“Kara’s right.” Mia’s voice carries that new edge it’s had since her rescue. Sorcery pulses around her like a heartbeat. I watch with concern as the edges darken slightly. “We have the power in this room to act. Marina’s healing abilities, Zephyra’s command of the winds, our family’s strength—”
“And what of the consequences?” Marina’s voice flows like water over stones. “Moving against Lucien without support—”
“Consequences?” I spin toward her. “He took Gran. He had Mia for a year. He attacked Zephyra’s coven. What more do you need?”
“She’s not suggesting we do nothing,” Mom says, but I catch the tremor in her voice. The crystal wind chimes tinkle ominously as it picks up on her nervous energy.
“Then what are we suggesting?” I demand. “Because I’m done waiting for permission to save our family.”
Zephyra steps forward, storms brewing in her gray eyes. “The Whispering Winds stand with the Blackwoods. Whatever you plan, we’ll add our strength to yours.”
Marina sighs but nods. “As do the Crystal Waters. But we must be smart about this.”
Dad moves to the center of the room, commanding attention like he always does. “I think it’s time we used any information we can source on Marlowe’s properties.” He aims a pointed look at Soren, who glances at Darick.
“We have a pretty comprehensive list,” says Darick. “We’ve been monitoring his activities for months. Selene will have details. And Marcus has been on it.”
At the mention of his name, I feel something tighten in the pit of my belly. I frown as I fight down the feeling.
“This meeting should include them,” Mia says, shooting a look at me as if expecting me to object. I don’t. This goes beyond my personal feelings about vampires right now. Some of them could help us. And we need all the help we can get.
“We’ll have to be prepared,” says Dad. “This is no ordinary vampire we’re up against. He has power.”
“Black magic,” Mia mutters. She knows better than anyone. He took hers.
“I may have a solution,” Marina adds softly. She pulls a small crystal vial from her oversized purse. “I’ve been working on this since the attacks began. It won’t stop black magic entirely, but it can slow its effects, give us time to counter—”
“Kara…”
Marcus’s thought cuts through my concentration. I dig my nails into my palms, trying to stay present.
“What about Seraphina?” Mom asks. “Where does the High Priestess stand?”
“She’s hesitant to move openly against Lucien,” Dad says. “The political ramifications—”
“Politics?” I snap. “While Gran is—”
“Kara, we need to talk.”
“Get out of my head!” I shout, making everyone jump.
Mia touches my arm. “Kara? What’s wrong?”
I shake my head, embarrassed. “Nothing. Just… Nothing. A headache.” I wave vaguely at my temple.
“Can I get you something, sweetheart?” Mom looks concerned.
“I’m fine. We don’t have time for this,” I insist. “We need to act now. Marina’s potion, Zephyra’s weather control, our family’s power combined—”
“Kara, listen to me, goddammit!”
I squeeze my eyes shut.“Not now!”
“This can’t wait.”
The sense of his agitation is so overwhelming that it feels like my own emotion.
“Kara, darling.” It’s Mom again. “Are you sure you’re alright? You really don’t look well.”
