Page 107 of Elora and the Crow

“And her.” The imp pointed at Elora.

“No,” Jonah said.

“Yes. My mistress was very clear that it is to be the both of you,” the imp said.

“Elora has nothing to do with this,” Jonah said.

The imp laughed. “My mistress disagrees.”

He glanced at Elora before returning his gaze to Jonah. “Only you and the fire witch, shapeshifter. If you bring anyone else or if you do not bring the witch, my mistress will snap your brother’s neck.”

When Jonah didn’t reply, the imp skipped to the front door, his gaze lingering on Cece as he said, “One o’clock tomorrow, shapeshifter. If you fail to show, Malencia will kill your precious brother.”

“I said I’ll be there,” Jonah growled.

The imp grinned before leaping up and grabbing the door handle. He turned it with a grunt and swung the door open. He ran outside and raced down the sidewalk, giving Fenton the finger again as he passed the SUV before turning the corner and disappearing.

Cece shut the door, shivering in the blast of cold air. “You can’t meet her alone at Parsons Woods, Elora. She’ll kill you and Jonah and Caleb. You know that.”

“What choice do we have?” Elora asked.

“We find her first,” Jonah said. “If we attack when she isn’t expecting it, we’ll have a better chance of rescuing Caleb.”

“She’s too powerful,” Cece said. “Elora can’t fight her alone.”

“If we take her by surprise, I can beat her,” Elora said.

“You won’t be alone,” Nimera said. “I will speak with my family. If you can find Malencia, the fae will fight with you.”

“Will they?” Jonah asked. “They don’t get involved in human affairs.”

“I am marrying a human, our child will be half-human, and they know how much Caleb means to me,” Nimera said. “They will help us.”

She took Elora’s hand, squeezing it lightly. “I will speak with them now. Once you find Malencia, text me.”

She left the house, and Elora slipped her arms around Jonah. He looked like he was going to vomit, and she squeezed him tight. “It’ll be okay, honey.”

“I don’t want you there,” he said.

“You heard the imp. I have to be there, or she’ll kill Caleb.”

Jonah muttered a curse, and she could see the guilt in his face. She kissed him, cupping his face and saying, “We’re in this together, honey. I love you, and I’m not going anywhere.”

Cece cleared her throat behind them. “I’m going to head home for a bit, Elora.”

Elora turned. “Cece, wait. I need to talk to you about something.”

Cece hesitated, and Elora’s worry that something was wrong with her best friend intensified. “It won’t take long, honey.”

Cece nodded, and Elora turned back to Jonah. “Can you give us a few minutes?”

“Yes.” He kissed her and went upstairs.

She waited until she heard the bedroom door close before smiling at Cece. “Will you tell me what’s wrong, honey?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Cece said. “Other than my best friend nearly dying.”

She glanced at her hands, something she’d been doing almost compulsively since breakfast this morning.

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