Page 17 of Death Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

The room shifted again, the air changing when one large presence disappeared.

Faith crossed her arms. “Where should we start?”

I exhaled slowly, because that question landed on my shoulders like a weight.

What did you do when the dead rose and you couldn’t feel the magic that raised them?

You started with the people who knew death magic best.

“We talk to any other necromancers in the coven,” I said. “I don’t know who they are, but Lucinda does.”

Lucinda’s expression tightened. The slightest flare of irritation crossed her face, and I realized she didn’t like the implication that her coven might include someone capable of this.

Eve answered before Lucinda could. “I only know of one.”

My gaze snapped to her. “One?”

Eve nodded. “Andel.”

Lucinda’s lips pressed together. “Andel is the only one.”

Nishi’s brows drew together. “He’s stayed quiet.”

“He stays quiet on purpose,” Eve said. “He keeps his head down. He does his work. He does not get involved unless someone drags him.”

I rubbed my forehead, trying to keep my thoughts in a straight line. “If this is necromancy, Andel is our best lead. Either he knows something, or someone is using his knowledge, or someone is framing him.”

Caton’s twitch jumped again. “Convenient to suggest we question a coven member instead of looking inward.”

I stared at him. “That was the most backward sentence I’ve heard all night.”

Lucinda’s eyes flashed. “Enough. We will speak with Andel.”

Relief flickered in me. Not because I thought Andel would fix this. Because at least we were moving.

“And,” I added quickly, before Lucinda could redirect the plan into something that ended with me locked in a room for questioning, “we pick up Tegan.”

Nishi’s gaze brightened. “I will text her. I was hoping to give her the night off.”

“I know,” I said. “But if it’s an artifact, she is our best bet.”

Lucinda’s expression tightened. “Tegan seems to avoid council matters.”

“Most sane people do,” I muttered.

Carnell’s head tilted. “Why wasn’t she called anyway?”

Nishi’s eyes narrowed. “Because Kacey is sick. But Spencer can stay with her since this is important.”

Eve’s fingers brushed her necklace again. “If Kacey is sick, Tegan might not want to leave.”

“She will,” Lucinda said, voice hard. “If the town is threatened, her daughter is threatened. She will understand that.”

I didn’t love the way Lucinda spoke about people. As if they were pieces on a board she could move by force.

Then again, sometimes force was the only thing that got anyone to act before it was too late.

Nishi shifted, decisive. “I can pick up Tegan.”