Page 57 of Midwinter Night's Prince

The witch’s eyes widened in surprise, but Varra simply shrugged. “I will not fight. I just had a manicure. I might cast a spell or two if the need arises, though.”

What a dick.

Chloe didn’t seem offended in the least. “I’ve paid enough attention in class to know your kind doesn’t take kindly to thank yous. Just know that your favor will not be forgotten, and will be repaid in kind.”

The fae lifted his chin. “I expect nothing less, fledgling.”

Greer said, “When I step into the circle, the spell starts. Don’t get out of it. You may sit if you’re more comfortable.”

Fin Varra elegantly dropped to the ground and laid back, picking grass. Others followed suit. As he was wearing white pants, Seth opted for a low crouch instead. Then the tanned redhead advanced, palms held up and green eyes blazing. She looked as if she’d been crafted and carved in another time, for one moment. Seth saw the hint of red markings along her forehead, curving over her ear and plunging at the back of her neck, but when he focused to discern them, they disappeared.

He’d seen her perform magic before, and each time, it seemed foreign and beautiful. Her tongue formed sounds he couldn’t even begin to grasp, though he spoke several languages himself. Old sounds, guttural and threatening.

Varra had a point. Greer might be the least mortal thing among them.

Seth focused on his chant, whispering it over and over as he called to air. Magic clogged the atmosphere, thick, tangible, and at times, visible.

Then, finally, it was over. They were done.

Greer cleared both circles with an imperious wave, and they stood in silence, knowing what was coming next.

Levi took Chloe’s hand. “Let’s go kiss our daughter. Then, we prepare for war.”

30

ON THE EVE

For hours, they tested the spell. Seth would carry Blair to the top of Cosnoc, to the spelled dungeons in the Institute, and those of Skyhall. They even tried it underwater, after coating her skin in many warming spells against the coldness of the lake. Each time, Diana, Alexius, or Cat answered the summon. Professor Varra remained at the bonfire, but he occasionally lifted a thumb up to let them know he'd felt the call. At long length, Greer was satisfied. "As testing outside of the borders isn't advisable right now, we've done our best."

"Do we go now?" Blair's heart thundered hard enough to feel its beat in her ears.

Greer looked around, uncertain.

"I say we rest," Alexius proposed. "We can't take too long, or Aveka'll have her move prepared, but there's no sense in going in half-cocked and tired."

"Yes, we should go in full-cocked," Finn retorted. "Few things in life are worse than a limp dick."

Blair groaned. "So, we move in the morning?"

"That's smart." Seth nodded. "Aveka, and most of her followers, think themselves the epitome of supernatural creatures, and as such, favor nocturnal schedules. They'll be weaker by day."

Daylight wasn't detrimental to vampires but their eyes were sensitive—the sun wasn't always pleasant. Here in Scotland, it was hardly ever bright enough to affect them, but their kind, as a whole, had adopted the habit of living through the night.

"I'll text Chloe," Gwen offered. "Eight o'clock at the armory?"

There were nods around the bonfire, and then a heavy silence settled around them, leaving only the sound of the wind over the quiet lake and the occasional hoot of an owl.

Every time Aveka came at them, they'd lost friends, family members. There was no telling who'd still be breathing the next sunset.

"Let's go to bed." Jack kissed the side of Gwen's cheek.

Just like that, the gathering started to scatter silently. Blair awkwardly looked to her right—the path to the dorms—then her left, toward the forest leading up Night Hill.

She remembered when Aveka had turned her huntsman spy into a zombie to get to Greer. Then there had been Anika Beaufort, a staple of the Institute, who'd nonetheless turned her back on Oldcrest. She wasn't safe in her old room—but being here after so long without even once walking into her own space felt strange.

Having made her mind up, she turned to Seth."I need to pick up a few things from my room. You know, clothes, deodorant, that sort of thing. You don't have to follow me," she added Seth, tired of feeling like a burden. She could take care of herself, dammit. "I'll head back to yours after I'm done."

"I know I don't have to," he replied smoothly.

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