Page 53 of Wizard of Most Wicked Ways

“Blightree. He’s gravely injured.” More dabbing. “Gravely. Mirren said they’re taking him to Whimbrel House; it’s the closest refuge they have. She’s ... not sure he’s going to make it.”

“Not Blightree,” Owein murmured, leaning against the counter, sinking in like a flour sack with a hole in the bottom.

“You’ve no necromancers to help him,” Merritt stated. It wasn’t really a question.

“Powerful ones are quite rare.” Pankhurst folded the handkerchief into smaller and smaller portions. “Blightree’s sister may be of assistance, but we would have to send for her, and hope she makes it beforeBlightree passes. And she may not be able to come. The crown requires a royal necromancer. If they lose one, they will not want to lose the other. And ... Mrs. Mirren made it sound like it wasn’t a normal injury. I don’t know. I’m waiting to hear more.”

Merritt pressed his lips into a thin line.Sister.Was that perhaps Owein’s mother? Or, rather, Oliver Whittock’s mother? Yet it didn’t seem appropriate to ask.

“Surely there are doctors.” Hulda’s stiff voice quavered only a little.

“Yes, yes, we will do what we can.” Pankhurst looked at the handkerchief, seeming unsure what to do with it.

“Silas Hogwood is a formidable opponent.” Hulda fully bridled her business voice, though worry lines marred her forehead, and her eyes glimmered. Merritt wanted to comfort her, but she wouldn’t want that right now, especially not in front of the others. So he sat on the sofa with the girls, who had fortunately occupied themselves pulling small feathers from a pillow. “Even without his ...dolls, for lack of a more definitive term, he was bred to be strong. And now he’s insane.” She straightened even more—so much so it had to be uncomfortable. “Myra ... before she passed, she commented on it. If I understand madness, I’m not sure it will abate with the separation from Charlie Temples, may he rest in peace.”

“I fear,” Pankhurst added, “that Charlie’s spirit in that body acted as a sort of binding on Silas.”

“And now he’s gone,” Owein muttered, arms folded across his chest, eyes downcast.

Fallon gingerly touched his shoulder. Looked to Hulda, then to Merritt. “The Druids will take you in,” she offered again. “All of you.”

“Thank you, Fallon.” Hulda smoothed her own worry lines. “But I fear nowhere is safe. Anywhere we go, we put others at risk, unless Silas Hogwood has finally learned to value his own life over revenge. But I find that very unlikely. I researched homes with water spells before. To see if there was any way that man might regain his magical thieving.”

“Did you find anything?” Pankhurst asked.

“It’s not common,” she said. “There is one in Canada with the enchantment, though I don’t believe it’s the right spell for preserving his victims. There’s another in Belgium.”

Pankhurst nodded. “I will send word as soon as I am able and ensure both are heavily guarded. As soon as another of my colleagues arrives here. I’m under strict orders not to leave you alone. Mr. Mansel, particularly.”

Owein bristled at the comment. “While I appreciate Cora’s concern—”

“My boy,” Pankhurst cut in, “those orders are straight from the queen herself.”

Pressing his mouth into a thin line, Owein occupied his gaze with Myra’s countertop.

“Hulda ...” Merritt worded his inquiry carefully. “When Silas came to BIKER ... is there any chance he knows about Myra’s research?”

Hulda frowned. “No. Surely not. And even if he did, he wouldn’t know how to access it.” She glanced at Fallon. “I will send word, however. It will be difficult without Myra as a liaison, but I can reach one of the employees there, if the government hasn’t already.”

They stood in silence for a moment, save for Hattie giggling when Mabol tickled her with a feather.

We have to move the children,Merritt realized. His insides turned to oil at the thought, but there was no dismissing it.They can’t stay with us until Silas is handled.

His eyes stung. He glanced to Hulda. Wondered if she could read it on his face, with the way tears danced above her lower eyelashes. But where could they go where they’d be safe?

“Hulda.” Owein pushed off the counter. “I need to talk with you. Privately.”

Tearing her eyes from Merritt, Hulda nodded. Stepped into the bedroom where Ellis slept. Owein squeezed Fallon’s shoulder before following.

He shut the door so quietly Merritt couldn’t hear it latch.

Hulda wrung her hands together, staring at Ellis until she saw the baby’s chest rise and fall. The windows were locked. She had checked. She’d even blocked them with pillows. Had kept the door open so she could see her youngest daughter at a glance from the kitchen and ensure she was still safe. They were all still safe, but for how long?

Owein spoke gently, his back to the door. “The serum enhances existing magic, and it’s derived from bones, yes?”

Hulda turned, ignoring a chill. “Owein, now is not—”

“Hulda.” His sober countenance matched the austerity of his tone.

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