“Yes, but aren’t you…”
“Aren’t I what?”
“You know?’ Dani gestured at herself. “A witch?”
With a groan, Layla’s head fell back. “It really does seem to be the worst-kept secret in the whole paranormal world.”
Despite herself, Dani chuckled. “Yes, Lavinia told me you were one of us. Does Dominic know?”
“Of course he does,” said Layla, chewing her lip. “As does my brother Theodore, his second-in-command. Julian was first to work it out.”
Dani’s eyebrows lifted. “Julian Rook? He was the one who wrote to us in the first place.”
“And he’s one of the reasons the rest of the Volkhov, and the Nordan for that matter, still believe my gifts are just…a blessing from Lunarion.”
“I’m not sure they do, you know,” Dani said, remembering the sneer of the Nordan guard.
Layla huffed, “Believe me, I know. But Dominic wants to wait until after the summit to go public with it. He wants a treaty signed. He thinks it’ll make it safer for me.”
“I don’t think witches can ever be safe in Skymist.”
Layla tilted her head. “What makes you so sure?”
“Arthur,” Dani said instantly, “he’s always been traditional. Always believed that we are…evil incarnate. And he doesn’t change his mind.”
“And yet,” Layla said, “he’s mating you.”
Dani bared her teeth, springing up to pace the room, her fists curled at her sides. “He’s only doing that because he’s got it into his head that I’m his true mate.”
“Yes, he has rather always been enchanted with the idea.”
“I know him. He’ll go to any lengths necessary to protect his pack. If I’m his true mate, then he’ll be blessed by Lunarion, just like Dominic was. We all heard the story of Voskresen. Thing is, Arthur doesn’t care who he hurts so long as his pack is safe.”
“And will this hurt you?” Layla asked, brown eyes warm.
Dani stopped short, hands trembling. “Yes. And it won’t be the first time he’s hurt me, either.”
Layla tilted her head, but she didn’t push.
Barking a laugh, Dani sank to the floor in defeat, hugging her knees to her chest, “The ironic thing is, last time it was rejecting me. ‘For the good of the pack,’” she mocked his low, gruff voice.
Layla didn’t laugh. She just maneuvered down, her actions awkward around her pregnancy, and reached out to take her hand.
“You don’t have to forgive him,” she said, “but you do deserve safety. And choice.”
Dani swallowed. “I don’t have a choice.”
Layla’s expression turned razor-sharp suddenly. “Lavinia maneuvered this,” she murmured. “A mate bond forces the Nordan to protect you. And if the coven wants leverage here, you are the perfect path.”
Dani’s stomach twisted. “So I’m a pawn.”
“No,” Layla said firmly. “You don’t have to be. It’s up to you, Dani. If you want to leave, I’ll help you. And I’ll make sure your sisters and your daughter are safe too.”
Dani blinked at her. “And the summit?”
Layla paused, her expression growing slightly pained, her eyes unfocusing slightly as she looked past Dani into the fire. “I won’t lie to you. It was my idea to invite the witch covens. Dominic originally just wanted to gather a few of the packs. But I…I can see things. Visions of the future. And I know that whatever threat is growing out there, shifters alone cannot face it.”
“So you need us,” Dani said, her voice wooden.
