So much for my career in solving crime… I was about to spend the rest of my days in prison for murder.
I pressed my ear against the door of the library, trying to be discrete while eavesdropping. An ache pounded behind my temples, and I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to remain calm. A witch always maintains her composure—right until she curses her target with a life of misery.
It had to be a misunderstanding. Isabelle was delusional. That explained everything…except for how perfectly sane she seemed. She was the embodiment of everything I imagined Derrick’s parents wanted for his wife, and suddenly,Ifelt like the delusional one.
“Mother, how could you?” Derrick hissed from the other side of the door.
“I don’t know why you’re so upset. I invited the Snows to spend the week at Fairwood. You know how much your father admires Richard. They’ve worked together for years,” Derrick’s mother responded.
“I’m upset because I brought someone home that I want you to meet, and this is what I find. It was supposed to be just family.” His voice lowered. “And you know what Isabelle’s presence here looks like. We’ve talked about this before. I won’t go through with it.”
His mother’s tone turned pleading. “Derrick, I wish you would listen to reason. I only want the best match for you; someone of equal standing. We know about the promotion. You’re going to be the Director of the Royal Agency!”
Something thudded against a wooden surface. Derrick’s fist? I winced at the anger in his voice.
“If it’s going to be like this, I won’t take the promotion, Mother. It’s my choice.”
A harsh laugh followed. “You’re going to give up everything you’ve worked toward for a penniless witch? Don’t be a fool. You can have it all.”
Silence filled the room, and I tried to will away the sting of tears gathering in my eyes. I didn’t want to hear any more. It was silly to think his family would welcome me with open arms. Like an idiot, I’d thought baking a pie would endear them to me, when what I really needed was a fortune and an entirely different family lineage.
Someone tapped me on the shoulder, and I jumped, wiping away the dampness that clung to my cheeks.
“May I join you?” Edward asked, sidling up to the door and pressing his ear to the portal. “You may have to translate some of it. My hearing isn’t what it used to be. What have I missed?”
I offered him a watery smile and resumed my hunched position. “They’re discussing Derrick’s marriage prospects and the lack of mine.”
“Bah!” Edward waved away my concern. “Don’t pay Cynthia any mind. She has her nose so high in the air it’s a wonder birds don’t land on it.”
His assertion didn’t make me feel any better. Not with Isabelle Snow waiting in the other room and the heated discussion taking place on the other side of the door.
Edward studied me from beneath his spectacles and frowned. “You know, for a witch, you seem weaker than a mouse. Cynthia might want a girl with a pedigree, but I’d prefer my grandson to marry someone with a little spunk.”
My jaw dropped at his comment. I sputtered, “I’m not a mouse.”
“A pigeon then? A docile little bird?”
“Sir!”
The door burst open, and Derrick barreled through. Edward and I rocked back on our heels to avoid a collision. Derrick’s features were harsh, his jaw rigid. He skidded to a stop when he realized I’d been standing near the library door.
His chest rose on a heavy breath, and I waited, unsure of what he would say.
“Tessa, we’re leaving.”
He was retreating? A part of me deflated, wishing instead he would stand his ground.
Edward cleared his throat and poked me in the shin with his cane. He even made a subtle flapping movement with his arms. I almost expected him to start pecking.
Edward was right: only a meek animal would flee. A witch would turn them all into rodents and laugh as they scurried into their corners. Well, except for Edward. He was on my side and could remain human. Isabelle, on the other hand…
The sparks were already tingling in my fingers.
I straightened my shoulders and angled my head up a notch. “I think we should stay.”
“Of course you should, my dear.” Edward cracked his cane against the floor. “Besides, you’re all but stranded with the way the snow is coming down outside. It’s a blizzard if I ever saw one.”
We all turned to glance out the window.
