"Thank you for looking into this," I manage.
"Of course." He sets the file folder onto Mom’s worktable and tucks his leather portfolio away. "Which brings me to my second reason for visiting. Your attendance has been requested at the meeting of the Order of the Arcane tomorrow night."
I blink. "What? You’re screwing with me, right?"
“Why would you assume that?”
“Because the Order of the Arcane isn’t real. It’s one of those boogeyman organizations witches whisper about when they’re trying to spook you out of doing something.”
Vale arches an ebony brow. “I assure you, the Order of the Arcane is very real. And the fact that they’ve taken notice of you is extremely worrisome.”
I don’t like the sound of that.
“Do you know why they want to see her?” Mom asks.
"I wasn't told the specifics, only to notify you of your need to attend." Vale studies me, and something in his expression puts me on edge. "However, I would advise treating this with the utmost seriousness. The Order doesn't issue a summons like this lightly."
My mind races through possibilities. The demon mark? My confrontation with Laurel? The demon targeting activity around town? Wait, have I breached exposure somehow?
"Can you at least tell me what to expect?"
"Assuming this is a formal proceeding, you will be permitted to bring one advisor—I would be honored to serve in that capacity, given my familiarity with your family's legal matters. Though I should warn you, Order meetings can be unpredictable and tend toward the theatrical."
I let out a long breath. "All right. Consider me warned."
CHAPTER NINE
Iwalk Vale to the door, my mind reeling with the possibilities of why the Order of the Arcane might want to see me. I'd probably have a better idea if I knew what sort of issues they oversee, but from what I know, that's all very hush-hush.
The evening air sends a chill down my spine the moment we walk out onto the covered porch. Vale takes a few steps and pauses on the top step to turn back.
Moonlight makes the white and black sides of his two-toned hair look even more stark. "I will pick you up promptly at half-seven tomorrow evening, Poppy. And do wear something interesting."
"Interesting? Interesting how?"
His smile grows wider and, with a sweeping circle, gestures to his avant-garde flair before sauntering off. "Tomorrow night, then."
"Thanks, Vale."
He waves over his head as he descends the porch steps. I hug myself against the November chill, watching his sleek black car reverse down the driveway, and then the red taillights disappear around the bend.
The Order of the Arcane.
Wear something interesting.
I've never heard of anyone getting summoned—like ever.
What could they possibly want? My chest tightens, anxiety crawling through my veins like ice.
Another shiver runs through me, but not from the cold this time. The air pressure shifts, and the tingle of spirit energy raises goosebumps along my arms.
I turn, searching for the source.
A ghost materializes on the other end of the covered porch. I almost don’t see her, lost in the shadows of the deep overhang, but she’s definitely there.
She flickers in and out of existence like a damaged television with spotty reception until she finally solidifies on the visual plane.
The girl looks to be a couple of years younger than me, eighteen maybe, with dark hair that hangs in lank strands around a face twisted in distress. Her mouth moves frantically, soundlessly. She reaches toward me, desperation written in every translucent line of her body.
