Page 24 of Last Gift: Supernatural Battle

The divination mentor flinched at whatever he saw in my eyes, though he didn’t lower his focus from my face. “I can see it,” he hushed. “You walked there for a lifetime.”

I’d watched Wild die in thousands of ways, unable to do a thing. “Perhaps the meaning of the experience will find me one day.”

“I believe so.” He took a breath and swallowed. “We shall continue here. The next stave is gort.”

We worked through eight more of the staves, giving me knowledge of twelve of the twenty. I may never use these things to divine my choices or the paths of others, and yet being active in an area of magic that had haunted me for years did feel empowering.

I rose after and watched the group who’d gathered for centering this morning. More than expected. We were all in need of extra healing after last week. “Sir, I wondered about something.”

“And that wonder has led to a question.”

“Naturally. Could you summon an echo of the past for the entire coven to see? There have been comments about how far this coven has drifted from its former self and unity. Seeing this with our own eyes may be important.”

Ty considered that. “It would be possible. I would need to search through time for such a moment you describe.”

“Could you?”

He bowed. “I would be happy to, High Esteemed.”

“Thank you, sir.”

I walked to join the centering circle, sliding between Berry and Gentri. They were two people who wanted to be with each other but feared damaging their friendship. Couldn’t say I’d ever had that issue. There was something to be said about not having many friends.

They didn’t stir from their meditation as I slipped into my affinities. I may not feel the need to center today, but I had to lead by example, and it didn’t hurt to give myself ten minutes of self-care in this insanity.

After I’d centered, I did feel clear about my path for the day. There was a task I’d put off. Now that the covens had drawn their lines in the sand, and I’d seen how paltry the level of magus support was, I had to act.

Opening my eyes, I looked straight across the circle. Josie, sitting opposite me, wasn’t quick enough to hide her hate, and my thoughts weren’t quick enough to stop my reflex wink either.

She smoothed her expression, and I got to my feet, seeing that Berry and Gentri had left at some point. A stream of happy magus were leaving the learning center. I had a good feeling about these circles.

The next stop was the advisor chamber, where I summoned parchment and a quill. I set my pointer finger to the bottom of the quill to fill it with black ink.

After staring at the blank page for some time, I set the tip to the paper.

To Crown Prince Kyros Atagio and Princess Basilia Atagio of Clan Sundulus, and to Pack Alpha Sascha Greyson and Tribe Leader/Pack Leader Andie Greyson,

I am pleased to have the opportunity to reply to your missive sent some weeks ago. I am further pleased to inform you that the previous response from the Buried Knolls council can be dismissed. I spoke, in very brief terms, to some of your people recently of an imminent threat from demonkind. This threat has become more urgent, and as I am now in a position to act as the High Esteemed leader of this coven, I invite you to our caves at your first convenience to deliver the warning in full. I would see that you are armed with knowledge at the minimum, and another alliance at the optimum.

You will be under my protection upon entering this coven and can be assured that no harm will befall any of you during this time.

Sincerely,

High Esteemed Tempest Corentine

The letter wasn’t long, but by the time I’d squeezed my brain to form each sentence, my neck and fingers were stiff, and the light in the caves had dimmed. I read over the letter anew. Would it be enough? Did it give enough assurance, or was it too open that they may distrust my motive and not accept the invitation? I blew on the ink to be sure it was dry, then folded and sealed the letter.

Rubbing my neck, I left the chamber, encountering Bedwyr outside. His gaze dropped to the letter in my hand.

“Bedwyr, can I help you?”

“No, High Esteemed. Just walking to dinner.”

“I’ll join you. Congratulations to yourself and Josie. I’m sure you’ll be very happy together.”

“Thanks,” he replied, not offering more.

Maybe he was thinking about the time Wild got possessive and turned him to rock for asking me on a date? Such things may be hard to forget.

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