teacup slips from my fingers. I catch it before it hits the floor, but tea sloshes everywhere.
“I’m sorry, did you say?—”
“Two-point-three million, yes. Second, you inherit this property, its contents, the cars in the garage, and a forty-seven-acre cottage property an hour north of here. These items are to be shared jointly between you and your sisters. Third, and most importantly for our purposes, you inherit these.”
He lifts the jewelry box and sets it between us. It’s carved from some dark wood I don’t recognize, with symbols etched around the edges that make my eyes water if I look too long.
“Your mother placed several enchanted objects in my keeping before her death. They are now yours by right.”
“What kind of enchanted objects?”
“A scrying mirror, a protection amulet that belonged to your great-grandmother, and a grimoire containing three centuries of Hallowind family spells.” His fingers drum once against his knee. “Among other things.”
The room spins a little. Money, land, magical artifacts—it’s like winning the lottery and discovering you’re royalty on the same day.
“Vale, can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Do you know where my sisters are?”
His expression doesn’t change, but something flickers behind those strange eyes. “Sadly, I do not. After the accident claimed your parents, the placement of the three of you was handled directly by the coven solicitor. However, if you wish, I can make inquiries through my professional networks.”
“Yes, please.”
He makes a note in a leather portfolio. “Consider it done. What else troubles you?”
“I don’t know if you’re aware, but my ‘placement,’ as you called it, was the coven binding my powers, wiping my memories, and dumping me on a sidewalk in Wichita, Kansas.”
His dusty mauve eyes widen, and runes flash in his irises. “That can’t be.”
“Oh, I assure you, it be.”
His brow creases. “That is a most grievous violation of your rights, Poppy. And you, an Elite. This won’t stand. I swear to you, I will find out how this happened, who was behind it, and we shall strike them with the fiery fear of legal retribution.”
I shift to the front of my chair. “That sounds great, but I’m most interested in finding my sisters and being able to protect us from the wrath of the coven in the future. I was told I have the same spirit affinity as my mother, and the members of the coven sent me away to keep me from following her path.”
