“I’d not realized there was one.” How come he’d not heard of it before? “What do they do?”
“They oversee so that no witch does any harm and provide discipline when they must.” His mother sipped her tea. “They are older, wise witches. When one passes, she is replaced by an experienced witch.”
“Miss Perkins truly didn’t cause any harm,” Damon pointed out.
“No, but she attempted to interfere with what should be. Change an outcome, alter a future, manipulate the truth. That is forbidden.”
“But it didn’t work.”
“Only because Ianthe saw her.” His mother took a sip of tea. “I wasn’t certain what to think. There was the snow, but no vines so I had already intended to keep an eye on her.”
“All is well.”
“Yes, it is, but had we believed the snow, you would not have kissed Cordelia, and you could be planning a wedding to Miss Perkins. So, son, her actions cannot be ignored.”
A chill ran down his spine. He was so thankful that Ianthe was observant.
“You mentioned my sisters. When will they arrive from Kent?”
His mother smiled. “Likely today.”
Damon sat forward. “You said a month or so.”
“That is because I wanted you to get used to being here with the girls. But Ianthe’s training will take all of us. It is not an easy task. I had to call onmysister for my own children.”
Damon had not realized that.
“Larisa will be happy to see Miss Adriana, I’m sure, and now that they are to be family, there is little I can do.”
“You do not like her?”
“I worried what she knew or would learn. I suppose I had nothing to worry about at all.”
“Not arriving, we are here.” Maia entered wearing a bright grin and followed by Larisa and Selene.
“I do hope the brandy has been well-stocked,” Jax grumbled.
“After traveling with those three, I need a bottle just for myself,” his cousin, Mr. Orion Drakos complained as he brought up the rear.
“Did I hear you mention Miss Adriana?” Larisa asked.
“Yes, dear. Her older sister, Cordelia, is to be Damon’s bride.”
All five new arrivals turned to him, eyes wide with shock and mouths falling open.
“Yes, well the circumstances are rather unusual,” his mother said. “However, before the three of you decide to visit anyone, you need to be aware of a danger,” his mother announced.
“What danger?” Jax demanded.
Damon glanced to his mother. “I’ll let you explain.”
“Which I’ll do over tea and brandy. Let’s go to the sitting room.”
Damon rose from his seat to follow his family when Ianthe burst through the door and ran directly to him.
“Uncle Damon, come quick,” Ianthe screamed.
When Damon left yesterday,he said that he would call on her this afternoon. Instead, a missive arrived asking Cordelia to visit with Ianthe.
