As intimidating as it is to be tied and blood bound to the hot-seat, there's something cathartic to telling my side of the story, knowing they have no choice but to believe me because I'm literally sitting in a bloodthirsty lie detector chair.
And so I tell them.
I tell them about waking at sixteen on a Kansas sidewalk, about building a life from nothing, and filling the emptiness where my childhood should have been.
I tell them about Sebastian portaling me back because he needed another Spirit Witch to handle Tharuzel, his minions, and the damage the greater demon was doing to the ley lines, the veil, and the people of Emberwood.
I tell them about Laurel having me kidnapped and experimented on, being sent to Arcana Academy for my lack of control, and blaming me for everything when it was her doing all along.
I tell them about Mom giving me my memories back and showing me how Laurel orchestrated the disruption of the ritual, causing the death of five people, the marking of my bloodline, and the ruin of my family.
And lastly, I tell them about being sought out by Davina Draven, interrupting Laurel’s secret meeting when they were talking about Davina, and our search for answers about what she did with my sisters and why.
There's more, of course, but Garrison said he was interested in what's happened with Tharuzel and Laurel's part in that, so that's what I talk about. And if any of this gets other factions and empowered communities invested in finding out what Laurel is up to, maybe that will get us closer to finding my sisters.
"And she posted on ArcanaGram thatI'mthe destabilizing factor." I’m still galled at the audacity of that. "Which, if shemeans destabilizing her lies, I suppose I am, but the rest of it is on her."
The room remains silent except for occasional shared whispers between people sitting near one another.
"And that's about it." Having run out of steam, I meet Vale's gaze and shrug. "Did I miss anything?"
Vale smiles. "I can think of only one thing."
It's after ten when Vale's car pulls into the driveway, headlights sweeping across the dark lawn of Hallowind House. My mind is spinning with everything that happened. Vale’s one thing he wanted to add was how I’ve been gathering a band of misfit members of the empowered communities eager to right the wrongs.
Garrison found the forming of the Life and Death Brigade to be especially interesting and nominated our ragtag guild of outcasts and rebel for recognition.
The motion passed, and we were given official status, a seat within the Order of the Arcane, and access to Order resources.
Best of all, he’s spearheading a specialized task force formed to look into Laurel's activities going back decades.
Before I get out, I reach across the backseat and extend my hand. "Thank you for everything you did and helped to set in motion tonight. You are my very own superhero."
He chuckles. “And you are a shameless flatterer.”
I shake my head. “No, I’m serious. With this green suit and that hat, all you'd need is a mask, and you'd be the Green Hornet."
He chuckles, clasping my palms with both hands. "I am ever your humble servant, but don't think for a moment that it wasme who set things in motion. You are your own superhero, Miss Hallowind. You handled yourself admirably, and the members of the Order were impressed."
"Do you think so?"
He winks. "I absolutely know so. Now, off you go. I'm sure you've got a troop of troublemakers pressing their noses against the parlor window, waiting to hear every detail. I'll be in touch regarding anything we learn about your sisters."
I give his hand a squeeze and when his driver opens my door, I climb out. "Thank you, Kato."
Vale's djinn chauffeur arches a brow. "My name is not Kato."
I grin. "Are you sure? It's a compliment, trust me."
With a wave, I watch as Vale's car backs smoothly out of the driveway and disappears down the street. The night settles around me as I turn toward the house, giddy about telling Asher about the meeting.
Maybe he baked us a celebratory pie in anticipation.
Or maybe?—
Magic slams hard into my back and grabs hold.
I'm yanked sideways off the driveway, my boots dragging across the lawn like I'm a fish being reeled in on a line. The tulle of my skirt can't withstand the dragging, and soon it's the bare skin of my hip scraping over the grass.
