“She can join the queue.”
Cole’s mouth moved faintly despite the strain still visible in his face.
Malakai checked his phone again.
No response.
“Good luck convincing Rhen to cooperate with technology,” Dax said.
The room felt colder than its warmth should have allowed.
All three brothers shared the same certainty.
The witch had not arrived by accident.
If she represented the beginning of whatever came next, they were already behind.
The kitchen door opened.
Mary entered with warmth and authority contained inside one small frame. Her attention went immediately to Dax and the joint between his fingers.
“Really? Inside the house?”
Dax crossed the room and kissed her cheek.
“You know you love me.”
Mary swatted him lightly.
“You know the rules. Take it outside.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
He extinguished the joint and tucked it away.
Mary’s gaze moved across the room, counting each brother without making the action obvious.
“Veya is awake and dressing. She should be down shortly.”
Malakai waited until Mary looked toward him.
How is she?
“As well as can be expected.” Mary sighed. “I wish Master Rhen would show her some kindness.”
Dax made a quiet, unimpressed sound.
“And the young woman upstairs did something good tonight,” Mary continued. “Whatever her story may be.”
Malakai nodded.
We are trying to discover it. If she cannot give us a name, we may be able to trace her face.
Mary looked thoughtful.
“Do you believe she is dangerous?”
“She could be,” Dax said. “But allowing Cole to die would have been far easier than saving him.”
