Page 48 of The Spell Caster

Ash’s startled laugh filtered through the phone.

I joined the crowded main walkway and looked around for signs. “Were you with the team last night?”

“No, but all the guardians heard what happened. One of the others came back from the infirmary and said Costi was all right, but no one’s heard from him.”

“He’s injured, but he’s okay,” I said. “Can I ask you a favor?”

“Anything,” they said.

“Can you grab some of Costi’s clothes?” I asked as I reached the medical center.

“Meet me outside the barracks,” they said, then ended the call.

I stared at the phone. Was being abrupt a guardian thing, or was it the shared interest Costi and Ash based their friendship on?

The medical center was a large building of glass and natural stone. It was several stories, but the lower floor was paneled in floor-to-ceiling windows that gave it a sleek, modern look. The front area, below the windows, hosted a half dozen tropical-looking trees in large pots, plus a number of tables and furniture where people were waiting.

There was a bit of a line, and the witches working at the counter looked tired. I didn’t blame them—it had probably been a rough morning. When my turn arrived, a witch with short hair wearing the blue outfit that seemed to be the uniform of the medical center took my name and what I was there for, then asked me to wait.

After a moment, another medical center worker in glasses strode out and called me over. “You’re here about Constantine Blackthorn?”

I voiced the affirmative, and he shoved a bag into my hands. “What he did was reckless. He needs medical supervision. We were concerned for him.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll let him know,” I murmured, trying for contrite and responsible. At any given time, there was approximately zero chance of Costi doing what anyone suggested.

The annoyed medic went on to explain the various medications and when to change the bandages. I nodded along seriously, repeating the instructions after him, and he seemed satisfied.

Once finished, I hurried to the barracks, not wanting to keep Ash waiting.

Ash was striking—a tall witch who looked the same age as Costi, with square shoulders and a toned, athletic body that suited the black guardian uniform. Their face was enviable, all high cheekbones and severe lips, plus a fall of perfectly straight black hair that reached below their shoulder blades. They were leaning against the wall in front of the barracks, a stone building with a second floor and a shaded entryway.

Ash seemed to recognize me, though we hadn’t really met before.

“Thanks for meeting me,” I said as they handed me a bundle of clothing. Black, of course.

“How is he?”

I blew out a breath. “I hope he’s okay. He’s been sleeping since this morning. He got… burned pretty badly.”

“The angel weapons,” they said, bringing a hand up to their mouth in thought. “I saw them, during the attack on Northern Sea.”

“What does it mean?” I asked.

Ash shook their head. “Something’s going on with the angels. I don’t know if they’re learning or if someone is controlling them, but it’s nothing we’ve seen before.”

“If someone is controlling them somehow… it would have to be one of us,” I said.

Ash regarded me seriously. “Be careful who you talk to,” they warned. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I don’t like it. Something feels off about the Mountain Circle.”

I nodded once, taking a sobering breath. “I know. I feel it too.” I shivered despite the still-warm air of early fall. “I should get back to check on Costi. Thanks for your help.”

“Any time,” they said. “I mean it.”

As I turned to go, Ash called out, “Layla, wait.”

“Huh?” I turned back to face them.

“Holly’s wrong about you.”

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