“Superior Charles had a copy saved in the archives. Most covens need a safe place to keep their files, so they bring them to the library’s archives.”
“Do you think you could find anything on my grandmother?” Victor asks.
Wren shrugs. “I can take a look. But I can’t promise anything.”
Victor looks at the page Wren opened the book to. “I take it even though it was a marriage, it doesn’t matter if only one person took a blood oath?”
“You’d be shocked how common it is for only one to take an oath. Yes, you are correct.”
Victor’s eyes move across the page. “How do we break the oath?” Wren points to the bottom section of the second page. “I have to go to the astral plane?”
“And I guess it’s a good thing you got that charm yesterday,” Wren comments nonchalantly while looking over the page.
Victor looks bewildered. “How did you know?”
“Clarence likes to keep records of every artifact purchased at the library. They know it’s the safest place to keep all their records,” Wren states while still glancing at the book in Victor’s hands with her hands behind her back.
Victor raises an eyebrow. “Noted.”
“Were you planning on revisiting your mother?” Wren questions slyly.
Victor turns sheepish. “N-N-No. I wanted to make sure I had something on me if I went back. I’ve been there twice already.”
Wren grins while looking at Victor from the corners of her eyes,“Mmhmm.”
Victor brushes her remark aside and returns to the book. As he scans a section, his expression grows somber. “It says here that in order for the oath to be broken, the one who spoke it has to die. Then, they can be retrieved from the astral plane.” Victor looks up in shock, and Wren nods. “I don’t accept that.”
Wren places a finger to her lips. “Not so loud.” She looks over at the door. “Thereissomething else you can do in the astral plane.” She hands Victor another book, which is already open toa page Wren wants to show Victor. “If you take Derek there with you, you can find out who is after you.”
“It has to be his superior who—” Victor cuts himself off and gives Wren a suspicious glare. “How did you know I was going after Derek?”
Wren smiles wickedly as she takes back a book from Victor. “There’s a rumor through the grapevine that he was after another empath several years ago and pulled the same tactics as he did on you.” She changes her demeanor to be more subtle. “And as for Derek’s superior, it wasn’t him. Superior Tederich might be a complete dick, and his coven prefers the traditional ways, but they were never involved in any of the senseless killings of anyone who has abilities. It has to be someone much more inclined to stop you for some reason.”
“Why me?” Victor asks.
Wren shrugs and shakes her head quietly to say,“I don’t know.”
Victor ponders, moving his jaw from side to side. Then, something dawns on him. “Have you heard of Florence Maryweather?”
Wren tilts her head to the side as she ponders the question. “That name sounds familiar. If you give me some time, I’ll see what I can find for you. In the meantime, I’ve compiled a list of things you need to complete your task. As soon as you get Derek, you must ensure he’s completely knocked out.”
Victor points to a line on the page. “What’s this about ‘going to a place where two of their ancestors met?’”
“You’ll have to ask a seer for that help,” Wren suggests.
One day ago . . .
Victor takes off his dirt-covered suit after a hard day of lessons. He groans from the pain. As soon as he senses someone’s presence, he turns to the door to his room. “Come in, Superior.” Superior Charles and Madame Jeanette walk into the room. “I’m glad you two could make it. Did anyone see you?”
Superior Charles shakes his head. “Eduardo doesn’t know we’re here. Your letter sounded important.”
Victor gestures for them to sit at the table. “I was given some information last night that I wanted to go over with both of you.” As he takes his seat, he hands Superior Charles the book Wren gave him. “It seems like we can find out who might be after me.”
Superior Charles’ eyebrows pinch together. He seems very concerned about what he’s reading. “You want to visit the astral plane?”
Madame Jeanette gives Victor a shocked and worried look. “Victor, you know visiting the astral plane is dangerous.”
“I’ve been there twice already. Both times, I was safe,” Victor remarks, trying to give them reassurance.
