Obviously, the Conclave thought wrong!Angelique curled her hands into tightfists.
“The Council is in the process of making a declaration that will raise awareness, but the investigation squad believes it is unlikely the black mages will be able to catch another mage or enchanter likethis.”
“Isn’t that the kind of thinking that led to Evariste getting captured?” Angelique bitterlyasked.
“The Council has seen sects of black mages rise and fall, Angelique. Throughout history, there have been tragedies such as this one, but it depends upon us to pull through, recover Evariste, and secure a brighterfuture.”
Unbidden, the King of Baris’ words returned to Angelique. “Two black mages working together is not necessarily unusual,but…”
Angelique frowned as she considered the situation.I have never heard of a magic user getting kidnapped besides in legends and stories. How could thishappen?
“I don’t fully agree with the Council, but they are in a difficult position.” Clovicus hesitated. “But I wanted to ask you more about the attack. You said Evariste pulled you out of the way of the vermillion magic and shoved you through the portal, then closedit?”
“Yes.” Angelique mechanically ate a piece of cheese, not tasting it, but chewing because her stomach was starting to feel better, and sheknewshe needed toeat.
“Did the spell spring at you because you were closer or because it was aimed at you?” Clovicusasked.
“I don’t really know,” Angelique said. “I have no idea what the spell actually did—though it must cause some kind of pain. Evariste looked…” She trailed off and stared at her hands as she recalled the grimace of Evariste’s features as he shut theportal.
He’s gone. Because he savedme.
“This is important, Angelique.” Clovicus set his hand on her arm, making her look up. “Think. Was the spell meant for youspecifically?”
“Does it matter?” Angeliqueasked.
“Yes.” Clovicus folded his arms across his chest. “Because it goes from being an attack on a powerful magic user for unknown purposes to a specific attack that targetsyou.”
“They might have targeted me because they thought I’d be the easier target as anapprentice.”
“Not necessarily. You are close to making Lady Enchantress, and you pose a far greater threat to them—both with your magic type and your physical abilities.” When Angelique frowned at him, Clovicus shrugged. “Icertainly wouldn’t have thought to headbutt any attackers as you described to me lastnight.”
Angelique shifted uncomfortably in herchair.
“But can you think of anything that would indicate they were specifically after you?” Clovicusasked.
Angelique leaned back in her chair and took another roll. She passed it back and forth between her hands as she thought. “They converged on me, but I was the one who answered the door. And while they didn’t leave the front hall to track down Evariste, I was doing a fairly good job of keeping them occupied. As for the spell, I can’t say for certain. Evariste stepped between it and me and took the spell aimed at me. That’s all I couldtell.”
Enchanter Clovicus scratched his jaw. “Youdon’t think they were afteryou?”
“Not specifically,no.”
He nodded, but the wrinkles on his forehead multiplied. “It still seems odd. Out of all magic users, why attack the Lord Enchanter with portal magic and his apprentice who could have stopped themwith—”
He cut himself off before he could finish, but Angelique knew what he was thinking. It had occurred to her aswell.
I could have killed them where they stood if I had used my coremagic.
She hated her magic. Sheneverwanted to use it. But Evariste, the only enchanter who had fought for her, was gone—because she was too slow at channeling and twisting her magic, because she refused to use her coreabilities.
“Angelique, you did well,” Clovicus said, shattering her thoughts. “You fought beside Evariste and held them off when other apprentices wouldn’t have stood a chance. You also made it back from Verglas at an unforgiving speed. You cannot berate yourself overthis.”
“ButI—”
“No,” he interrupted her. “Evariste has been a full-fledged Lord Enchanter for years. If he couldn’t overpower them, it is unreasonable to berate yourself. He wouldn’t wantthat.”
No. As angry and upset with me as he was, he didn’t ask me to use my warmagic.
“The investigation will continue. Other mages with varying specialties have been called in and will likely go through the house.” Clovicus stood, only to meaningfully tap the breakfast tray. “I can make arrangements for you to stay here in the Veneno Conclave.Or—”
