Page 53 of The Demon's Discovery
I frowned. “It will take some dedicated attention.”
“Lots of that going around today it seems.”
“Indeed.”
She closed my door behind herself, leaving me to contend with the bird, who was now looking at me in an oddly accusatory way.
“Go on with you,” I said, flinging the pane open wide. He flapped away to avoid being struck, but I would have put down good money he was simply making the rounds so he could go to her window instead.
“She seemed almost enthusiastic,”Magnus shrugged as he ate a slice of toast with a fried egg on top in a single bite. “She was much the same when Rylan and Calla visited.”
“Do you trust that?” I asked, glancing at Greta who was quietly sipping her coffee with attentive, wide eyes.
“Yes. Her mood swings are a slow progression most of the time, but I’ll of course be going with you as well.”
“I appreciate it.” Greta gave him a gentle smile.
“Of course, niece. It will be good for you to meet one of our most respected elders in any case. But make no mistake, she canbe incredibly dangerous. If you are afraid for any reason once we are inside her home, take heed of that instinct.”
Greta’s eyes grew even rounder. “I will.”
“You have the candy?”
“Yes, I got as much as I could, as you suggested.”
“Good. That helps.”
After breakfast, Greta went up to her room to bathe and change. I lingered behind with Magnus, his face set in a grin as though he was well aware of my intention to speak with him.
“I can admit when I’m slow figuring things out. She’s my mate,” I said plainly. The mirth fell off his face for a brief moment but returned as he leaned toward me across the table with a broad smile. I held up my hand when his mouth dropped open. “We haven’t discussed what that means yet.”
“Of course.” He put on a serious expression, but the grin gave away his good humor about the situation. “Welcome to the family, devil. Perhaps we’ll have no choice but to be friends now,” he teased.
I didn’t respond, but the words landed warmly in my chest.
When I got upstairs,Greta’s door was open. I tapped on it, appreciative of the invitation but mindful of a whole new set of rules forming between us. I wanted to tread carefully. “May I come in?”
“Yes, of course,” she said. She was at the window, feeding the raven something out of her palm, when she smiled, and the simple act caused my heart to beat faster. “We’re going to see a stone kin sorceress, right?”
“Yes. And she’s likely to know many things others have forgotten, so if you have a specific question, be sure to ask. Wehave many talented allies, and Magnus is confident—and I am too—that we can find someone else to help if need be.”
She brightened and smiled. “That’s good.”
“Are you preparing her properly for her visit?” Magnus interrupted, head poking through the open door.
“No, we hadn’t gotten to that yet. But honestly, I’m not sure I am myself. I’ve never had the honor.”
Greta invited her uncle in, and he sat, dominating the conversation instantly with stories about Ophelia and her unique talents. “We all move slowly around her for good reason, Greta. She seemed very amicable today, but it’s important you are cautious.”
“Does she know who I am?”
Magnus shook his head. “No. She doesn’t like to know who’s coming beforehand, we only ever get permission to come or not.”
“Is she far?”
“No, she lives just outside Revalia in the Dread Forest. Her area is warded, so when we get close, you may get a sense of sadness or fear. Don’t be alarmed.”
“Okay. Thank you, Magnus.”
