Sybilla adjusted her glasses. “I’m sure you’ll do yourbest.”
Clovicus merely shrugged, but Lovelana didn’t seem to notice their reaction as she nodded to herself. “If any of you hear any news of the black mages, please let meknow.”
Unable to stand it any longer, Angelique curtsied. “If you’ll excuse me,” she muttered before she stormed from Hallowed Hall as quickly as shecould.
If I stay here a moment longer, I’m going toscream!
“Angelique!”
Though she heard Clovicus call after her, Angelique keptmarching.
Within a few moments, the older enchanter caught up with her, easily matching her pace. “You’re going backhome?”
Angelique glanced up at him. “What else is there for me to do? As there is no search party for Evariste, I cannot offer aid. The Council Members might have a heart palpitation if I asked to be included in thecommittee.” She was unable to keep the frustration out of her voice as she navigated the hallways, making her way to Evariste’soffice.
Clovicus ignored the challenge. “I want you to know you can come to me—despite whatever you do in the future—and I will helpyou.”
Angelique squinted as she tried to puzzle through his offer. “What do youmean?”
“It’s just a hunch,” Clovicus said, failing to offer any moreinformation.
Angelique forced her expression to clear and put on a mask of calmness. “Thank you for the generous offer, Lord Enchanter. I am honored you would think to helpme.”
“I suspect, Angelique, it will actually be the opposite. Nonetheless, you are my student’s apprentice. I’ll do whatever I can to support you,understood?”
Despite her confusion brought on by the enchanter’s words, Angelique nodded. “Thank you, Enchanter Clovicus,” sherepeated.
Clovicus nodded, but he stopped when they reached a T-intersection in the hallway, and Angelique turned right. “Good luck, Apprentice,” hecalled.
“Thank you, Enchanter Clovicus,” Angeliquecalled.
She could haveswornshe heard him say, “It seems we shall see if Evariste was right about you.” But when she turned around, Clovicus was strolling in the opposite direction, too far away to be within her hearingrange.
Chapter 33
Three days passed,leaving Angelique utterly alone in Evariste’shouse.
With the damage now completely repaired, the attack almost seemed like a bad dream…except Evariste wasn’tthere.
Angelique stared at the salon wall. While the windows to Farset and Baris flickered with magic, she stared at the bare spot on the wall where the Verglas window had once been. “Where are you, Evariste?” shewhispered.
His absence left a hole in thehouse.
No magical animals had showed up since he had been taken. And previously, the place always held the faint twinkle of his magic. Now it was still andlonely.
Angelique sighed and scratched her neck. “They’ll find him,” she toldherself.
If only she believedit.
While the Veneno Conclave’s actions were perhaps logical, it painted a grim picture of Evariste’sfuture.
He’s a legend, and no one is looking forhim.
Angelique sighed and made her way upstairs. The unnatural stillness of a house that had always previously brimmed with magic and comings and goings felteerie.
When she entered her bedroom, the sight of the spelled gown mockedher.
Unable to leave it in the box but unwilling to put it on, Angelique had hung it up on the door of herarmoire.
