Page 9 of Ancient Magic

Peri was clearly blindsided by Skye’s stark refusal. “It’s just for one evening.”

Skye kept her gaze focused on Peri. “Do you remember when Maya and I traveled to Paris to take pastry lessons at the Le Cordon Bleu?”

“Yeah, I stayed here to keep the shop open.”

“We were there less than a week before we were on the verge of being thrown into the local dungeon.”

Peri arched her brows. “I didn’t hear this story. What happened?”

“The vampire in charge of the local Gyre discovered we were staying in Paris and requested that we join him for dinner at his chateau,” Skye said. “Most people would have been honored.”

Peri’s lips twisted. “But not Maya?”

“She told his messenger to shove his invitation up his ass and threatened to shrink his balls to the size of grapes if he returned to our hotel.” Skye leaned toward Peri to whisper in her ear. “Spoiler alert. He didn’t return.”

Maya clicked her tongue. “It wasn’t an invitation. It was a royal decree with enough of a threat to piss me off.”

Skye ignored Maya’s protest. The invitation might have been worded in a way that sounded like a command, but it hadn’t been that obnoxious.

“We were told to leave Paris and not return. And then last year we went to China to taste a selection of teas we wanted for the shop and—”

“That’s enough, Skye.” It was Maya’s turn to interrupt, obviously not anxious to have Skye share the story of the spectacular fire she’d caused when a vampire at the airport insisted on searching their luggage in search of ancient artifacts he implied they’d come there to steal.

Peri grimaced. “I could really use someone there who has my back.”

Maya heaved an audible sigh. “Skye should go, but she’s right. I’m not sure I would be an asset. I’m not very good at hiding my opinion of vampires. Although...”

Both Skye and Peri glanced at Maya in confusion as her words faded.

“What are you doing?” Skye demanded.

Maya tapped her temple. “Waiting for interference.”

“Ah. The Benefactor.” Skye belatedly realized why her friend hesitated. “Anything?”

Maya shook her head. “Nope.”

“Okay. I guess I’ll be flying solo,” Skye said, not unhappy that the Benefactor had kept his opinion to himself.

She was still aching from head to toe from their disastrous trip to the theater.

Peri cleared the lump from her throat. “Drinks start at seven o’clock, but if you don’t mind coming a little early I could use your help to get ready. I’m not sure my hands will be steady enough to put on makeup. Or manipulate a zipper. Or open a door.”

Skye wrapped her friend in her arms. “I’ll be there. I’ll always be there.”

“I know.” Peri leaned into the hug before she was pulling away to grab the satchel she’d left on one of the wooden chairs. It was no doubt brimming with various potions. Better safe than sorry. A mage’s motto. “I love you guys.”

With a wave, Peri disappeared from the office. Maya watched her leave, with her hands on her hips.

“If those vampires try to hurt her I’ll burn Valen’s lair to the ground.”

“I’ll light the match,” Skye agreed.

* * * *

The next morning most of Skye’s injuries had healed. She still ached from head to toe and she had to use an illusion spell to hide the bruises on the side of her face, but she counted herself lucky that nothing had been broken. Thankfully, Maya seemed equally recovered, although her expression was grim as they served the crush of customers who were stretched down the block despite the icy drizzle that escaped from the sullen clouds.

Skye assumed the grim expression was caused by the knowledge that several members of the Cabal were currently gathered in New York City. Having vampires hanging around was not only dangerous for Peri, but any demon or mage who refused to accept their authority.

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