“And?”
“And they’re coming for us. Me and Killian specifically. They know about our powers.”
Casimya was quiet for a moment, studying me with those ancient, knowing eyes.
“Then we need to find your coven. The ones who knew your family.”
I blinked. “My coven is gone, isn’t it? They died after my grandparents fled to Earth.”
“Not all of them. Tyreen, your grandmother’s second-in-command, might still be alive. Hiding, likely, but alive.”
“And she would know how to fight them?”
“She would know how your family survived as long as they did. What strategies they used. Maybe they’ve faced Igryside in the past and know some weaknesses.”
Hope flickered through me, immediately followed by doubt. “How would we even find her?”
“Blood magic. A tracking ritual.” Casimya moved to a shelf and pulled down an ancient-looking book. “But it would require your participation. Your blood and energy, since you are the link to her.”
She opened the book to a page covered in diagrams and symbols I couldn’t read. “The spell searches through dimensions for a specific magical signature. Since you share energy with Tyreen through your grandmother’s magic, you can act as a compass.”
“What’s the catch?”
“You would need to rest after. The spell pulls from your life force as it searches.”
“A day would be enough?”
“No. You need more.”
I stared at the complex circles and symbols. This was real magic. Serious magic. Not the small portals I’d been fumbling with. Not accidentally opening doorways into chicken coops and wine cellars and...
Actually, speaking of wrong portals.
I tried one more time, focusing hard on the garden. The portal opened…Directly into what appeared to be someone’s bathing chamber.
The occupant, a very naked, very surprised nobleman, shrieked.
I slammed the portal shut so fast I nearly gave myself whiplash.
“My apologies!” I called through the closed portal, my face burning.
Casimya was trying very hard not to laugh. Failing, but trying.
“Not a word,” I told her.
“I said nothing.”
“You’re thinking it very loudly.”
“I am merely noting that your portal accuracy improves dramatically when you are not spiraling about threats to your family.”
“That’s a word. That’s several words.”
“Consider it a teaching moment.”
I glared at her, but there was no heat in it. She was right. My control went to hell when my emotions were scattered.
“I need to think about this,” I said at last. “The ritual. Finding Tyreen.”
