Page 66 of Once Upon a Curse for True Love
The sharp ring of his phone jolted him back to alertness.Andromeda handed it to him, and he glanced at the screen.
“Hello, Chief.”Donatello hit the speaker button, setting the phone on the bed between them.“You’re on speaker.I’m with Swan.”
“Malatesta.”King’s deep voice filled the room.“How’s the wound?”
“I’ll live, sir,” Donatello replied.“But I’ll be off active duty for at least a week.”
“Good.Take the time.”The chief paused, then exhaled.“I wanted to update you both on Graves’s situation.The Council met in an emergency session an hour ago.”
Donatello exchanged a glance with Andromeda, who had gone still beside him.
“Even with the death penalty abolished by magical law,” King continued, his voice neutral, “the Council has determined that with Graves being already technically dead and far too dangerous to contain, he will be terminated.”
“As in?”Andromeda echoed, leaning closer to the phone.
“Soulfire is the only known method of dispatching a lich,” King explained.“We’ll build a witch pyre at the old quarry outside town.The termination is scheduled for dawn tomorrow.”
Donatello absorbed this information, half relieved Graves would no longer be a threat, but uneasy about his execution.A bone-deep weariness prevailed.Even in death, the lich would force them to witness more darkness.
“I’m calling to ask if either of you wishes to preside over the pyre.As the officers who discovered and apprehended him, it’s your right.”
Donatello arched an eyebrow at Andromeda, who shook her head.The shadow that passed over her face told him everything he needed to know.She didn’t want to see Graves again or witness his last moments, no matter how deserved.And if he was honest with himself, neither did he.
“Thank you, Chief.”Donatello reached for Andromeda’s hand.“But we’re okay never setting eyes on the lich again.”
“Understood.”King’s voice softened.“Enjoy your time off, Malatesta.Get better soon.And, Miss Swan, swing by my office tomorrow morning.”
Andromeda blinked.“Ah, sure?”
Donatello ended the call.
“What does he want with me?”Andromeda nodded toward the phone.
“You probably just need to sign the forms for the end of your community service.”Donatello shifted to a more comfortable position on the pillows.“The Arcanet case is solved, and you’re free of your obligations to the department.”
He opened his arms, ignoring the twinges and spasms in his muscles.“Am I banned from cuddles, too?”
Andromeda’s expression softened as she moved toward him, arranging herself along his uninjured side.“Cuddles are okay.”She nestled her head on his shoulder, her weight and warmth suddenly essential.
“I love you,” he murmured into her hair, the words slipping out like they’d always belonged to her.
“I love you, too,” she whispered back, her breath warm against his neck.“Even when you’re a naughty patient.”
“It’s the effect you have on me, Swan,” he protested sleepily, his eyes already growing heavy as the combination of pain medication, soup, and Andromeda’s warmth worked their magic.
Her soft laugh was his last conscious tether before drifting into sleep.Perhaps being cared for wasn’t such a terrible thing—not when it was Andromeda Swan doing the caring.
Chapter Twenty-seven
One Week Notice
ANDROMEDA
Andromeda hovered outside Chief King’s office, her teeth torturing her lower lip.The gleaming brass nameplate on the door mocked her with its severity.She hoped Donatello was right, and this was just a formality.
For hex’s sake, she shouldn’t be this nervous.She’d faced a lich only the day before.What could the Chief Inquisitor have to tell her that was worse?Nothing.
She checked her watch—right on time—and knocked, two sharp raps that echoed in the empty hallway.
