“That’s exaggerating.”
“Hmm.” Her full lips press together and an awkward silence falls. “Is it?”
Bo stands and takes her hand in both of his. “Cal.”
“Bo. I can already see why you’ve come to me.”
Intrigued, I glance at Bo. “You can?”
“Someone’s gone through a lot of trouble to keep tabs on you.” She presses her lips into a straight line.
“Blood magic is powerful and hard to wield. Things like this require a serious sacrifice.”
She steps closer and stops a few inches from me. “May I?”
She holds out her hands and I look to Bo who nods.
“Yes.” Her eyes flutter shut. She hums, bringing her hands to either side of my head.
Tingles run the length of my body.
“This is dark.” She winces. “It feels like crawling insects and rage.”
She shakes out her hands. “This has to go.”
Anxious I shift my weight on the couch. “What do we need to do?”
“A cleansing and a cord removal. They linked you?—”
“To who?” My lips twitch in amusement at our collective answer.
“It’s a male.” Her eyes open. She shudders like she’s having a seizure.
“Cal.”
She sways, and Bo grabs her.
“I’m sorry. There’s a potent ward up around whoever it is.” Exhaling, she grimaces.
Cadoc perches on the edge of the couch. “Can you help her?”
“Yes.”
“What will it cost us?” Fell asks.
Cal purses her lips. “A favor.”
Cadoc continues pulling every bit of information he can from her. “What kind?”
Calista remains unruffled. “To be determined.”
If I didn’t need her assistance, I’d admire her smooth negotiating skills. Her girl boss vibes are admirable.
Fell balks. “Absolutely not.”
“With limitations,” Kirk interjects, offering a compromise.
“I’m listening,” Calista waits for their terms.