He fell to his knees, throwing his head back and screaming. “Help me!”
I blinked in surprise as his body began to burn. Flames erupted from all over his skin as if a tiny blowtorch was flashing out from every single pore he had.
“Please,”he screamed, his voice hoarse from the flames he was breathing in.
Before I could do anything, the flames grew more intense, and he fell to the ground. In seconds, he stopped screaming and turned to nothing but charred bones and ash.
I swept the gun back and forth, looking for anyone. I was alone in the room. Whatever murderous spell Virgil had conjured on his brother must have been done at a great distance. He’d killed him right when Percival had agreed to help me. Virgil must have scried for his brother. It was possible he’d overheard the entire conversation. He knew I was coming.
“That’s right, you little fucker. I’m coming,” I growled to the empty room, then stalked toward the door. “And I’m bringing hell with me.”
20
VERONICA
“Good evening, ladies.”
Wendy and I jerked and rolled over as quickly as we could. The two of us had huddled together in one bed to nap once we’d calmed down after the earpiece died. Two reedy male witches, both wearing scowls that looked perpetual, flanked the man who was behind this.
“Virgil,” I hissed, my anger flaring so hot I couldn’t control myself.
I jumped off the bed and rushed toward him. He grinned at me, and one of his men threw out a hand, sending up a magical barrier. I ran smack into it, falling backward onto my ass.
“Now, now, no need for violence,” Virgil said, his grin turning darker and more menacing.
“You bastard!”
“Leave us,” Virgil said, waving to the men.
They didn’t even try to argue. The two simply bowed their heads and stepped outside, closing the door. The magic barrier fell away.
“Veronica,” Virgil said, all pretense of being nice vanished. “My dumbass classmate. Wonderful to have you back. Youreallyfucked up my plan. You chosethatmoment, right when I needed you where you were, to actually not be anidiotwith magic? Really? I’ve seen you struggle with a fucking levitation spell, and you somehow create a portal to escape?” He shook his head in disgust and started pacing the room, his hands clasped behind his back. “Do you have any idea how difficult it is to get away with murder without a good fall guy? Someone who can take the blame and punishment? It’s very fucking difficult,” he spat, leaning in close to me.
“You killed Uncle Balthazar!” Wendy screamed, her voice echoing around the room like a banshee’s. She rushed Virgil, small fists held up high, ready to strike him.
Virgil sneered at her and kicked out, catching her in the stomach. Wendy gagged and clutched her stomach as she fell to the floor.
“Wendy,” I cried, crawling to her and cradling her in my lap. I glared at Virgil. “You are such a piece of shit, Virgil.”
“She’s not even worth the mental efforts of magic,” he said, giving Wendy a haughty look. “A foot in the gut is all she deserves. Always trying to make me look dumb in school? That’s payback for that.”
“I’ll kill you for this,” I said through gritted teeth.
Virgil’s eyes flashed dangerously, and he lunged for us. “No one threatens me. You know what?” Snarling, he grabbed us both,wrapping an arm around each of our necks, squeezing tight enough to make breathing difficult. “I’ve got something to show you. I think it’ll douse that fire you’ve both got burning inside. It should make you nice and docile.”
Still holding us tight, he snapped his fingers. The stone ring on his hand glowed bright.
“I wanted to relive my greatest moment,” Virgil explained. “So, I decided to hide a small recording stone in Freedman’s office. It got agreatview.”
In the air above the ring, a three-dimensional, full-color video began to play.
“Virgil?” Balthazar said and stood, looking confused. “Why aren’t you in your room? It’s past curfew.”
Virgil appeared on the video, looking sheepish. “I’m so sorry professor,” he whimpered. “I just don’t know who to go to. I’m having an issue, and I need advice.”
Balthazar’s whole demeanor changed. His shoulders relaxed, and his face shifted from confusion and suspicion, to worry and concern. “Virgil, my boy, what’s the matter? Come, come, tell me.”
Balthazar pulled Virgil into a half-hug. As soon as he did that, Virgil’s face morphed into a mask of determined madness, teeth bared, eyes narrowed, and brow furrowed. His hand flashed out of his school robes, brandishing a blade. With a single savage grunt of strength, he slammed it hilt-deep into Balthazar’s chest.
