Page 54 of The Demon's Discovery
“It’s my honor, niece.”
And then I lost them both to tales of her family, and there was no interrupting the statue, even if I wanted to. She deserved to hear it all. Seeing her face light up was well worth the delay in me speaking with her about mate bonds.
I was still wrapping my own head around such a thing, and I was glad for the reprieve, but my desire to be wholly honest with her would not allow me to put it off for long.
Chapter 23
Greta
We’d climbed in the carriage while Magnus flew ahead, my anxiety about meeting the elder stone kin only growing as we made our way through the city.
As Magnus had warned, once we arrived at the edge of the forest, my thoughts turned panicky. I wanted nothing more than to turn around, flee back to d’Arcan and the safety it provided. Even the horses hated what they sensed in the forest, slowing to a stop, whinnying as though thoroughly spooked.
Heavy wings beat above us as a hut came into view. Cheerful flowers in boxes outside the windows and smoke curling from the chimney offered a striking contrast to the foreboding sensation crushing in on me. It looked like a fairy-tale house, but perhaps the one where the witch invites children in and they never reappear.
“Come. The feeling will ease soon,” Vassago said, opening the carriage door and reaching back for my hand. He helped me out while Magnus approached from where he’d landed nearby.“Thank you, Clem. You can take the horses beyond the tree line to make them more comfortable.”
“Sir,” Clem responded, sagging with relief before immediately turning the nervous horses back down the skinny dirt lane.
“Ready?” Magnus was missing his usual smile, clearly nervous despite having reassured the both of us that everything was as prepared for our visit as it could be.
“Yes.”
Vassago just nodded, one hand at the small of my back and the other carrying the candy he’d purchased as we approached the door.
Magnus knocked, a specific series of taps that was obviously a code. After a brief delay, the door swung open, revealing a squatty little woman with shrewd bright-blue eyes, snow-white hair, and a severe frown. She eyed Vassago up and down, narrowing her gaze as it flitted from him to me. It only softened once she settled on Magnus.
“Thank you for seeing us today, Ophelia,” Vassago said smoothly, offering the bag. “We appreciate it very much. Might I offer you a token of appreciation?”
She sniffed, appraising him with those clever eyes, then snatched the bag from his hand. He lowered his arm slowly, a patient smile on his lips.
“Salted licorice?”
“Yes, we heard it was your favorite. I bought out the whole of the candymaker’s stock for the week.”
Her mouth twitched, never fully forming a smile, but the ghost of one teased at the corner of her mouth. “I suppose you’d better come in.” She gestured with her arm for us to enter, tapping one cheek with her finger as Magnus passed her. He dipped down to place a chaste kiss on her cheek, a low chuckle in his throat. She even graced him with a smile.
“He gave you the licorice, but I hope I remain your favorite?” he teased her.
“It would be disgraceful to have a demon as my favorite, wouldn’t it?” she said with an exaggerated whisper, then winked at Vassago. “So, I suppose you’ll do.”
Magnus laughed aloud, and the fact that he was more relaxed helped put us all at ease.
The ancient gargoyle followed us into her little hut, and the crushing sensation lifted once we were on the other side of the threshold. It took a moment for my body to regulate again, my adrenaline waning as an overwhelming sense of comfort took the place of cold fear.
“Your wards are much more potent than they were several weeks ago, Ophelia. Is everything alright?” Magnus asked.
“Fine, fine. Just some nosy neighbors and travelers getting too close for my liking. That little demon horde didn’t help matters either. I wanted a little bit more security. You know how I don’t care for company.” She looked directly at me when she said this, but her tiny smile told me she didn’t necessarily mean me. Maybe. It was impossible to tell for sure, but she seemed pleasant enough. “Sit down, demon,” she instructed, waving her hand at Vassago. “I’d like you in the seat next to me, if you don’t mind,” she said to me.
“Of course,” I responded, sinking into the cushion she’d indicated.
We’d come through a small kitchen and dining area to the living room. There were large, deep pieces of furniture arranged in a half circle facing the fireplace, books scattered all over, and potted plants in the most unlikely of places. The home was lived in, loved, and smelled like freshly baked bread.
I blinked, realizing that now that I found myself inside, I wanted to stay much more than I’d wanted to turn back at the height of my panic when we crossed the wards.
“Your generosity and willingness to meet with us is appreciated, my lady.” Vassago gave a flourish of his hand, bowing at her before settling into the plush seat next to me.
“Mmph,” she grumbled at him, clever eyes scanning his face. “I suppose it’s only fair since you helped keep those little terrors away from my home. Have I thanked you for that?”
