Page 70 of Wine & Warlocks

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Fintan releasedthe crystal globe resting on the altar and faced Damian. “Ronan’s magic cannot be restored yet. But know this, if you deny him his request, he’ll hate ya for it, and an O’Connor’s hate is a powerful thing.”

Damian watched the real-time vision of Ronan stepping into the cell, and wondered if their decision to send him in without his power had been a wise one. “He’ll go insane, locked up with her without a way to escape.” Just as Damian himself would’ve, had it been Vivian in Dubheasa’s place. “We can’t leave him there.”

“Now’s not the time to rescue him, all the same. We have to prepare.”

“Dammit, Fintan! He’s my friend!”

The Seer winced from the lashing pain Damian’s anger caused but remained silent.

“Forgive me,” he said after regaining control of his temper. Hurting others was the last thing he intended. “What do you suggest we do?”

“Castor’s the only person to have escaped that island, and he’s the only one wily enough to fight his twin and win.”

“He’s already there, with no idea of what is happening.”

“Aye, but I’m going back to tell him.”

“I’m going with you.”

Fintan shook his head. “There’s nothing you can do, Damian. The Authority wants the girl dead for reasons they’ll not reveal, and your presence will fuel Ronan’s anger, making him a mindless animal.”

“Then I’ll go have a discussion with those in charge,” he replied grimly. Already suspecting what the Authority was after, he gave Fintan a tight smile. “Get Castor, Simon, and Trevor to that building. Now.”

The instant the Seer teleported, Damian went in search of Sabrina and Vivian.

He found them in the kitchen, preparing lunch.

“I have to go. If I don’t return by nightfall, find the panic room and seal yourselves in until either Isis or I return for you.”

“Damian!” Vivian’s alarm was expected, and he brushed his knuckles along her silky cheek.

“Please, Viv. We’ve discussed this, and I’ve got to help in any way I can. If it means bargaining with the devil we know…” He shrugged, trying to make light of a heavy decision.

“But the Authority? They’ll demand too much.”

“They will.” Meeting the wary eyes of his daughter, he winked. “But I’ve a few tricks up these old sleeves of mine.”

“We’ll be safe, Papa,” she assured him. “I’ll protect Mama and Nate.”

His heart caught in his throat at her wording. “Will you need to?”

“I don’t think so.”

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

CHAPTER30

Castor had been studying the sigils above the cells when the doors for the entire cellblock buzzed and swung open.

“Go!” he shouted. “Get out now!”

Moving as swiftly as he could, he checked each room for stragglers or those who couldn’t walk on their own. Only three were too weak, but a few kinder witches stepped up to offer their support. One or two he recognized from encounters years past.

“I thought he was you at first,” a woman behind him said.

Turning, he tried to place the face. Utter shock struck him when he recognized her. “Sylvie?”

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