Page 98 of Elora and the Crow

“Yes,” Jonah said. “She’s sleeping right now, but she’s not dying, Charissa.”

“Thank the goddess,” Charissa said.

“Do you know who this Malencia is?” Tori asked.

“No,” Charissa said. “But now that the protection spell is in place and Elora is healed, I’ll speak with some witches who might know. A dark witch this powerful is impossible to stay completely hidden. Someone in the community knows of her and where we can find her. Cece, do you want to come with me? You can crash at my place tonight.”

“I think I’ll stay here with Elora,” Cece said.

“Okay.” Charissa kissed Jonah’s cheek. “I’ll find out who this Malencia is, and once Elora is awake, we’ll go to the WWC. They’ll work with us to stop Malencia and get your brother back. I promise. Tell Elora I love her. I’ll text you tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Charissa,” Jonah said.

“I’m heading out too,” Ronin said. He squeezed Jonah’s shoulder. “Text me if you need anything.”

“Come on, handsome, let’s go home.” Tori took Judd’s hand, and the four of them left.

Jonah studied Cece. She’d been quiet and acting off since she arrived at the house only fifteen minutes after Ronin healed Elora.

“Cece? You okay?” he asked.

She was studying her hands, and she nodded distractedly. “Yeah, I’m good.”

“You sure?” Jonah glanced at Kaida, who was scrolling on her phone. “Elora is healed. I promise.”

“I know,” Cece said.

“I’m sorry I can’t tell you how it happened, but -”

“It’s fine,” Cece said. “Honestly, I don’t care. I’m just glad she’s not dying anymore.”

Jonah hesitated before saying, “Bren told me there was some… weirdness outside the hospital. That a tree -”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Cece’s face went red. “I’m going to sit with Elora for a bit.”

She left the room as the front door opened, and Bren walked in with his phone to his ear. “Yeah, Davis and Garth are here. I just spoke with them. Thanks, Mal. I appreciate it.”

He ended the call and shut the door before leaning against it. “Mal has assigned two of his people to watch the house.”

“They won’t be able to stop her,” Jonah said.

“They’re shifters,” Bren said.

“It doesn’t matter,” Jonah said. “They can’t fight Malencia’s magic. She’ll kill them if they even try. I don’t want anyone dying because of me.”

“No one is going to die. They know not to,” Bren hesitated, “approach her. But it’s good to have some eyes and ears outside to let us know if anyone is approaching the house.”

Jonah scrubbed his hand through his hair. He had no idea what to say or what to do. The sheer number of people willing to help with no expectations, even knowing how dangerous it was, felt overwhelming and foreign to him. He’d spent most of his life alone, never counting on anyone but himself, nevertrustinganyone but himself.

Bren gripped his shoulder. “You okay, Jonah?”

“I’m good,” he said, his voice hoarse. “I just… I don’t know how to thank everyone for what you’re doing for Elora and me.”

“You don’t have to thank us,” Bren said. “We’re doing this because we care about you and Elora. Especially Elora.” He grinned. “No offence.”

“None taken,” Jonah said. “I love her, Bren.”

“Yeah, I know,” Bren said. “Pretty sure she loves you too.”

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