“Young lady, it’s not proper to ask a woman her age,” Elder Maggie says in a slightly stern voice. “But if you must know, I’m 350 years old.” She gives Lupe a wink. “And I must say, this argument is getting tiresome. Everyone is going round and round, and when will it end?”
Elder Maggie turns her attention to Victor. “If this young empath, who could very well be the hope we are looking for to bring order to chaos, can trust his friends, why should we tell him to cut the cord with them?” Elder Maggie turns to walk away. “Besides, if he does become the Grand Warlock, then itwill become his word over yours.” She winks at Victor as she makes her way out of the room.
Superior Charles walks over to his cigar cabinet and strokes his beard. He lets out a heavy, nasal sigh as he takes out a cigar. As he puts the cigar in his mouth, he turns to look at everyone as it lights up. He takes a couple of puffs before he speaks. “Young empath, if you can vouch for your friends that they won’t cause any kind of disturbance, then I’ll drop the subject.”
Victor looks over at his friends. He can’t give up all the moments, all the drama, and all the love. “I can trust them.”
“What about Lucas and Jon?” Frank asks.
Victor thinks for a moment. “We don’t tell them. At least not yet. I’ll tell them when I’m ready.”
Superior Charles takes a seat in the circle. “There’s a town car outside to take everyone back to the hotel. You’ll be safe, don’t worry. Victor and Leo will meet up with you later. Akisha, can you please escort the mund–” He catches himself and corrects his question, “Victor’s friends to the town car?”
“I need to head out myself. I’ll go with you,” Superior Jackie offers.
As Akisha and Superior Jackie walk out with Victor’s friends, Victor gives them a reassuring nod. When his friends are no longer in the room, he turns to Superior Charles. “Superior, are you sure they will be okay?”
“They will be,” Superior Charles replies. “Now, please have a seat, both of you.” Victor and Leo sit across from Superior Charles. He looks at Victor and Leo while puffing on his cigar. “There were four witches and one warlock. Did you happen to see where the warlock went?”
Victor and Leo look at each other. “I only saw four witches,” Victor responds. “I didn’t see a warlock.”
Superior Charles holds his gaze on Victor for a moment. As he and Victor maintain eye contact, he asks, “Leo, what happened to you?”
“Somehow, the witch knew I was there,” Leo responds. “Even with my illusion charm on, she found me. Before I knew it, she sat across from me and placed this powerful air-binding spell on me. I wasn’t able to move until Victor knocked her over.”
“How could she have known it was you if you were under an illusion?” Victor asks.
“She knew what charm to look for,” Superior Charles states as he turns his attention to Leo. “Where did you get the charm?”
“Derek gave it to me as an anniversary gift eight years ago.” Leo pulls out a ring with a small pleochroism sphere gem embedded in the center. “She must have seen the ring.”
“When I walked past you, I didn’t notice a ring on either of your hands,” Victor remarks as he looks at the ring in Leo’s hand.
Superior Charles leans over and holds his hand out for Leo to give him the ring. Leo hands it over, and Superior Charles inspects it. He holds the ring close, studying it carefully. “I hate to say it, Leo, but I have a feeling we might have identified the warlock that was at the restaurant.”
Leo looks deeply concerned. “I know Derek and I have had our differences, but he wouldn’t do something to harm the agreement between our covens.”
“I never liked his coven,” Superior Charles states as he snuffs out his cigar. “And unfortunately, Leo, I sensed Derek when I arrived.” He tosses the ring back at Leo as he gets up and walks over to his liquor cabinet.
“He astral projected into my apartment the other night. What if he’s been keeping an eye on you?” Victor asks Leo.
“All the more reason you get a new mentor, Victor,” Superior Charles suggests as he pours himself another drink. “I’m going to speak with the council to assign you someone new.”
“No!” Victor protests. He pauses momentarily to gather his thoughts. “I think he should remain my mentor.”
“Explain,” Superior Charles requests as he focuses his eyes on Victor while taking a drink. “Derek won’t attack Leo directly. And if he is the cause of all my ‘dizzy spells,’ then we can use that to our advantage,” Victor advises.
“I’m not sure what you’re getting at,” Leo comments.
Victor looks between Superior Charles and Leo. “If Derekisbehind the attacks, then we can anticipate he’ll try to attack again. Also, I now know what to look for. We could capture Derek and bring him in for interrogation.”
“I agree with him, Superior,” Leo implies. “I’m willing to be the bait if Derek is the one causing Victor harm.”
“And what of your blood oath, Leo?” Superior Charles asks. “You are unable to harm him. Even if a fight breaks out, you cannot go near him.”
“He wouldn’t be the one harming or capturing Derek,” Victor responds. “Derek might be more experienced than me, but if these past attacks on me have proven anything, I always seem to have the upper hand.”
“This is a big risk,” Superior Charles responds softly.
