Hannah shrugged. “Witch magic is too weak to enslave a demon on its own. It comes from our world, while demon power comes from the underworld. The underworld was old when our world was just a thought.”
Her eyes narrowed. “But perhaps if a witch had access to other power as well… They would need to be powerful, but also have access to forbidden spells. The kind of spells the Mage Council makes a point of destroying.” She pouted. “If witches are doing this and no one invited me, I’m going to bemostoffended.”
“I’m going to choose to believe you’re kidding.”
Hannah opened her mouth and a strange expression passed over her face. “Wait here,” she told me, turning and hurrying up her walkway. Her door unlocked and swung open at a wave of her hand and Vas leaned against her gate, his dark eyes inscrutable.
She was back a moment later. “Hold out your hand.”
I complied, and she wrapped a bracelet around my wrist. I swallowed. “Tell me that isn’t human bone.”
She rolled her eyes. “Of course not. Do you know how hard it is to get your hands on human bone these days? Everyone’s cremating their family to prevent such a thing. A waste of good power is what it is.”
Each of the small bone discs had a rune carved into the flat surface. “What’s this for?”
“Protection.”
I raised my gaze from the bracelet. “Why?”
“You’re interesting. I haven’t met anyone interesting in the longest time.”
I stared at her and she sighed. “For your silence, child. Samael may have bonded you, but he would do much, much worse to me.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
“Don’t take it off. Unlikeyou, whoever is doing this won’t hesitate to use every ounce of their power to protect themselves.”
“I won’t.” I stroked my knife.
“One more thing, bounty hunter.” Hannah glanced at Vas and spoke more quickly than usual. “Be careful with the demon. Those who give him their allegiance consider him their king. He’ll kill you if it benefits his people in any way.”
My mouth dropped open. Next to me, Vas let out a growl so low it seemed to vibrate through my bones.
“Watch your mouth, witch.”
I turned and gave him squinty eyes, but Hannah was already showing him her teeth. “Watch your tone, demon.”
Vas shook his head and strode back toward the car. I sighed. “Thanks,” I told her, and she nodded, turned away and ambled back up her walkway.
I couldn’t put it off any longer. My sister’s coven was just a few streets away, although I insisted on driving, because I wanted a fast getaway as soon as I was done with this little reunion.
Vas may have been angry, but he gave me a concerned look as I parked the car and opened my door.
“Are you okay?” he finally asked, his voice gruff.
“No.”
“Anything I can do?”
“No.” A bead of sweat rolled down my spine as we stood in front of the coven’s house. It was painted a welcoming butter yellow with white trim. A wide porch swept across the outside of the house, home to a collection of wicker chairs, sofas, and a swing Evie had once loved.
The house encompassed three stories and an attic which had been expanded into two bedrooms before mom and I had left.
I’d spent most of my childhood here, running from room to room, hiding in the basement, exploring the attic with my sister, stealing cookies in the kitchen.
The thought of knocking on the door made me want to throw up.
“It’s huge.”
