Page 64 of The Demon's Discovery
I nodded, the notion having already crossed my mind. “Yes, it’s on my list. There’s a raven who’s taken to Greta. What I gathered from the conversation he had with Ophelia is that he was petitioning to become Greta’s familiar. So, I actually have several reasons to get in touch with Tap.”
“Is that so?” Rylan smiled wide. “Archimedes will be pleased to have some company, I think. I’ve never seen ravens lingering around the grounds, though, so I have to wonder where he came from.”
“Agreed. He took up residence immediately, like he’s always been here, but I’d never so much as glimpsed him before heannounced himself to her. His life has been well-fought, I think—he only has one good eye. He’s admirably dedicated to her, though. Has been, from the moment he arrived.”
“How wonderful.” Rylan smiled knowingly again. I wasn’t as convinced. His owl had been an annoyance for us all since they’d bonded. “And your bloodlust?”
“Managed. For now.” I sighed, worried about the concerning progression. “I’m still searching the book for a possible cure. Greta’s ability to read fae is likely to be most helpful where that’s concerned.”
“Indeed.”
“I think I saw the man who cursed me in the city center,” I reported.
Rylan sat forward, elbows on his knees. “The book thief?”
“Yes. It was only a glimpse the other day when we were at the market. He slipped down an alley or around a corner before I could get close.”
“Have you seen him since that day?”
“Not once.” Dread mixed with anger curled in my gut. I wanted nothing more than to find him and wring a reversal of my curse from him before removing his head from his body so he couldn’t wreak any more havoc on people’s lives. “Magnus has been made aware and has his men watching for him.”
“Good.” He relaxed back in his seat. “I assume there haven’t been any more issues with the creatures popping up where they shouldn’t be?”
I shook my head. It had been unusually quiet according to Magnus, which only added to my concern about being away from Revalia proper for too long. “No.”
“There doesn’t seem to be any kind of pattern for where they’re deciding to show up. It’s odd. I’ve reached out to our brothers about it.”
“And?”
Rylan shook his head. “They don’t have any information but are seeing what they can find out. But you know how secretive the inner workings are. Always have been.”
I exhaled, an ancient agitation rising from its resting place deep inside me. “Indeed, they never did like telling anyone much of anything at all. Magnus knows I’m available to help if he needs me. And you.”
“Yes, of course. Safe journey, brother. I’ll be interested to hear what you find in that book.”
“I’m sure we’ll be fine, especially with Magnus as an escort. And Greta did perfectly with the Elixir of Healing, after all. If there’s a recipe for a cure in that book, she can make it. She’s going to attempt the Elixir of Life soon.”
“Did you sayElixir of Life? Surely I misheard you.”
“No, you heard correctly. She got the Elixir of Healing on her first attempt, so I see no reason she won’t succeed.” I couldn’t stop the proud smile that took over my face at the admission. My brother stared at me, open-mouthed and stunned. “Give my love to Calla, would you?”
“Vassa—”
I severed the connection, reveling in the fact that I’d likely left him swearing on the other end.
Chapter 27
Vassago
I’d gone down to the classroom so I could gather a few things to take with me to the stone kin encampment, expecting to find it empty. Instead, I found Greta poring over Lilith’s book, supplies lined up on her worktable.
“What are you working on, Dragonfly?”
“I think I may have found something.” Her eyes squinted as she traced down the paper with her finger.
“Oh? How can I help?”
“I’m not sure yet. The name is strange, but I feel like it’s something I need to try.” She gestured vaguely to her midsection with her hands, demonstrating as best she could where the drive was coming from.
