Page 12 of Dance With Death

“Yes, but your glowering. That’s confrontational.”

“My face always looks like this.” Grayson makes a soft, amused sound. “Does Marci still harbor romantic feelings for you, Rowan?” I ask.

Leif splutters soda across the table, and his eyes water as he glances at Rowan, who stares at me. “No. Why?” asks Rowan.

I sink back against my chair and purse my lips. “Marci’s endearment to you could assist us in gaining information. She’s suspicious about Holly’s whereabouts. We’re suspicious about her activities, and the possibility Holly’s disappearance may be linked to those. We must rule out Marci as a suspect.”

“Marci does speak to you too, Violet,” he says.

“Yes. But she often insists on referencing your past romance. That suggests Marci may still hold you dear.”

“’Hold you dear’.” Leif snickers at the phrase. “Violet, Marci mentions Rowan to wind you up. Annoy you.”

“And fails.” I huff. “The other reason would be preferable.”

“You want Marci to want Rowan?” asks Grayson.

“No, I want Rowan to use any affection Marci holds towards him in order to help us. Aren’t you listening?”

“Marci spoke to me about this at Kai’s birthday.” All three of us look at Grayson in horror. “Before my alleged attack on her, Marci cornered me and talked about you two. She isn’t jealous, but Marci thinks you’re dangerous together.”

“Oh. Good.” I smile and pick up my coffee. “Then Marci’s fear of our potential danger could aid in her admitting the truth.”

“You’ll threaten Marci?” asks Leif.

“No. But Marci is intelligent. She’d understand the repercussions if people discovered she’s involved in illicit practices occurring inside the academy.”

“And do you believe Marci is involved in Holly’s disappearance?” Leif frowns. “That seems unlikely based on how worried Marci sounds in her messages.”

“The alternative is that I meet up with Marci for a one on one,” I say, and Rowan throws me a warning look. “Yes, I mean mind reading.”

“Apart from Marci reporting you for the crime, the witch would mentally block you,” says Rowan. “I’ve told you before: she’s powerful.”

“And does she desire more power, as you do?” I suggest.

“Marci?” Rowan shakes his head. “She has her future planned out. Academic excellence. University. High powered position on the council. Marci doesn’t mess with illegal magic or her prospects.”

“But Marci did create the pendant for Rory, and defaced library books in the process.” I grimace.

“That wasn’t illegal,” says Rowan, inclining his head to where Marci sits. He meets her frosty expression. Hmm. Not warm feelings towards him. “We can talk to Marci, but keep out of her mind.”

“Very well. Direct and pertinent questions it is.”

Grayson chuckles. “Marci and her friends would never tell you anything. You’ll only find answers by watching the group and keeping an eye on academy life.”

“A task we’d normally request of Holly.” I drain my coffee. “Could you discover more about the brooches and state of human affairs on campus, Leif, or are you ostracized from human social circles since becoming a close companion of mine?”

Grayson laughs again. “’Close companion’”

“Leif would rather I not use the word ‘consort,’” I inform him, rather annoyed at his insensitivity.

“I’ll ask someone about the brooches later,” says Leif. “Since the incident with Sienna and the tiara, some humans are paranoid. You heard—they believe Holly’s disappearance has a supernatural connection. Darwin kids are worried who might be next, and now this mysterious wolf has added more evidence.”

“Hmm.” I stand. “It’s pointless asking you to infiltrate the witch social scene, Rowan. Grayson, perhaps use your stalking skills to listen out for anything amongst Sheridan and Pendle houses?”

“Oh, yeah. Just what I need. Stalking accusations.” He scowls at me.

Annoyed, I grab my bag. “Do none of you understand the seriousness of this? Whatever Marci asked Holly to help with, she refused, and silencing Holly is a motive if she ‘knows too much’ as they say in human circles. Alternatively, if Viktor somehow found his way on campus, and is responsible for the disappearance, I need to know. Discovering the truth from Marci, and hopefully eliminating her, will help us.”

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