Page 67 of The Spell Caster

“You’re worried about her?”

“She’s everything to me,” Fern said lowly. “I can’t stand the thought of her out there…”

“It seems quiet so far,” I said, glancing at the window. I didn’t see any flashing behind the shades. If there was an attack, would we hear it from here?

“Do you have someone out there too? Your parents?”

My throat closed. I’d been trying not to think about him. “Not my parents,” I said thickly.

My phone pinged, causing us both to jump.

Where are you? Costi’s message glowed on the screen.

“Is it someone outside? What are they saying?” Fern gasped.

“Hang on,” I told her.

I texted back, At home, hiding in the dark. Where are you?

Good girl. Costi’s immediate reply simmered through me. A second text came through. Front line. No sign of angels.

I let out a breath. “He says there’s no angels so far.”

Fern mirrored my exhale.

My phone dinged again. Stay where you are, Layla.

Pay attention to your job, bossy, I sent back.

I’ll show you bossy, he replied.

My stomach swooped, and I bit the inside of my lip to stop my reaction from showing.

“What kind of face is that? Fate, are you flirting right now? Who is it?” Fern leaned over, trying to see. “Costi—is that one of the Northern Sea casters?” She grinned.

I pushed my phone under the pillows with a groan. “Is everyone in the Mountain Circle addicted to drama and gossip?”

Fern giggled. “Pretty much, yeah.” When I didn’t reply, she continued, “Take my mind off everything and tell me about Bossy Costi.”

My face burned as I choked on my own spit. How did she read that quickly?

Fern laughed again as I tried to recover from my coughing fit. At least I was entertaining her.

This could be bad. Costi was probably already in trouble for squabbling with Calamus. The last thing he needed was rumors about me.

“Listen, I’ve known him forever. We’re old friends. He’s just having fun. It’s nothing like what you’re thinking. I’m seeing Calamus Grey,” I lied through my teeth.

Fern nodded. “Ah, gotcha. Calamus, huh? He’s popular.” She didn’t sound convinced. After a moment of quiet, she yawned.

“Hey,” I said. “I’m way too wired for sleep, but you should get some rest if you can. I’ll wake you up if anything happens.”

“Maybe you’re right,” she said. I pointed her to Sativa’s room, hoping my covenmate wouldn’t mind. She seemed to keep her lovers out of her space, but I got the feeling that it was more for the rest of us than herself.

“Calamus Grey didn’t text you the first chance he got. Just saying.” Fern closed the bedroom door before I could reply.

I know. Fate, did I know.

As the night wore on, I sat alone in the dark living room with only my tumbling thoughts, listening for danger.

---