“It’s better if you don’t know,” Rosetta said carefully, “but remember that there are other powerful packs to be reckoned with. And we trust this ally.”
Dani barked out a humorless laugh. “Nothing about this is trustworthy.”
“Your experience in Alaska was…unfortunate,” Penelope offered, tone bordering on dismissive. “To be driven out of your home because your magic woke up? We appreciate that you may not be on the best terms with the shifters.”
Dani paused a moment, the familiar lie tripping her up.
It had been so easy, when she arrived in Salem seeking an old family friend her mother had once told her about, to say she had been exiled from her home because her magic had awoken when her daughter was born. There wouldn’t be any questions that way, any accusations.
Her magic had woken up with the excruciating pain of labor, but she had already been long gone from Skymist by the time that happened.
Nobody needed to know the true reason she fled. But they did need to understand the danger that still existed.
“This is madness,” she said firmly. “You don’t know what you’re walking into.”
Lavinia lifted a hand gently. “Dani. We understand your concern. But the threat of hybrids is not something we can ignore. We need to know what is stirring. And we want you to join the delegation.”
Dani’s heart stopped. “No,” she said, stepping backward. “Send someone else. Anyone else.”
“We need you,” Lavinia said. “You know the land. The customs. The temperament of the packs. You lived in their territory; you understand their ways better than anyone in Salem.”
“I left that behind!” Dani snapped, louder than she intended. “I built a life here! A safe one, for me, and for my daughter. I will not take her back into that nightmare.”
Penelope frowned. “Your daughter wouldn’t go. Only the representatives.”
Dani froze.
Her voice was barely a whisper. “You think I would leave Aurelia behind? Not knowing who might show up? Not knowing what might follow us back?”
A flicker of understanding crossed Lavinia’s face.
“Dani,” she said quietly, “the decision has been made. Our coven will attend.”
Dani felt the words like a punch to the sternum.
“No,” she breathed.
“We depart within the week,” Lavinia continued. “And as one of our most promising young witches, with knowledge vital to this mission…we ask you to join the delegation.”
“Ask?” Dani whispered.
Penelope corrected harshly, “Require.”
Dani’s legs buckled. She caught herself on the table’s edge, breath shuddering.
“Why me?” she croaked.
Lavinia’s voice softened. “Because whether you accept it or not…your fate is tied to Skymist. There’s a reason you came to us. And there is surely a reason you must now return. It is all part of Gaia’s plan.”
Dani shut her eyes.
Arthur’s face burned behind her lids, strong jaw, bright eyes, the voice that once told her she belonged at his side.
Then she saw Aurelia.
She opened her eyes. “I cannot go. I can’t tell you why, but…I cannot. Please don’t make me.”
Lavinia stepped forward, laying a gentle hand on Dani’s shoulder. “I know this is difficult. I truly do. But the hybrids are rising. We cannot ignore the call.”
