Page 34 of Hunted By Wolves and Shadow
“I miss you, brother,” I thought to Leo’s ghost as I emerged from the trees.
Amber gave me a wide berth as I left the Mist behind and the transformation came over me. When I was ready, I stepped closer. She didn't offer me anything to cover myself, but she also seemed completely unaffected by my nudity. It was a shame the male body did nothing for her, because I could have used some shock to my advantage.
“Wolf, it's good to see you,” Amber said.
“I won't say the same,” I replied. I'd never given her the impression we were friendly, even if I was grateful for the enclave and the magic she used to maintain it. It was the least she owed for Leo's life.
She smiled kindly. “No, I wouldn't expect you to. I hoped you'd have good news, though.”
“That's why I'm here. It's done, and it didn't work. Was this a joke to you? Did you and those other witches plan this to destroy us further? Give us hope that we could end this, only to watch it crush us when it didn't work. Lovely trick, witch.”
“What? No. Wolf, I promise you, we acted in good faith. Diamond's prophecy—“
“The Diamond Witch's prophecy was a sham! The Ruby Witch is dead and the Mist is worse than ever.”
“I’ve noticed. She must have anchored the curse in place beyond her death.”
“You think I didn't think of that? I've torn her place apart. I even had to deal with her granddaughter showing up.”
“Jade was there?” Amber asked, interest flaring to life in her face, along with hints of hostility. There was a history there, but I didn’t care to know it.
“No, not that one. Her sister, Emerald.”
“Emerald?” Amber's interest faded to confusion. “I’ve never heard of her.”
“She doesn't have magic. She knows I killed Ruby.”
“And you're still alive.” She assessed me with a clinical gaze. “So she's probably telling the truth about her magic. That’s interesting.“
I shrugged. “Either way, the curse didn't break. So what are you witches playing at?”
“Nothing. I want this curse ended too, believe me.”
I frowned. “From what I've heard, your brother makes a pretty fortune escorting people across this plain, skirting the Mist, never telling anyone that you're the one really watching over them. Why would you want that to end?”
Amber shook her head. “Jacks offers a service. It keeps people from wandering into Aglonbriar and ending up…well, ending up like you. So, yes, I let him do it, and yes, he profits from it. But I don't care about the money. I just want people to be safe. It's what I've always wanted.” Hollow regret rang in her tone, and reluctantly, I believed her. There was a tale behind that sorrow, a reason for her self imposed penance watching over the Yellow Plain.Huh. There really was more to witches than their magic, and it had taken Emi to open my eyes to it.
“Then help me. Tell me how to fix this.”
“I’m thinking.” Amber’s lashes fluttered, and she drew in a cleansing breath. “What if the anchor is the girl?”
“No.”
She arched a brow.
“It’s not Emerald.”
“Why not? Blood magic can be as strong as gemstones, stronger in some circumstances.”
“It isn’t her.”
“How can you be sure? Maybe she harbors the curse in her blood. The prophecy said the witch’s blood—”
“I said no!”
Amber took a step back and it stopped my outburst. I couldn’t imagine what expression must be thundering across my face to have finally intimidated the powerful witch.
Gently, she said, “Why, Wolf?”
