Page 181 of The Black Witch

I shoot her a worried look.

“Relax, Elloren Gardner,” she assures me. “I believe she was telling the truth. I did not smell a threat in her words.”

“I think I need more help with this situation than I realized,” I admit, my heart racing. “And what if Aunt Vyvian decides to pay me a visit?” I worry, dread rising. “She’s sent a constant stream of letters to pressure me to wandfast. There’s no way she’ll stay away forever—she likes getting her way.”

“Perhaps,” Diana agrees. Her amber eyes dart to the quivering Selkie. “It might be wise to call a meeting of everyone who would be willing to help us find a safer place for this Selkie.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Allies

It’s startling to be staring into Elfin eyes. Like liquid metal mixed with starlight.

It’s even more startling to have Wynter’s brother, Cael, his second, Rhys Thorim, Wynter and my brother Rafe grouped together in the North Tower’s upper hallway this evening.

Along with the Lupines, Andras and Yvan.

We’ve quickly pulled together a meeting of everyone who could help the Selkie, but I never expected we’d be joined by two Alfsigr Elves.

I hold straight-backed Cael’s disconcerting, glittering stare. “Last time you were with my brother, you were threatening him.”

Cael’s stare is unwavering, his words heavily accented. “The last time I saw you, Elloren Gardner, you were threatening my sister.”

I blink at him, chastened. “Yes, well... I’m sorry about that.”

“I was wrong about your brother.” His accent is lilting. He says “wrong” with a gentle trill to the “wr.”

“I don’t understand,” I say, looking to Wynter, who is perched on the North Tower’s upper hallway windowsill, her wings neatly folded behind her.

“My sister told me what you have done,” Cael explains. “Rhys Thorim and myself, we were concerned that this rescue is unsafe for my sister to be involved in. But then when we saw this Selkie and heard what was done to her...” Cael’s silver eyes go tense with conflict, his voice lowering. “It is terrible how she has been treated.” Resolve steels his gaze. “There are many who believe that my sister is little more than an animal, as well. We support you in your decision to rescue this Selkie, Elloren Gardner.”

I glance around at everyone, amazed, then back to Cael. “So, you’re all...friendly now?”

Cael’s mouth lifts. “Yes, Elloren Gardner. We are friendly.”

Shaking my head, I look to Wynter, who seems tired and drawn. “How’s she doing?” I ask.

“Aislinn is with her,” Wynter tells me. “She’s sleeping.”

I glance worriedly at Jarod, his face tensing at the mention of Aislinn’s name. I sit down on the hallway’s stone bench between Jarod and Trystan, giving Jarod a small, encouraging bump to his arm with mine.

Jarod looks down at me and attempts a weary smile.

I look to Yvan. He’s leaning back against the stone wall, his gaze trained on me. My cheeks warm from his attention, and I turn away, suddenly lit up by the silent, heated intensity that exists between us. It’s like a forbidden, thrilling secret.

Rafe glances around at all of us and steps forward. “So, as you all know, we need to figure out what to do about the stolen Selkie.”

“FreedSelkie,” Diana corrects him.

“An important distinction,” Rafe agrees.

“She was being held prisoner by a cruel man,” Diana continues, “who I volunteer to kill at the appropriate time.”

Rafe turns to Diana. I can tell he’s trying to suppress a look of amusement. “Thank you, Diana.”

Diana lifts her chin in acknowledgment.

“I’m assuming everyone here supports Elloren’s decision,” Rafe continues.

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