“They’re both brave. They stayed silent while someone was attacking their dad because they knew he wanted them to be safe.”
Gloria ignored Evie, her gaze on the kids. I turned to them and attempted an encouraging smile.
“Did Evie explain how the spell works?”
They both nodded. “Okay, great. You don’t have to do this, and no one will be disappointed if you choose not to.”
“Will it help you find out who hurt our dad?” Zip asked.
“It might. But he wouldn’t want you to do anything that makes you scared, and we have plenty of other ways we can investigate, okay?”
“I’ll do it,” Cil said. “I’m not afraid.”
Hewasafraid. His little body trembled, and Evie reached out and grabbed hold of his hand. He held on so hard his knuckles went white. To Gloria’s credit, she didn’t appear to be feeding on his terror, and I shot her a look that told her clearly that if she attempted to, it would be the last thing she did.
She rolled her eyes at me and knelt next to the long wooden coffee table, her knees creaking. She pulled a candle out of her purse, along with a few herbs I couldn’t identify. Samael was watching her intently, and my eyes met his for a single moment. He leaned against the wall and raised one eyebrow. I either trusted him to make sure the kids were safe or I didn’t.
I chewed on my lip. His eyes darkened, his gaze falling to my mouth, and I turned my attention back to where Gloria was chanting.
She reached out one hand, holding it against Cil’s forehead. He stiffened, his eyes rolling back in his head, and my hand tightened around the hilt of my throwing knife. I hadn’t remembered pulling it.
“If you kill her, you will regret it.”
I scowled at Samael. “Stay out of my head. Also, is that a threat?”
“A fact. You could kill her in the blink of an eye, but you would traumatize the children and terrify your sister. And you would feel bad about killing an old woman for the rest of your life.”
“You think you know me. You don’t. Don’t speak to me this way again.”
“I find I enjoy speaking to you like this,”Samael smiled at me from across the room. He’d found another way to get under my skin, and knowing him, he’d use it ruthlessly. I turned my attention back to Gloria, who was murmuring an incantation. Samael was right. I didn’twantto kill the witch. Black witch or not, she was still human, and an old woman. But he was wrong about me carrying it with me for the rest of my life. I had too many other regrets that pressed on me. This one would barely add to the load.
Cil made a strangled noise and Zip turned white.
“I don’t have what you’re looking for. Get out of my store.” Gary’s voice came from Cil’s mouth and I shuddered.
“Stupid gnome. Did you think you could hide it from us?” The voice was deep, trembling with borrowed power, but it sounded familiar in a way that scratched at my memories. I’d heard it before. I knew I had. Frustration roared through me. Was it someone I’d met recently? A cop? One of the mages?
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Gary sounded legitimately confused. Whatever he’d had, he hadn’t expected anyone to come after it.
“See these?”
The sound of retching. Something the guy had been holding had made Gary sick to look at it.
“What the fuck are those?”
“Werewolf eyes. You know what that means? I canseethat the artifact has been here. Hand it over, and I’ll kill you quick.”
“You’re out of your damn mind. Get out.” Gary’s voice trembled. It wouldn’t be perceptible to most people, but I knew him. He’d been afraid. My hands fisted.
“Your choice. I’ll kill you, destroy this sad excuse for a store and take it from you.”
Gary growled, but the sounds he was making quickly turned into screams. A pained moan escaped Cil’s throat, and I shot to my feet.
“End it. Now.”
Gloria didn’t argue. Cil jolted and his eyes lost their distance. I crouched in front of him.
“You were very brave. I’m sorry you had to hear that again. Is there anything else you guys want to tell me?”
