“—the healing spells barely worked!” the brownie was saying, distressed. “He’s still smolderingslightly. The Lincoln sisters would have had him sorted in minutes.”
Several residents nodded in worried agreement.
“The wards are weaker too,” Mr. Kowalski added, his usual grumpiness replaced by genuine concern. “My preservation charms have been failing. Do you know how inconvenient that is for somebody with my dietary requirements?”
It was clear from everyone’s expression that no one wanted to know.
“The Lincoln sisters were the best healers in the region,” Sage Willow said quietly. “Their absence has left a noticeable gap in our community’s medical care.”
“When are they coming back?” Edna Lopez asked in a brittle voice.
Mrs. Chen’s pause lasted a fraction too long.
“I’m sure they’ll return from their sabbatical when they’re ready.”
I frowned.
Not only did the three sisters usually represent the witches in the Amberford Alliance, they also controlled most of the supernatural clinics in Amberford and the surrounding towns. Melody Flowers, a fae-witch, had temporarily assumed their seat in the Alliance pending their return.
“If there’s no other business, I believe we can adjourn,” Mrs. Chen said. “Same time next month, assuming the roof garden situation doesn’t require emergency intervention.” She shot a meaningful look at a corner of the room where a group of small andwinged figures I hadn’t noticed were trying to look innocent.
The building residents began filing out, still murmuring amongst themselves about the general inadequacy of the new clinics in town. We were almost at the door when a hand caught my arm.
Mrs. Chen had materialized silently beside me. “A word, please?”
Ellie and Virgil hesitated. I waved them on. “I’ll catch up.”
Bo stayed by my side.
Mrs. Chen waited until the others had left before speaking. “You’re settling in well at the Hawthorne mansion, I hear.” Her expression had shifted from neutral to assessing.
I narrowed my eyes a little. “News travels fast.”
“In Amberford? Always.” Her lips quirked slightly before she sobered. “I heard about the transformation you pulled off in the mine against the Bludworth vampire. Quite impressive for someone so newly turned.”
I blinked. “How do you know about that? It’s meant to be a secret.”
“I know many things. It’s one of the advantages of being old and well-connected.” Her eyes sharpened. “A white wolf manifesting in a turned human is extraordinarily rare. Some would say impossible. And yet here you are.”
I wasn’t sure what to say to that. The Hawthornes and the Alliance were still researching the latest manifestations of my powers. The onlyone who hadn’t seemed surprised by my transformation had been Pearl, which led me to believe she knew far more on the matter than anyone else but was staying quiet on the subject for reasons best known to her.
Mrs. Chen patted my arm, her touch light but deliberate. “If you ever need information about old witch business, you know where to find me.”
The words hung in the air between us.
“Why are you telling me this?” I asked carefully.
“Because I have a feeling you’ll soon be knee deep in it.”
She showed me out, turned, and disappeared back into her cozy apartment, Mimi padding silently at her heels. The door closed with a soft click.
Bo and I stood in the hallway and stared at the weathered wood.
“That was cryptic,” Bo said finally.
“Very.”
He wagged his tail and studied me with the bright eyes of hope.
