Layla’s smile deepened. “Welcome back to Skymist. Truly. I’m glad you’re here.”
Dani nearly laughed. “I’m glad someone is.”
Layla glanced pointedly past her at Arthur, still hovering behind his guards like a storm waiting to break. Her lips pressed together, and something unreadable passed across her face. But then she turned back with a large, bright smile. “Let me guess, they’re taking you to the Nordan Compound?”
“I guess,” Dani said, shuddering at the memory of the Nordan stronghold. Even when she had been officially part of the pack, she had hated it there. She’d never been able to find her place amongst her people, and it just served as an ugly reminder of both her parents and her isolation.
“The rest of the witches are to come with us, Luna,” a male said, stepping forwards. He wore the customary red and black of the Volkhov, close enough to mountain gear to pass undetected amongst the humans. “The Salem Coven shall be staying in Thistlehouse.”
“Oh, good,” said Layla, her smile brightening as she turned to Lavinia, nodding her head in deference. “That’s one of the Volkhov houses near The Anchor, you’ll be close to us. And I believe the Juneau Coven will be next door at Marigold Cottage.”
Lavinia nodded. “My thanks, Luna. But may I ask about the Nordan Compound?”
“It’s the other side of town from The Anchor,” Dani said quickly, with a nervous smile. “Nordan half of the town. The Anchor is a Volkhov bar.”
“But it’s not so far away,” said Layla soothingly. “Allow me to accompany you. Our alliance with the Nordan does not limit our comings and goings, I’m pleased to say.”
“To a point,” one of the Nordan guards sneered under his breath. Layla stiffened.
A rumbling growl behind her sent shivers running down her spine, and she felt more than heard the heavy footsteps of the male coming to stand beside her.
“Something to say, whelp?”
The Nordan guard trembled, bowing his head. “No, Alpha.”
“Aye, I thought so. Show the Luna of the Volkhov the respect she deserves.”
The guard gave a clumsy half-bow, stammering an apology under his breath. Arthur grunted, crossing his arms over his chest. “And that goes for the witches, too, boy. They’re under the protection of the Volkhov and…and the Nordan. So long as they are here in Skymist, I will not tolerate insults. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Alpha,” the guard said, straightening. Dani didn’t miss the pull at the corner of his lips, the tension in his muscles.
She pulled Aurelia closer to her. The wolves would not be happy about these new orders. Not at all.
Arthur stiffened at her motion, his face clouded with anger. Without so much as looking at her, he turned on his heel. “Matthew, Conrad, with me. We have preparations to make.”
He stalked away, as much as a male of his size could stalk, his wolves following after him in steady, fast strides.
Layla sighed, giving a rueful smile. “Come on, let’s get you into the warmth. The Volkhov will watch over your sisters.”
“Are we permitted at the ceremony tonight?” Lavinia asked, in a tone that conveyed she would only tolerate one answer.
Layla hesitated. “I’m sorry, High Sister, I’m not sure. The Nordan ceremonies are different from those of the Volkhov, I’m sure I can—”
“No,” Dani interrupted, throat tight, “you won’t be. Only the…only the couple to be married and mated and a priest of Lunarion are permitted. It’s tradition.”
Lavinia’s voice was steelier than it ever had been before. “Traditions can be changed, child. If you wish it, I will be at your side.”
Despite everything, Dani felt a rush of affection for the High Sister. Completely illogical, and rather irritating, but in her current haze of barely-concealed panic and whiplash confusion, she would take any ounce of goodwill given to her.
“Thank you,” she said, “but I’d actually prefer if you stayed with Aurelia. Kept her safe. Kept her…”
Lavinia nodded instantly. “Of course.”
“I’ll have guards posted at every entrance to the house, and up and down the street,” said Layla. “She will be safe. You all will be.”
Dani knelt, taking Aurelia into her arms, hugging her tight. “You be good for the High Sister now, okay?”
Aurelia clung to her in a way she hadn’t since she was small, and had grazed her knee chasing butterflies in the garden. “Mommy….”
