‘I mean… I like their colours. Never knew fish could be so vibrant. And everyone’s got their thing, right? Would you want your store on the Isles or somewhere else?’
Good question. ‘I honestly didn’t give it much thought. I haven’t even explored the Isles yet. Do you see your library as your purpose?’
‘No, but I enjoy it anyway.’ She remained vague. ‘There are always units for rent on the main strip where my library is, by the way, if you ever want to set up your shop here.’
I considered it. Spending my days surrounded by fish without having to deal with Ortensians was a dream come true. ‘Maybe one day.’
‘Why don’t you put an aquarium in the living room if you enjoy them so much?’ Miriam doubled down, and I couldn’t help but smile at her persistence.
I envisioned a hundred-gallon aquarium on the side wall, just where the little liquor area was currently. ‘You think Alec and father would be okay with that?’
‘Are you kidding? Alec will probably make shadow fish for you whenever they kick it. And dad isn't concerned with stuff like that.’
Shadow fish did sound exciting… not that I wanted any of them to die.
‘I’ll think about it,’ I said, my mind circling back to the murder, the mysterious dagger, the crystal and the unpromising search. Thinking about my desires in times like this felt selfish. ‘Do you think we’ll ever actually find the Crones?’
Miriam's face dropped once again. She ran a finger over her lip as if she were weighing what to say.
It looked as though she had something to hide, but I didn’t want to pry. None of the people in my life shared their secrets until they were ready.
A muscle ticked in her cheek before her frown deepened more than I’d ever seen.
‘Are we even sure they’re still where they said they were?’ She breathed out, weary. ‘I mean the directions date back hundreds of years. It’s not outside the scope of possibilities that they chose to move, is it?’
Okay… Harsh but honest. I preferred it. ‘So you’re sceptical?’
‘I… I’m still going to help you look for them; you’re not alone, Ava,’ she said, reassuringly tapping my thigh. ‘Just… It's a very difficult task and situation. The whole blood witch aspect is so… don’t get your hopes up too much, okay?’
‘I think I’m getting a little sceptical myself, even though I don’t like to admit it,’ I said, and she squeezed my hand before letting go.
‘Why is that?’ she asked.
‘Because I don’t want to fail.’
Miriam paused. ‘Ava, do you think you’re the first person to search for them? I’m pretty sure thousands before you failed to find them. And whether you do or not, you’ve put in the effort and that’s what counts.’
The pretty words meant nothing. ‘Not during a war. Not if the blood witches try to gain the upperhand again.’
‘It is a real concern.’ Miriam cringed. ‘But why do you feel personally responsible for what happens? Whether the war erupts or even if we perish, that is not on you!’
‘The instructions they left chose me.’
‘You know witchcraft better than anyone; we don’t know why the box opened for you.’ The tightness in Miriam's shoulders kept spreading. ‘Just… let’s just keep searching for them and hope for the best.’
Hope for the best?
‘So… How was your search?’ The moment I asked, she looked away. ‘I noticed the atmosphere was a bit tense.’
She blinked slowly, her eyes looking everywhere but not into mine. ‘I’m fighting hard not to succumb to my thirst for vengeance.’
‘Oh… oh. For what? And I’m guessing it involves Michael?’
‘Do you think I will cause you much trouble if I murder your mate’s little brother?’ The deepening scowl on her face could give me nightmares.
‘I presume so, Miriam. Please refrain from killing Michael. What did he do now?’
‘Do you realise how difficult it is to raise my blood pressure? I mean, I am the most stoic person I know. I thrive in peace and predictability.’ She swallowed hard, gesturing erratically. ‘And then this bloody idiot comes along, convinced he knows what’s best for me. And he doesn’t even know me. How delusional is he?’
