Page 95 of Midnight Witch

“I’m behind you.”

Mae jumped and clutched her chest with a hand before whirling around. “Jesus, has anyone ever told you that you walk like a cat?!”

“A number of people,” Cortes drawled. “Right before I killed them.”

Ye-Seul sucked in air, her face brightening with barely concealed glee at this admission. Yoo-Mi shot a narrow-eyed look at the Columbian.

“Sorry.” Cortes took the seat next to Mae. “How are you doing?”

“I’m good,” Mae grunted. “In fact, I’m itching to kick the Dark Council’s ass.”

Surprise flared on Cortes and the Mendes’ faces.

“You have a plan of action?” Cortes asked in a hard voice.

Mae’s shoulders slumped. “Not quite.”

She chewed her lip and pinned Anya and Cortes with a shrewd look.

“What is it?” the witch said curiously.

“I want the two of you to teach me how to counter Illusion Sorcery.”

Anya’s eyes widened. Cortes stared. Mendes gaped.

Mae told them what she’d said to the New York coven.

Understanding dawned on Anya’s face. “You want to make sure your friends never turn on you again?”

Mae stole a glance at Ye-Seul and Yoo-Mi. “Not just my friends.”

Anya’s expression grew strained.

Mae grimaced. “Look, I can’t fight the Dark Council on my own. I need the entire magic community to help me. But if Vedran succeeds in turning me into your enemy again, hewillbe the victor of this war.”

“No one except those who possess Arcane Magic has ever successfully deflected an Illusion Sorcery spell,” Mendes said in a troubled voice. “Even if you were able to do it, to spread that magic on the scale you’re suggesting would be impossible.”

Mae watched him steadily. “Would it be impossible for someone with two cores?”

Mendes recoiled. Anya gasped. Cortes froze.

“What, is two cores special or something?” Ye-Seul asked curiously.

“Yes,” Cortes murmured.

Mae sighed at the Columbian’s leery expression. “Look, I don’t particularly want to shout that fact from the rooftop. Barquiel is the only other person who seems to know I have two cores.”

Anya swallowed and glanced at her father. “I—in that case, what you’re suggesting is worth trying.”

Mendes hesitated before dipping his head. Cortes lowered his brows.

“Would it pose a danger to Anya?” he asked Mae in clipped tones.

She blinked. “I don’t think so.”

Cortes seemed relieved at that. He brought his cup to his lips.

Ye-Seul turned to Anya. “By the way, is your eagle dating his parrot?”

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