Page 54 of Waltzing With Witches

I follow her to the table and take a seat, laying my palms flat on the shiny wooden surface. “I need you to tell me everything, Moira. I need to hear his story from your perspective.”

For the next half hour, Moira shares how she met Abe when he saved her. How she attacked him with the intent to kill because she was being chased. When she awoke, she thought he was the monster who chased her. She shares how she’s hunted for a cure ever since, but there’s never been anything.

“What about his sickness?”

Moira sucks in a breath and closes her eyes. When she reopens them, they’re glossy with unshed tears. “No cure exists, Morgan. Our venom is filled with a virus that’s meant to subdue either prey or attackers. Usually, it kills quickly. I don’t know how he’s held on so long.” She looks stricken. “It’s my theory that he held on so long because of his deep connection to you.”

My chest goes impossibly tight. So, I was right.

“And now that I’m here?”

Moira swipes at a tear. “I can’t say what’ll happen. He’s seen a black witch from my people, and she couldn’t do anything either. I’d take it all back if I could, Morgan. I’m so sorry.”

I grit my teeth. I can’t start crying right here, or I’ll never stop. I’m desperate to call my sisters and Lou. I really need them.

“This is crazy,” I shout. “I’m a black witch. I healed the wards yesterday, Moira. Why shouldn’t I be able to help him? It’s not fair.”

“It’s not,” she whispers, her beak trembling. “None of this is fair in the slightest. I do have a theory, though.”

A spark of hope blooms in my heart.

Please, God, let there be a theory to help him.

Moira’s soft gaze finds mine. “He struggled not to be obsessed with you after he chose not to call you. He was constantly wondering where you were, what you were doing. I think your bond keeps him going.” She looks out the back window. “There’s no medical reason for that to be the case, but what he feels for you is so strong.”

“Enough,” I whisper. “I can’t hear any more of this.”

“I know,” she says. “I’m so sorry, Morgan.”

I stand. “I need to think. I’m going home.”

Suddenly, all I want is to be at the castle with Abe. If she’s right, then who knows how long we have.

I don’t want to miss any more of it.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

KEEPER

Iintended to go back to the castle, but somehow I can’t bear the thought of being there alone without Morgan. Instead, I check the comm system and do a visual check of the wards. I half expect to see Alo or Shepherd on patrol—I’ll get some teasing about letting my wings out in the daytime.

Away from Morgan, logic begins to pepper me with all the things I haven’t been doing because I’ve been focused on her and the castle.

The fact that Wesley is still nowhere to be found eats at me. I haven’t spoken to Evenia. No doubt she’s got a hunter team looking for him. I need to check in with Dirk. And Richard. And both of the gargoyles.

Scratch that, I need to check in with everyone. I haven’t spoken to my protector team all day. Lifting my comm watch, I start making calls, beginning with Richard. All’s quiet in Shifter Hollow. Next, I comm Shepherd, but nothing’s new with him. He confirms I don’t need to call Alo because Alo and Miriam have taken Iggy swimming at the lake with Ohken and Wren. So, I don’t call Ohken either.

Can things really be this peaceful with Wesley still out there somewhere?

I could check in with Arkan, but he was at the castle this morning. Morgan should meet Hana—having two black witches within a haven is unheard of—there’s a lot Morgan can learn from Arkan’s mate.

But instead of making a plan to do that, my mind wanders to Morgan’s conversation with Moira. I wonder how she’ll feel about everything afterward. I wonder how she’ll feel about me. Us.

Not that there’s an us exactly.

Swooping above Sycamore Street, I land and tuck my wings away. Some days it’s easier to think if I literally walk my haven and observe.

“Ayo, Keeper, haven’t seen you about much!”

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