Page 73 of Magic & Secrets
Mali ignored Roque’s hostility and demanded of me, “Explain yourself.”
“We’re not safe to speak.”
Mali spun around and moved toward a wall with a hidden entrance. Soon, we were shoved into a tiny room. Roque growled instantly at the small space.
Wrapping my arms around his waist, I quickly distracted the overwhelmed Shifter. He smiled and stroked my hair.
Mali cleared his throat when we seemed to forget he was in the room.
“Why did you say he didn’t know what you were?”
“Lying seemed like the safest choice.”
“How did he find out?”
“I had to use my magic to save him.”
“Imbecile.”
Roque’s growl filled the room, making the walls shake. Though I patted his chest, he refused to see past the Elf.
“He is a Bane Shifter,” Mali sneered, ignoring Roque’s rage. “You didn’t need to save him.”
Roque grunted. “That’s what I told her.”
“They aren’t indestructible. A few Bane Shifters have died in battle. The Gathering taught me that.”
“What creatures did you face?”
“Serpent Shifters and Warlocks. They were hurting him.”
Roque looked at Mali and shrugged. “I had a plan. It was fine.”
“You were in pain,” I insisted.
Mali rolled his eyes. “Mates are obnoxious,” he insisted and waved off Roque’s resulting growl. “You can stay here tonight, but no longer. Everyone is on edge, thanks to the Cult of Ivitithi.”
“What do you know?”
Though Mali plainly didn’t approve of my tone, he seemed to realize he wasn’t in the position to wield his authority over me.
“Several Elves went rogue and killed an Elder. They took his heart and fled into Pandorium Forest. We apprehended one whoclaimed he was part of a group that worshipped Ivitithi. They intend to use the ancient one’s power to defeat the Murade.”
“Why kill the defective Shifters in Haven Junction?” Roque asked. “Why would this ancient one care?”
“Sacrifices of Lavinia’s most powerful creatures would appease Ivitithi.”
“What does the Gathering plan to do about this cult?” I asked as Roque stroked my back in a distracting way.
“That’s none of your concern.”
“Of course it is. Ivitithi’s magic is why I was separated from my sisters. This cult possesses weapons capable of harming the Bane Shifters and New Armgard.”
“You will return to the Citadel.”
Roque growled, “No.”
“She can’t survive on your mountain.”
