Amelia had been listening to Priya, who, from the sounds of it, had been explaining the foresight spell that had led to Cally’s vision. She looked up as soon as Cally re-entered, then set down her cup and saucer.
“I hear the secret to the coven’s success is your blood, Miss Davis,” she said, cutting across Priya in mid-sentence.
Eve paused, her shoulders tensing, and Cally knew how she felt.
Not just my blood, but my name too. She’s been busy.
“I like to think I had some small part to play,” Zara added petulantly.
“Yes, yes.” Amelia waved a dismissive hand and didn’t look away from Cally.
“Let’s get back to the point,” Cally said. “How can you help?”
“Answers, my dear. Knowledge and answers.” She tilted her head forward, peering at Cally over the rim of her glasses. “That is what you seek, is it not?”
Cally crossed her arms. “No one offers anything for free. What’s the price?”
Amelia smiled. “That is something we should discuss in private.” She addressed Zara. “Is there a room we could use?”
Zara looked like she would refuse, then slumped, resigned. “You can go in my office, but there’s not much space in there.”
“It will be fine, thank you,” Amelia said as she rose. She gestured toward the hallway. “After you, Miss Davis.”
In turn, Cally gestured to Eve. “After you, Miss Sullivan.”
Amelia raised her hand. “I regret, Miss Davis, that what we discuss is for your ears only.”
“And I regret, Amelia, that we will be discussing nothing at all if Eve doesn’t join us.”
She pressed her lips together in disapproval, then reluctantly nodded.
Eve winked at Cally as she walked past, leading the way, and they trooped into Zara’s spare bedroom, standing in the small space left free by her desk. Amelia closed the door before she spoke.
“Boston interests us because of the heritage of witches here, as no doubt you are aware. But I am part of a larger order, and our headquarters are in upstate New York.” She paused for effect. “We would very much like you to visit.”
Cally looked at Eve, but she stayed quiet, letting her take the lead. “What sort of High Priestess is part of an organization with headquarters in upstate New York?”
“All your questions will be answered when you arrive.”
“I haven’t agreed yet.”
“But I think you will.” Amelia said smugly. “How else will you find what you seek?”
It was tempting, but Cally shook her head. “I have no idea who you people are, or what you want. You’ve offered nothing but vague promises. I’m not flying to New York with you.”
Amelia took her refusal in stride. “I assure you, your importance to us is greater than you could possibly imagine.” She raised her phone, wagging it for emphasis. “I’ve been authorized to offer whatever incentives and assurances are necessary. A shopping trip while we’re there, perhaps? An expense account? Compensation for your time off work?”
Cally folded her arms. “Answers would do for now.”
She inclined her head. “I’ll answer what I can.”
“Who are you people?”
“I represent the Boston arm of an organization known as theAeterna Vigilantia,” she said, speaking softly. “We just call it the ‘Order’, or the ‘Vigilantia’. It’s Latin, as no doubt you’ve gathered, and it primarily means ‘those keeping an eternal watch’.”
“Do you like to watch?” Cally asked dryly.
Amelia smiled, humorless and without warmth. “We don’t just watch, no. We do what we can to keep humanity safe from… threats.”
