She thought Stonewick was weakest when emotional, but she’d never seen what happened when people who loved fiercely stopped being afraid of losing everything and listened to their hearts.
A few witches moved carefully toward their broomsticks near the courtyard wall while others exchanged nervous looks.
One older woman adjusted her cloak and muttered, “I have only flownoncesince 1998.”
Another snorted. “That explains the landing at Gerald’s retirement party this summer.”
“That hedge came out of nowhere.” She chuckled.
My phone buzzed again in my pocket, and every ounce of warmth vanished from my body.
Keegan.
I answered instantly. “Tell me you found her.”
The line crackled with wind and movement.
“I found tracks leading toward the eastern crossing,” he said roughly.
“Good. You’re still on her.”
“But Maeve…” He hesitated.
My stomach dropped, and I looked around the courtyard. “What?”
“There were signs of a struggle.”
Signs of a struggle.
My grip tightened painfully around the phone.
“Was she hurt?” My voice was steady as adrenaline surged through my body.
“I don’t know.” His voice lowered. “There was blood, but not much. Any mortal would have missed it, that's how little there was.”
I didn't know if he was trying to make me feel better, but my knees nearly gave out from relief and terror all at once.
Caleb stepped closer immediately when he saw my face pale.
“What happened?” he demanded quietly.
Keegan spoke again before panic could swallow me whole.
“I found one of the Priestess’ shadow hounds dead near the trail.”
That snapped my head up. “What?”
“It looked like Celeste fought back.”
“That’s my girl.” For one stunned heartbeat, pride surged through the horror.
“We’re leaving now,” I said quickly.
“Maeve, listen to me carefully. The compound’s magic feels unstable tonight.”
“I'll tell the others.” I cleared my throat. “But how unstable?”
Nova went still beside me.
