Page 137 of Live To Tell

“But you can't die.”

“Not permanently, but a short incapacitation will prevent me protecting you. And if there's a lot of blood...”

She huffs at me. “Do I have to spend time with your parents?”

“They won't hurt you. Zeke and Ethan are friendly. And Eloise. Everybody likes you, so will they.” I chew the edge of my lip. “The guys will be with us too.”

“Your guys. Can't I bring Chase?”

Ugh. “No way. Dorian's selective about who he allows into his home. I’m surprised he’s allowing Grayson. There must be an ulterior motive.”

She scratches her nose, but we avoid the 'Violet greatly dislikes Chase' conversation for once. “I’m to stay until Dorian catches this person? What if that's a long time? I can't miss too much study.”

Or too much Chase.

“I'm certain Dorian will find this individual soon.” I pick up a fluffy yellow sweater and hand it to Holly. “There're protective spells we can use. With Rowan, Eloise, and me, we'll create something strong.”

“Like a supernatural bodyguard?” she asks. “A small hellhound?”

“Good grief, that's ridiculous,” I retort, then catch the smile playing on her lips. “A talisman. A ward.”

But is there anything that would ward against necromancy?

“Fine, but I want to say goodbye to Chase before we go.” She pauses. “Properly.”

I blow air into my cheeks and pick my phone up to check the time. “Ethan and Zeke arrive in half an hour. Meet me out front of the academy.”

“Okay.” She grins and takes the handle of her suitcase.

I watch her trundle through the door. Ugh, again. Maybe some time away from Chase will help—especially when he doesn't contact her, because I'm betting he won't.

Viktor's threat to Holly could be just that—a threat. Would he be stupid enough to show his face again after confessing to me? The guy thinks he's as untouchable as Josef, and as adept at staying hidden. No way will he be at the address Rowan found.

Are the hemia original and necromancer connected?

Still, keeping Holly away from harm until we do locate Viktor—because we will—makes sense. I'll find spending time at home with four other people weird when the place is my sanctuary, and I'm worried about the possibility of clashes between Dorian and the others. Grayson informed me he’s locking himself in a room for the duration of our stay. I half believe him.

Hopefully only a short visit home.

Following a lot of illegal mind magic on human authorities who arrived on the scene, Dorian has Trent. With any luck, Trent's mind will be filled with images of where Viktor took or kept him, besides the house he chained him inside. Or is his construct-created mind already too blank to read? What fate does Trent face now? Dorian will need to speak to the elders along with Ethan, and Trent won't know or believe what he is. Trent can't be allowed to roam in case Viktor prompts him to act.

Dorian now has his own witches living with the Sawyers while they untangle whatever the hell these deeds and contracts are, so at least they’re safe. Hopefully.

No. The only people I should worry about are my friends, and I'm doing everything possible to keep them safe.

Rowan appears as I'm stuffing clothes in my rucksack, knocking on the open door but not entering.

“Hey,” he says cautiously.

The shadows linger, imperceptible to most, but they edge his energy as he steps inside. We haven't spoken since last night, and although I understand and appreciate Rowan and Grayson's decision to stop Viktor's death at my hands, Rowan’s future scares me. Rowan will learn to give himself over to the wonderful gift you've handed him. The Willowbrook stone needs taking away from the academy; I don’t think Leif guarding it will be enough.

I cross and look up, chest tightening as it did last night.

Rowan stopped a heart. A hybrid's heart.

“Dorian can never know,” I whisper. “And you are never to do that to me again.”

He holds my face in both hands, and I swallow as the shadows stain the magic on his fingers. “If you'd killed, I would've lost you.”

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