Page 52 of For Dear Life

The founding witch families’ magic determine every witch’s personal specialty—their skills match which family’s bloodline is strongest inside them. The school of magic that they’re linked to is noted on a database, as the close supervision of all supernaturals is key to our accords with humans. Each witch is tested around their twelfth birthday to ascertain this. If not, their parents are prosecuted.

But there’re always exceptions and the number must be growing if Dorian had no idea who Maxwell is. Where are these witches hiding? Are vamps involved too?

“They might know blood magic but keep that hidden,” says Rowan. “Plus, they’re aware we’ve seen them.”

“I don’t understand the shifter connection to the witches,” says Leif. “And Sawyer. Do you think he’s aware what’s happening?”

“Maybe?” I say. “But he’s worried about Kai’s safety. If Sawyer was involved in the murders, he’d know not to worry because the man wouldn’t ask someone to kill his own son.”

“No, that was his witch buddy’s idea,” says Rowan. “Kai’s a definite target. And still no police reports about anything but Kai’s DUI. What has Sawyer involved himself in that he needs to cover up?”

“And Grayson’s uncle?” I ask.

He shrugs.

“The most important thing is Oz’s life,” says Leif. “What if the witches kill him?”

I exchange a glance with Rowan. “They can’t kill him, Leif. He’s already dead.”

Leif’s whole body tightens, and he stares ahead. “Yeah.”

“You alright?” asks Rowan. “You’re pretty freaked out by the witches.”

“Did you remember anything else the witches did that night?” I ask. “Should I make a note before you forget again? Which one touched you? What else did they do?”

Leif doesn’t move or look back at me, and Rowan doesn’t respond either.

“Now what have I said?” I ask. There wasn’t one negative thing in that question. Leif’s new memories helpful to both me and him.

Nearby, more humans head towards the hospital, their voices cutting through the silence I’ve created.

“At least I can use blood runes,” I say. “We can return to the academy quicker and look over tonight’s findings.”

More silence. Surely they don’t want to catch the bus.

Leif finally turns to me. “I’ll walk back to the academy. See you tomorrow.”

And he’s gone, figure moving swiftly to cross the sidewalk.

“What’s he doing? Isn’t Leif worried about shifters?” I ask. “Didn’t he hide until a few days ago?”

Rowan turns his eyes to mine. “Maybe Leif remembered something he didn’t want to, Violet, and doesn’t appreciate your interrogation.”

“Oh.”

“Let me guess. You hadn’t considered that possibility.”

“And now he wants to be alone?” I rub my nose. “Should we follow him? I don’t want anything unpleasant to happen to Leif.”

“Why? Because he’s useful and also not immortal?”

Last time I voiced concern for Leif’s welfare, I barely understood why I’d said the wrong thing, but this time I’m aware. “No. Because he’s a nice guy,” I say, and show Rowan the toy dog. “Even if he doesn’t understand me at all.”

“Leif understands you more than you think, Violet. We all do.” He gestures around him. “Choose somewhere to paint your blood runes that won’t freak out passing humans. I’ll fetch Leif back here and we can leave. Together.”

18

VIOLET

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