Twobble made a tiny choking sound behind me, and I ignored him.
I thought of exploding brownies, haunted corridors, goblin tunnels, wolf curses, vampire tea, fox shifters, and a snailacorn named Cindy.
“Once we settle this, Stonewick will get back to normal,” I assured everyone.
A wry grin settled on Stella's lips. “This is normal. Surprise.”
I chuckled.
Stella coughed delicately into her hand. “Who said I was kidding?”
Keegan leaned closer. “I’ll leave within the hour.”
My chest squeezed so hard I nearly forgot how to inhale.
“No,” I said, turning to him. “You should leave sooner.”
His jaw flexed. “I’d like to know what the plan is before I take off.”
“You need to go before the Priestess gets ahead of us.”
Skonk cleared his throat. “One of us can always communicate with you somehow. But I agree with her, time is of the essence.”
For a heartbeat, neither Keegan nor I moved.
Then he cupped my face in both hands and kissed me, right in front of Stella, Nova, Bella, Ardetia, two goblins, onesnailacorn, and half a dozen midlife witches pretending not to watch.
“I’ll keep her safe,” he said.
I nodded and let out a slow breath. “I know.”
His thumb brushed my cheek. “And you keep yourself safe.”
“I’ll make a strong effort.”
His mouth twitched. “Maeve, that’s not the answer I was going for.”
“I will,” I promised, smiling.
He pressed a kiss to my forehead. He’d always been the strong, silent type who trusted me and wanted to see me step into my role, and now that I was, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was ready.
Keegan stepped back, and the air went colder where he’d been.
Twobble sniffed loudly. “I hate heroic departures. They’re terrible for digestion.”
Stella’s eyes gleamed suspiciously. “Take Caleb with you, Keegan. And one of the gargoyles, if they’ll agree.”
“I’ll send Karvey,” I agreed, feeling the shadow mark flare on my shoulder
“No, Caleb’s strength is needed here,” my dad announced from behind us.
The Silver Wolf stepped next to him. “I agree.”
Keegan and I traded a glance. “Karvey should stay with the Stone Ward.”
I nodded.
Skonk shoved the last bite of cheese bun into his mouth and raised the parchment. “There’s more.”
