“Flight Realm,” I say. “A two day trek, I think.”
“Fine,” she says. She swallows, lifting her chin. “Give me the directions. If I’m able to collect it, you’ll get your memories when I return.”
“Absolutely not,” I say. Despite the seriousness of the moment, I find myself grinning. “We’ll go together, Reed. Just the two of us. You’ll bring the memories. Once we’ve got the ingredient, you’ll show me the memories.”
I brace myself for her inevitable no. It’d be too easy, too simple for her to agree, not to mention foolish. We may have fooled around as teenagers, but there’s no way she can trust this isn’t a trap. Too much time has passed for that level of trust.
I prepare myself for the debate. She’ll inevitably demand at least one chaperone. I’ll advocate for Amelia. At least she’ll be?—
“When do we leave?” Cora asks.
I’m too caught off guard to speak. Instead, my mouth hangs open as I gape at her.
“The sooner, the better,” she adds. If she notices my shock, she doesn’t acknowledge it. “If we leave at first light, we’ll have the best chance of evading Master.”
“I could kill you,” I say. I can’t explain the pinch of anger in my chest, the annoyance at her lack of self-regard. “This could be a trap, Cora. You said it yourself.”
“Yes,” she agrees. This time, it’s her lips ticking into a smile. “It could be a trap, but I don’t think it is. And you certainly won’t kill me. I might killyou, however, if this is all a ruse.”
“No,” I say, unsettled by the certainty of my own voice. “You won’t.”
“Tomorrow then?” she asks. She steps back, and it’s the breath of oxygen we both clearly need.
I blink, slowly, using all my concentrated effort not to stare at her mouth, at that subtle half-smile she’s doing her best to hide.
“Tomorrow at first light,” I say with a nod. Then, dropping my pack unceremoniously to the floor, I add, “I’ve brought everything we’ll need. Tonight, I just need a place to sleep.”
18
THERE’S NO REASON
CORA
Ihaven’t done many dangerous things, a fact that would probably surprise people. Being an escaped murderer and a traitorous witch, many would assume I like to live recklessly. The truth is, I rarely make impulsive decisions. I am typically cautious, detached, and above all, strategic. If I do something, it’s for the big picture, for the greater good, or at least the lesser evil. I don’t do things for myself, for selfish want or greed…but today, I’m not sure that’s true.
This morning, I’m fussing over my reflection in the ornate bathroom mirror. I’m tucking my hair behind my ears, then undoing it. Then throwing my hair in its tight ponytail after I’m positive I look ridiculous with it down.
As much as I’m tempted to lie to myself, I know I’m not going on this quest for Sebastian and the vampires. I’m not following Elliot into the unknown with the selfless determination to make sunwalker spells.
Truthfully, I’m not convinced Elliot’s ingredient will change much at all. I’ve done more than a decade of research on the sun curse, on its different properties and rituals, and I highly doubt there’s some unknown ingredient I missed.
No, the secret ingredient is nothing more than a convenient excuse. It is a way to ease my guilt, to clear my conscience if I’m discovered.
If.
I sound like a fool. Iama fool.
Whether Amelia tells him or not, Sebastian will come looking for me at some point today. He’ll be expecting to reprimand me and my overnight visitor. Instead, he’ll only find this scrawled note, posted haphazardly on the door to my quarters.
Master,
Following a lead. I shall return in four days, five at the most. I have everything under control.
Respectfully,
Cora Reed
Resident Witch
