Page 247 of Midnights
and the solstice whispers to the sea.
When the longest day meets the fullest night,
and the blood is spilled upon the ground,
The stars will align in their ancient dance,
And all the signs shall come around.
The ground,
the whispers,
the flames and the sea…
He shrugs, then starts walking again. “Then it goes on about wars, fates, and soulmates. You know, the usual.”
His tone is light, but his expression is anything but. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch him looking at me, then quickly back to the trail ahead. Like he’s still watching my reaction without trying to make it obvious.
I let out a slow breath, rolling my shoulders like I can physically shake off the weight pressing against me.“I’m not going to freak out,” I say, but my voice wobbles just enough to betray me. “At least, I hope not.”
Cam smiles, and his dimple makes an appearance. “I really do like you, you’re funny.”
I bite back the urge to push for more, even though it’s clawing at me.
“There are still gaps we need to fill in.” His jaw tightens slightly before he continues. “The only people who know the whole story are the Protectors. They keep it hidden because the witch is…” a pause. “Powerful.”
My frown deepens. “Protected? From who? And why is she such a big deal?”
His expression darkens. “Because if the hunters catch wind of her existence…” He trails off, and I can see the tick in his jaw. “They won’t stop until she’s dead.”
A slow, creeping unease curls through my stomach and my hands start to tingle. “They’ve been searching for her for centuries, drawn to the scent of her magic.” His voice is quieter now. “That’s why the Protectors guard the details so fiercely. If the hunters even suspect she’s out there, it’s over.”
I swallow hard, but my throat feels dry. “Wait.” My voice comes out cautious and unsure. “Are you saying they don’t evenknowwho she is?”
Cam shakes his head. “No. No one does. That’s part of the problem. There are hints, but nothing definitive. Most people don’t even believe she’s real anymore. The protectors reveal just enough to keep people searching, while keeping the witch herself hidden.”
His eyes flick back to me, and something heavy settles between us. “Let’s just say the hunters aren’t the only ones afraid of what she’s capable of.”
His words slam into me. My mind spins, grasping at fragments I’m not sure I want to piece together. Old sayings. Myths. Wars. Witches. A witch so powerful that she’s both huntedandprotected? What the fuck is happening?
I force myself to speak, even though my voice is barely louder than the rustling leaves. “Why would anyone want to kill her?”
“Because there’s a lot of people out there who want tocontrolthat power.” His voice dips lower. “And she’s a witch.”
I narrow my eyes. “And what doesthathave to do with anything? Don’t you all have magic?”
He holds my gaze, and I watch as something like frustration flashes behind his eyes.
“Yes, most Fae have magic,” he admits. “Witches are different. Their power doesn’t come from within them. Not entirely, anyway. It’s tied to somethingbigger. Something ancient. They’re connected to the very fabric of this realm in ways the rest of us aren’t.”
He pauses, then adds. “Witches went into hiding centuries ago.”
Interesting.
“So, what? Because her magic’s stronger, she’s automatically a threat? That’s a bit dramatic, don’t you think?”
Cam chuckles, but there’s no humor in it. “Raven, you’d be surprised what people will do out of fear. It’s not just her magic, it’s what sherepresents. For better or worse, she changes everything.”
