Page 12 of Dead and Gone

"I'm just saying, Grayson isn't the most sympathetic and empathetic person."

"Compared to Violet, I am," he says with a laugh.

"Can we get back to the matter in hand? I've studied the box, and the pattern carved isn't significant—merely decorative."

"There's no way to unlock the box," says Rowan. "And I can't use an elemental spell to open the box—fire and ice will damage it."

"You've no other magic in your arsenals?" asks Grayson. "The academy's top witch and the Blackwood hybrid are useless?"

Rowan regards me warily. "I do have other magic. Yes."

"Not the shadows, Rowan," I warn and exchange a look with Leif.

Since we grew closer, Rowan's affinity to the Blackwood magic did, too. He's too tempted by the power that the shadows hold, and I'm worriedtheymight get a hold onhim. Even my father never uses that part of Blackwood magic, and he'd be unimpressed if he knew Rowan has. Unimpressed, but not in a murderous way—I hope.

"I'm sure the shadows could separate the lid from the box without damaging anything," says Rowan.

Leif rubs his nose, concern pinching his brow. "We've agreed that you don't encourage that magic, Rowan."

"Fine." Rowan places the box down. "We'll take the box back to the museum—or give it to your father, Violet. After all, this is an artifact linked to magic and he's collecting them all."

"And tell Dorian I'm causing trouble in town again by thieving? No."

"But if we do open the box and there's something magic inside, you'll tell Dorian, right?" asks Leif.

"If he's interested. You know my father doesn't always believe my cases are worth investigating."

"Cases." Grayson chuckles and winds some of my hair around his fingers, sending prickly shivers across my scalp. "You really have embraced your detective role."

"I agree with you—Violet should offer her detective services to the curator and look for the mole," says Leif with a smirk.

"I'd like to get closer to the man to discover why he possesses so much money while claiming he has none," I reply. "Assisting him could be the solution."

The guys relapse into their amusement over the mole while I look between the box and Rowan. The shadows could be the answer as I'm itching to open the box and find the magical item hidden in a human location.

I grit my teeth. How could I let this opportunity go?

"Do you think you'll be able to control the shadows?" I ask Rowan.

"With you here?" He nods. "Yeah."

"Don't let the magic touch what's inside—just in case the shadows lock onto the item."

"Violet is right. Give the box straight to Grayson once it's open," says Leif.

"Me?" he asks in surprise.

"You've no interest in the dead elephant or the contents," I say. "You're only with us because you've nothing better to do tonight."

"Uh. No. I'm with you because I'm part of this," he retorts and tugs on my hair.

Growling at the sharp pain, I turn to him. "Don't do that."

He leans down, lips close to my ear. "You like me pulling your hair sometimes."

"My exact point. You have no interest in what we're doing. Your mind is elsewhere."

Grayson gives a wry smile and sinks back into the chair. "The suspense is killing me. Open the box, Rowan."

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