Page 92 of Horn of Winter

I nodded. While a part of me wanted to remain here and monitor the situation, I was well aware that unless I got some sleep, I wouldn’t be able to battle a gnat let alone this witchormy aunt.

Mathi touched my elbow, but as I turned to follow him back to his car, Lugh got off the phone. I stopped and said, “She okay?”

He nodded. “She’s with her sister-in-law at the compound.”

“Which means she’s safe from any form of reprisal your aunt might be planning, but you are not,” Mathi said. “I would offer you one of our company’s apartments, but given your aunt appears to have done her homework and might well be planning retribution on every single person involved in the Claws quest, that might not be any safer.”

I glanced at him sharply. “If your company’s apartments aren’t safe, then your private residence won’t be either.”

“Indeed, which is why, after I do the requested research on Martha, I’ll be spending the rest of the evening in the encampment.”

Relief stirred, but so too did wisps of amusement. “That wouldn’t happen to be where last night’s hot date is located, would it?”

“Indeed.” His gaze met mine. “I suggestyouspend the evening somewhere other than the tavern, preferably with company.”

“I’m quite able to spend a night alone.”

“Yeah, butI’dfeel better if you had company,” Lugh said.

“I could fling that right back at you, brother.”

“Then stay with me at Talein’s. He’s meeting me in half an hour with the keys to Rossita’s old apartment. It’s apparently undergoing renovations but remains livable.”

“It’s doubtful your aunt has done such a deep dive into either Lugh’s contacts or Darby’s that she’d know who her brother’s wife is, or where she lived before she moved back to the encampment,” Mathi commented. “It should be a fairly safe option.”

“Shouldis not a word I’m about to rely on right now,” I replied. “Besides, by bunking in together, we risk presenting her the irresistible—two targets in the one place.”

“We don’t know for sure she’s coming after me,” Lugh commented.

“We don’t know she’s not, either, especially after that little display at the museum. And remember, she disavowed us both when we presented her with the red knife.” I half shrugged. “I think right now it might be best for me to rent a hotel room for a couple of days.”

If nothing else, with Tony out of action and the guild fully aware of what was going on, she’d find it harder to employ another storm witch at such short notice, even one that was offtheir books. It should at least give us a day or so free to find and stop both her and Martha.

“Fine, have it your way, but if you get kidnapped or dead, I willnotbe pleased.” He glanced at his watch. “I’d better go. Make sure you keep me updated on your movements.”

I nodded and kissed his cheek. And, as he strode away, I found myself hoping Riayn’s plans didn’t include kidnapping him to bring me to heel. Because she, more than anyone, knew I would do anything to save him.

Even walk into a trap.

I shivered and rubbed my arms. Fear, not second sight. Or so I hoped.

We returned to Mathi’s car, and he dropped me off at the top of the tavern’s lane after first making me promise to text him once I knew where I was staying. I once again checked in with Ingrid to ensure there were no problems needing my attention, but everything was running smoothly, just as I’d expected. When she finished her update, she added, “Oh, there’s a woman waiting for you in the upper bar. Been there for a good half hour, at least. Told her you might not be back for hours, but she said she wasn’t in any hurry.”

“Not Beira, then?” I said, in amusement.

Ingrid shook her head. “Myrkálfar, by the look of her.”

My stomach dropped. Treasa. Had to be. No other Myrkálfar had a reason to come and see me.

I thanked her and headed up. Treasa was seated in a booth at the far end of the room, close to the doors that led out onto the upper row. After ordering a whisky for myself and a second drink for her—a Veuve Clicquot, I discovered, and one of my favorite champagnes—I headed over and slid into the seat opposite.

“Well, this is a surprise,” I said.

She raised an eyebrow, the movement eloquent and somehow amused, though little of the latter showed in her expression. “I cannot see why given you all but demanded answers before you would even consider the gift so willingly given.”

“I was expecting a text or a phone call, not another personal visit.”

She took a drink then shrugged eloquently. “There are some things best said in person, and you certainly deserve your fears to be allayed in such a manner, given the lengths you went to in saving the Lùtair building.”

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