Page 32 of Light Magic

“Torture an innocent soul? Take advantage of weak supernaturals? Steal the candy of children?”

“Ariella,” she said with a sigh.

“What? Just because he did one or two good things in his entire life, doesn’t mean he isn’t evil.”

“It’s the opposite.” Lacey’s voice turned sour. “Just because he did a couple” —I raised my eyebrows— “all right, several bad things, doesn’t mean he’s evil.”

“You know the phrase innocent until proven guilty? I prefer guilty until proven innocent with him. And so far, he hasn’t wanted to prove his innocence.”

“Ariella.” Abbie looked up from the books spread before her. “Can we drop this subject?”

Shit, I had been so worked up, I had offended my host. “Sorry, I can’t seem to let it go.”

“I—”

“You have a visitor.”

I almost jumped out of my chair when Myg’s voice echoed through the library.

“Are we expecting anyone?” Maggie asked.

Abbie shook her head. “It might be one of our regular clients.” She gestured to Myg. “Bring him in.”

Myg walked around the large tree, and in ten seconds, walked back with three figures behind her—an old witch and two males, though I had no idea what they were.

“Mrs. Dennis.” Abbie stood and smiled at the witch. “It’s so good to see you. How are you? And Mr. Twitches?”

“I’m fine, dear, and Mr. Twitches is energetic and spoiled as always.”

Abbie’s eyes hardened as she took in the other two people. “You brought friends.”

“Oh, yes.” Mrs. Dennis beckoned the man forward. “This is Elias and Eugene. I thought you could help them.”

Abbie shifted her weight. I could see she wasn’t comfortable with that. “Hi, Elias and Eugene. I’m Abigail Evermore, the owner and protector of the Grand Eternity Hall.”

“I’m Elias,” the oldest said. He was in his late twenties, but guessing ages was tricky with supernaturals. “And this is my brother, Eugene.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Abigail, “ Eugene said. He had cropped hair and a short beard, and he was almost as tall as Levi, but a lot less menacing.

“How can I help you?” Abbie asked.

Elias glanced at the witch and she nodded her chin encouragingly.

He fished a bunched cloth from the pocket of his jacket. He unfolded it and showed us the beautiful necklace lying in the cloth. “This has been in my family for generations, and I believe it’s cursed.”

Abbie approached him. “What do you mean?”

“All the women in my family who have worn this necklace have died in childbirth.” He gulped. “The latest was my wife and my son died a few days later.”

My heart squeezed.

“I’m so sorry.” Abbie pressed a hand to her chest. “Was your wife a lion shifter like you?”

He was a lion shifter. Interesting.

He nodded. “Her family was close to mine. But now …”

Abbie reached for the necklace. “Do you mind if I examine it?”

---