Page 23 of Court of Heathens

He and I share a knowing look. “Maybe that isn’t such a good idea,” I say. If they know what or suspect what she could be like Agatha, then they will be looking to blame her, and things like this can spiral quickly. I would hate for her to get hurt by her own people, especially since she is oblivious as to why.

She glares at us. “Now let’s get one thing clear, this is my life, my house, and my coven. Do not try to tell me what to do. Demon or god, I don’t care. If you start pulling that shit, I will turn you into dildos and pass you out to the coven.” She flips a braid over her shoulder and marches out of the cave while we both gawk.

“She wouldn’t, would she?” I ask incredulously.

The demon nods, glancing back at me. “She once turned me into a flagpole during one of their celebrations. I have never felt so violated. It was amazing.”

“I would have different feelings,” I mutter.

Grinning, he pops out of existence, and I sigh, left alone once more. I could follow them, but I don’t want her to suspect me of lying to her with how hard she’s working to free me. Instead, I turn to the TV with a frown. “Demon, where’s the remote?” He doesn’t answer, so with a sigh, I click my fingers and send magic to the TV. I watch it fizzle before it starts to smoke. I turn away with a wince. I’ll just blame the demon.

Freya will believe me.

CHAPTER 14

While the potion is brewing, I decide to kill some time. I’ve been locked away for days, which isn’t unusual, but with everything going on, I feel the need to check in on everyone and see what’s happening. Agatha said the mask was stolen, and I was angry at first, but now I’m just curious.

How and why?

Entering the coven’s blood circle would take more power than I’ve ever sensed, unless they are a god or dead or something. That’s what keeps circling my brain as I head into town to listen in on rumours.

It’s unusually quiet today, and the few members I do pass seem to give me a wide berth, their eyes downcast or accusingly staring at me. “They probably heard Hagatha came to ask you about the mask. You know how fast rumours travel and change. I bet they think it’s you,” the demon supplies helpfully as he skips by my side.

“Gee, thanks, now they all think I’m a thief as well as weird,” I mutter, ducking my head as more pass, outright glaring at me.

Just fucking great.

I don’t protest though, and I stop at Agatha’s shop, peering through the window to see the case where the mask was sitting open and empty, just like she said. I don’t know why, but seeing it makes it real, and Ishiver. I remember the call of that mask. It didn’t feel good. Why would someone steal it?

“She’s a dark witch, after all,” comes a whisper, and when I turn, a gaggle of young witches freezes, their eyes snapping to me and widening before they take off giggling.

“Want me to stalk them and scare them?” my demon offers helpfully.

“No, that’s mean. Okay, maybe a little.” I grin, and he vanishes as I laugh.

“Freya?” The voice is hesitant. I whirl around to see Agatha standing in the doorway, watching me carefully. We didn’t end our conversation on such good terms the other day.

“Have you found anything?” I ask.

She shakes her head, her mouth opening before someone passes. She waits for them to go and opens the door wider. “Come in, child. Let us speak in private.”

I hesitate before ducking past her. Despite everything, she is still the leader of this coven and a good woman. She was just doing her job, even if it stung. My gaze cuts to the empty shelf before I turn to her.

“Nothing at all. No connection or trace within the coven whatsoever,” Agatha admits worriedly.

“You think someone broke the blood barrier from the outside and came in and stole it and none of the elders felt it?” I frown.

“Not even a slight change in the barrier,” she says, and it’s clear she’s concerned. They don’t feel my demon, and they clearly didn’t feel Mors, but they are ancient beings. Do I mention it? If they can get through the barrier, whoever stole the mask obviously can too, meaning they have great power. “What is weirder . . .” She trails off, and I wait.

“Weirder?” I repeat when she just stares.

“There are no traces of any magic or power around the sector at all, and when we asked Lilly, she said she couldn’t see anything.” Shit, they asked Lilly? She’s a recluse who’s even worse than I am. Being born with powers of prophecy and foresight isn’t easy, and she oncetold me she sees every world and every possibility all at the same time. That shit must be exhausting.

Lilly is never wrong, ever, and for her not to see it?

“You think somehow someone was able to block her?” I ask. I didn’t even know that was possible.

“They must know about it, know she was searching. I don’t know. That or they are simply that powerful, which is all the more cause for concern.” She lays her hand on my shoulder. “Ignore the whispers, Freya. You are good at that. We know you did not do this. I am very sorry for our doubts causing you harm.”

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