Page 90 of Destiny of the Dragons

Power burst from them, the map going up in flames. Jace moved forward, but she grabbed him back. The spell was almost done.

Mia gathered their power into a ball and pushed it out.

Mia exhaled, letting go of their hands.

“Aw, hell, Mia, I’m sorry.” Jace started.

Mia stood up, her knees shaky. Smoke held her up wordlessly. “It worked.”

Mia held up the map with an address burned into the paper. Normally finding spells didn’t work this well, but she was channeling the power of two dragons. Magic had given her the next location of the owner of the book, down to the street number.

She should stop and rest, but she couldn’t now. Not when she was so close.

“Jace, you want to drive?” Mia grinned at him.

* * *

Mia trembled in her seat as Jace pulled into the driveway. She knew not to get her hopes up. Knew it was likely another loose end.

But inside her chest, hope clawed at her. She had Jace and Smoke back, this would be the last piece she needed to live the life she wanted.

Mia walked up the steps. Jace and Smoke exchanged a glance and followed her.

Palms sweating, she knocked on the door.

Please be home, she thought. Please, please be home. I can’t wait anymore.

Footsteps clicked on what was probably hardwood. It was a small house outside of Las Vegas, not too far at all.

A woman with wavy gray hair and bracelets that bangled on her wrists opened the door. She matched the photo of Mrs. Ryder Mia had found on the Internet.

“Hi, Mrs. Ryder.” Mia handed her the receipt she found at an estate sale over a year ago.

Mrs. Ryder stared at the paper. A slight crease formed between her eyebrows.

“I’m looking for the book,” Mia said, her voice barely a whisper.

Mrs. Ryder looked at her and then at Jace and Smoke. “I don’t want this getting back to me. Sleeping dogs need to stay asleep.”

Mia’s stomach flipped over. “I know. I won’t…I’m not…”

It was hard to breathe. Hard to think.

“I need it. For protection.”

Mrs. Ryder shot her a look. “You think it will make you safer?” She shook her head, suddenly looked weary. “Girl, this book has cost me. I hope it doesn’t take a toll that’s too dear.”

“Okay.” Mia licked her lips. She was so close.

Mrs. Ryder frowned once. “Wait here.” She shut the door.

Apparently, she wasn’t going to be invited in.

Mia shifted her weight, looking up at Jace and then glancing away. It was too much, her feelings turned over and over until she couldn’t make sense of anything.

Jace kissed her forehead and pulled her against him. Smoke took her hand and squeezed.

Some of the anxiety calmed. They would figure this out. If this wasn’t her family spellbook, well.

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