He slowly turned to face her. “More than my own life. I would gladly give all of this up. For her.”
“Have you told her how you feel?”
His jaw clenched. “No. I would prefer she didn’t find out from anyone either.”
Lady Catharine’s gaze was steady, almost intrusive. “Even if she might love you in return?”
Alaric moved slowly toward her. “Stay out of it, my lady. Whatever occurs will be between Marlene and me. I don’t care to have anyone’s interference, no matter their good intentions.”
Adopting her usual smug demeanor, she rose from the settee and glanced slyly at him. “You’ve adopted a foul disposition. I think I shall take my leave of you and pray that you will be in better spirits later tonight.”
Alaric watched her go without a word, because there was nothing he could say. Having never been close to being in love before, this was all unfamiliar territory for him as well. He returned to his chair and stared at the ledgers in front of him. They blurred with the emotion rising up within him as he thought of what might happen should he not succeed in taking Hector down.
With a roar of frustration, he shoved everything off of his desk, watching in satisfaction as it all landed on the floor in a haphazard mess. The ink from the quill was a black mess over the pristine wood floor and splattered along some of the oldest tomes in his collection.
Forcing himself to calm, he snapped his fingers, and everything returned to its previous position, just as it had been before. There were definitely advantages when it came to possessing the power of wicca, but when it mattered most, would it be enough?
He sank back down in the chair and put his head in his hands, praying that it was so.
Marlene was feeling quite restored after she had visited with Lady Erica. She decided to head downstairs to seek out Alaric, but when she got to his study, lifting her hand to knock, she heard the crash coming from the other side. Slowly lowering her hand, she moved away, thinking that it was a bad time to intrude. It was obvious that something was troubling him. She could only imagine that it had something to do with Hector and the Book.
Moving outside to the orangery, she decided that she would soothe her troubled spirits by walking among the plants. She spied the lemon tree with a narrowed glance, remembering how much trouble that particular item had caused her.
“Good afternoon.”
She turned toward the sound of the smooth, masculine voice. She spied a man sitting on one of the benches. He was holding a clear orb in his grasp and moved it with a certain prowess that was hypnotic. He had long, blonde hair that reached to his waist and was wearing all black clothes. The greatcoat had green buttons that matched the brilliant shade of his eyes. “Who are you?”
“I see our host has not yet told you of our arrival, when it is all an attempt to stop Hector—and save you.” With a smile, he inclined his head. “You may call me Gerald.”
“I knew they would be arriving soon,” she admitted. “But I daresay, I was expecting a few days’ travel.”
“You should know by now that most of us do not take roads built by a human hand. It is certainly more convenient if one of us is in dire need.”
“I’m sure it is,” she murmured. She turned to go. “Don’t let me disturb your peace—”
“Child, as a witch, there is seldom such a luxury.” He lifted an inquiring brow. “Won’t you walk with me? I should like to acquaint myself with the woman who discovered the Book’s secret location.”
“You heard about that, did you?” she asked, as she accepted his outstretched arm.
“I did,” he concurred. “I’m rather impressed by your abilities, as is the rest of the coven. You could be of great assistance in completing our circle.”
She had to laugh. “I appreciate the confidence, but I’m no witch. I was merely healed by one and gained the power of a seer. Nothing more.”
He stopped walking and turned to her. “Again, I fear the High Priest has terribly misled you. As someone who has been touched by the hand of a witch, you have enough magic running through your veins to join our coven, filling the role of number thirteen which became vacant with Hector’s dishonor.” He smiled in assurance. “No doubt he did not wish to cause you any further upset, nor worry that you would not be able to handle such a task as joining the wicca. It is not for the faint of heart.”
Marlene wanted to clench her fists. Why did everyone believe that she didn’t have the courage to face whatever lay ahead. “Pardon me, sir, but I believe you have the wrong impression of me. I am more than willing to fight. I was apprehensive when I first learned about what secrets lay within the walls of Rosedale Heights, but I have dared to face my fears.”
“Love makes fools of us all,” he whispered. “Be careful that you are not confusing foolishness with bravery.”
“I think I should know the difference between my heart and my mind,” she snapped. Pulling away from him, she said, “I’m sure that, as the leader of the coven, he is intending to bring you all together. Tell me when it is, and I will be there, to begin my initiation.”
He hesitated, as if seemed taken aback. “Are you sure you want to take on such a daunting task as this? There is much at stake.”
She didn’t back down. “I am well aware of that, and I’m still willing to take the risk.” She inhaled deeply. “Ever since I was a child, I have wondered about the line that wavers so often between life and death. I have walked the meadows of the beyond and seen visions of those that have passed that were dear to my heart.” She moved closer to him. “To answer your question, yes. I am fully prepared to do whatever it takes to bring down the one who has been my shadow for the past ten years. I wish to rid myself, and this world, of his dominion before it begins.”
He blinked, and then slowly smiled. “In that regard, let me be the first to welcome you into the coven. With your determination alone, I should like to see Hector trembling in his shoes.” His image started to fade. “In the herbal room at midnight. It was a pleasure, Miss St. Clair.”
As he disappeared, Marlene put a hand to her heart. She wasn’t surprised to find that it was pounding beneath her palm.
