Page 144 of Shadow's Raven

"Was what enough?" he demanded, trying to follow me out.

"Shit!" he cursed when the spell repelled him backwards. He shook the wrist he'd just injured and used the other to test the hold.

"She was speaking to me, darling."

Casimir turned his darkening eyes to Vera. "Someone had better start explaining."

He slapped his palms onto the invisible wall holding him inside. "Right. Fucking. Now!"

Vera's electric blue gaze met mine. "To answer your question, that was more than enough blood, my dear."

Casimir slammed his shoulder against the enchantment. It held, yet did nothing to deter him.

Relief, likely fleeting and undoubtedly bittersweet, accompanied the air I pushed out on my next exhale.

Then puzzlement replaced it when I drew a breath. "Why can I hear him?"

The witch spread her fingers over my arm and the burning of the cut cooled as the blood on my skin disappeared. "Thank you, Vera, but please answer the question."

"It's from altering the spell," Vera paused. "Casimir, would you be a gem and keep it down for a moment? I can hardly hear myself think with all your caterwauling."

A litany of expletives hurled from his tongue. Vera regally rolled her wrists and suddenly his voice was muted.

I didn't look at him. I didn't want to see the betrayal I knew I'd find in his eyes.

"Better," she smiled serenely. "Now, go into the closet and put this on."

I took the fabric tote from her manicured hands. "Everything you need should be inside. I put some supplies in the pockets and a little something extra in the pouches attached to the belt."

I hurried into the closet, changing out of the camel-colored top and leggings I'd been wearing since morning. What to replace them with?

I made the pragmatic choice of one of the sets of black fighting leathers and matching boots that Casimir had gifted to me. They'd lessen the kiss of a blade should I run into trouble.

Who was I kidding? I was running headfirst into trouble. The question was: how much?

Emptying the bag onto the floor, I quickly took inventory. I checked the velvety pouches first, impressed with some of the herbs I scented.

I didn't have time to check what was in the vials. I'd just have to trust that they were useful or necessary and check them once I'd made my escape.

I rose to my feet, securing the belt the Dianic witch had prepared for me. She'd even included two small daggers with dark crimson handles.

Though Vera had freely offered assistance, I didn't like feeling that I owed her. It was something to think on later.

Lastly, I picked up the opalescent cloak and wrapped it around my shoulders, securing it with the bronze pin that looked suspiciously like the witchcraft symbol for chaos. The static of magic crackled then settled quietly.

"Raven!" Vera called. "Your ride is here. Or rides, should I say? Extremely handsome rides?" she cackled in that annoying way of hers.

Hurrying, I double checked that the belt and cloak were secure then returned to the bathroom where Henderson waited with my third accomplice.

I could feel Casimir's glower sweep across the side of my face. Even though he'd bailed on me after his freakout, I could give him better than disappearing without a backwards glance.

I paused for a moment and forced myself to look him in the eye. The hurt and confusion written there nearly made me stumble in my conviction.

"Can you hear me?" I asked.

Crossing his arms, he nodded curtly.

"I'm sorry," I whispered. “I have to go. Vera tried scrying this morning, but it didn’t work. It never really works with my family, but I want you to know I did try another avenue to locate Kol and my father."

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