Page 28 of The Witch and The Blood Oath

I walked sluggishly into the apartment I shared with Cadence. It wasn’t huge, but it wasn’t cramped. The sleek lines, and black and white aesthetic took some getting used to, and I missed our messy, old farmhouse. Poshness didn’t suit me, but we were safer close to the coven.

Cadence immediately launched from her seat on the sofa and into my arms.

“When do we leave?” she asked.

I sighed. “Cady-Cat, don’t you think you should continue your training here?”

“I’ll learn more out there,” she argued.

I studied her face. It was leaner than it had been a month ago. She was taller too, and I no longer had to tuck my chin to look at her. Muscle toned her arms from training, and she nowstood with the excellent posture of witches. My sister was strong and capable.

She was still a child.

“Let’s sleep on it,” I suggested and tried to bypass her.

“Uh-uh,” she argued. “You’re a terrible liar, big brother. I just want you to know that you’re also a terrible push-over, and I’m coming on that trip. You’re not leaving me behind again.”

“You know,” I said and leaned against the doorway to my room, “usually, coercing someone goes better if you use flattery instead of bullying. You catch more flies with honey and all that?”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m not trying to flatter you. You need me, Walker. I can help you control your magic.”

I stiffened. I didn’t want Cadence anywhere near me when I lost control of my magic. I still remembered the mark on Freya’s cheek when I had zapped her. It had taken Freya kissing me after the battle to make me believe my magic wouldn’t strike her again, unless it sensed danger. Besides, the Elders feared my connection to Freya. There was no way I would be able to stop my magic from rising to the surface when it came to protecting my baby sister.

“You can’t run from it, remember?” she said. “You’ll be able to control it better if I’m there, reminding you of what’s at stake. Besides, I’mgoodat this, Walker. Let me help you.”

“I’m not taking you with me as some sort of emotional liability,” I snapped. “And you won’t be the one to help me, Cadence. It’s not your job. You’re supposed to be the kid.”

“I’ve been the kid all my life!” she argued. “Now’s your turn.”

I shook my head in exasperation. “I’m almost twenty years old! You areeleven.Enough said.”

Cadence scoffed. "I just turned twelve!"

Two weeks ago.

I tried to shut my door, but a root from a potted fern snagged it.

“Really?” Cadence asked. “Can you get the door shut, old man? Or do you need your sister’s mercy to manage it?”

I rammed the door against the root, but it held strong. My magic simmered in response to Cadence’s, but I buried it. I wouldn’t attempt to wield it in the presence of my sister. I couldn’t.

“Stop it,” I told her in a low voice.

Cadence crossed her arms and lifted her chin.

I charged across the room and stared her down.

“You’re the best at protecting me,” she said, “remember? Don’t leave me behind.”

I laughed bitterly. “You just proved that’s no longer true.”

Her expression softened into something akin to pity, and shame turned my stomach. I didn’t deserve her pity. It was my fault we were in this mess anyway. If I had controlled myself with Nathan—Nathanof all people—Cadence wouldn’t be fighting to go on another deadly adventure with me. Freya wouldn’t be struggling to solidify her place as Coven Mother.

I wouldn’t have to go on another trip withRyder.

My anger dissipated and exhaustion replaced it. I ruffled Cady’s hair.

“Good night,” I said to her.

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