“Whatever,” I hissed, looking at Merric. “Will you stay and help them?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” the fox mused. “If he’s going to talk to me like that, I’m not sure I would want to stay.”
“I’m trying to protect her,” Cian said, tone finally agitated.
“By treating her like a toddler? Solid plan, Cian.” He held up a finger to his lips when the vampire went to speak again. “I’ll stay because I told her that I would.” His words came as a shock to me, but I fought to keep my face blank. “Though I don’t know why she insists on me helping you when you’re so ungrateful.”
“I am grateful,” Cian pressed. “But I’m also realistic.“ He turned to me again, eyes bright, and my heart jumped into my throat.
I was afraid of what words he’d throw at me to make me leave.
When Cian stepped forward, I threw my hands up in surrender and backed away. “Okay,” I said quickly, voice high with trepidation. Confusion registered on his face, like he couldn’t understand my reaction. I’d used up all my social bravery tonight already. I couldn’t deal with him going on about my inability to save myself.
Already I was questioning myself. Doubting myself. That wouldn’t work for me if I intended to carry out my plan.
“I’ll go,” I said again. “Aveline and I will go home.”
“And me,” Yuna said, sheathing her sword. “I only came for George.” I glanced at her, managing a small smile in her direction. If Cian wouldn’t help me, I’d need her to cover my ass.
“We’ll get in touch after this is over,” Cian promised, trying to sound placating once more. “It’ll be fine; just let us take care of–“
“Okay,” I interrupted, hands raising slightly again before dropping to twist in my shirt.
This hadn’t gone at all as I’d hoped it would, and now I was left feeling like an idiot as Cian and Akiva scrutinized my expression. So much for jumping in and saving the day.
The vampire made a face and stepped forward again. “George…“ I had already stepped back, and Akiva grabbed his arm.
“Let it go,” he said quietly to the vampire. Akiva glanced at me with a frown. “See you later. Drive home safe.” He tugged on Cian’s arm and Indra barked in agreement.
“Bye,” I said flatly, studying the grass at my feet. Then, after a pause. “Be careful.”
I didn’t look for Cian’s expression, but I had a feeling he smirked as he replied. “Always.”
When I looked up again, the two of them were gone and only Indra’s shape was still visible faintly in the trees.
Merric, thankfully, had gone with them.
The three of us were silent for a moment, before Yuna let out a heavy sigh.
“We aren’t really going home, right?” she asked.
“Can you even get through the barrier?” My cousin inquired.
“Yes. Merric and I both have enough magic to cross it at will. I’d bet that the only one of them trapped in here is Cian. The others just won’t leave him,” Yuna explained. “So like I said, what are we doing?”
“We’re going to find the witches,” I said quietly.
“I figured you’d say that,” Aveline sighed. “Do you know where they are?”
Yuna had started walking and gestured for us to follow, so we did.
“They’re at the cemetery where I first met the Troublesome Trio.” I was more apt to use Merric’s stupid nickname for them when I was irritated and hurt.
“The one I found you in?” assumed Yuna.
“No. Sombre Oak.”
“And you think just the three of us can take on a coven?” Aveline asked disbelievingly as she hopped over a downed log.
“I don’t think it’s a whole coven,” I admitted, relaying the story of the woman from the woods who’d promised me that not all of them were on Colette’s side. “I doubt they’ll help us, but hopefully they won’t hinder us, either.”
“As you say,” Yuna agreed noncommittally. “If it were near the water, I would be more help. But I only have a little of my magic and my sword on land.”
“Can you like, control the tides or cause tidal waves?” I asked curiously. It wasn’t every day I was in the presence of a sea witch.
“I could drown them,” Yuna answered simply. “All of them. It’d be easier than you think.”
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never tried to drown anyone.”
“When this is over, I will teach you,” the cecaelia offered.
“I don’t know, Yuna. Not sure that’s my idea of a good time.”
We were back at the fence now, and this time I cleared it with a jump, as Yuna had done. When I turned to help Aveline over, the air witch vaulted it as a breeze buffeted my front.
“It’ll take us about twenty minutes to get there,” Aveline cautioned, pulling open her car door.
Suddenly Yuna was there, hand out for the keys. “Let me drive,” she said.
“No?” Aveline pulled the keys away, but Yuna was faster. The shifter took them, then pushed Aveline gently away from the door.
“I won’t wreck, and we’ll get there much faster than if you drive,” the cecaelia promised.
“How do you know?” I got in the back as Aveline slid into the passenger seat. “You’ve barely seen me drive.”
Yuna glanced at her as she turned the key in the ignition. “I’ve seen it once, and I’ve seen your house. It was enough,” she promised.
Chapter 30
“I don’t think it matters much where you park,” Aveline admitted dryly as Yuna pulled up to a curb. “I’m calling it right now. She knows we’re here.”
“Well on the off chance she doesn’t, I’d prefer we don’t announce ourselves just yet,” Yuna replied, getting out of the car and tossing Aveline her keys.
I got out as well, eyes fixed on the cemetery down the street.
Two witches stood at the gates, not looking in our direction.
“Talk about being obvious,” I muttered. “They aren’t even trying to hide that they’re here. And isn’t the cemetery closed this late?”
“I doubt anyone is going to tell them otherwise,” my cousin commented,
