Page 26 of Hostile Holiday

“I will accompany you.”

Olmin nodded. “We have an invitation as well. We normally don’t attend, but I think backup will be welcome.”

She looked at the triad. “Sure. Don’t eat the food. It is laced with power-draining ingredients.”

Maven nodded. “Nice tip.”

“Yeah, that’s why they throw the parties. It’s a passive magic grab. The magic goes out, and their tired and drunk guests leave.”

Hunter nodded. “It is a clever hunting method.”

“Well, they have been getting away with it for centuries, so you are correct.”

“The next week is going to be spent getting you ready for the ball after your planned massacre.”

“Oh, I am not going to carry out a massacre. I have a plan.”

“May I know what it is?”

She shrugged. “It will be a surprise, but no one will get hurt except for them.”

Argo asked, “Is there going to be excessive magic?”

“One stab and one spell. That’s all. Grendal is the right age to start looking for a wife, so I am going to stop that from happening.” She looked at Olmin. “What are the ramifications if they all disappear on the same day?”

“None. I will set up an integration spell. You will inherit.”

“I don’t want to.”

“But you will. What you do with it is up to you.”

She paused, and then, the answer struck her. “Animal sanctuary.”

Hunter was fighting laughter. “Why?”

“Because there is a chance that I can hold something that might not object. And wagging tails.” She smiled. “There might be puppies or kittens.”

Hunter sighed. “You are obsessed with creatures.”

“When I had that kitten for five days, it cuddled with me, followed me around, and slept next to me. I felt wanted. I would like to feel that again.”

Hunter sighed again. “I will see what I can do.”

“Are we done here?”

He nodded. “I need to speak with Olmin for a moment. You can go and get a snack.”

She smiled and looked at the darkness and snow outside. “Okay.”

She said her goodbyes to the triad and headed to the kitchen and from there, outside.

The music of the stars hit her, and she twirled and danced to their song. She had been listening to the sound all night, and now she was answering.

* * * *

Maven looked outside and saw Orla moving gracefully in the light of the moon and stars. She whispered to Olmin, “What is she doing?”

“The stars have been calling to her for years, and she has been unable to answer. I believe tonight is her first night free.”

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