Page 161 of Bedeviled

Another question. Putting that on the tab. And I don’t know. Maybe a week. Maybe a few weeks.

I chew my lip. A few weeks feels too long, but it’s clearly the best option at this point.

Selene Bowers

Okay.

Bargainer

Then it’s a deal.

I can barely catch my breath. He’s going to try to get the scroll. Never mind that I might actually have to hunt down the blood of the first witch or whatever new horror he demands as payment. A solution is now in motion.

Another message comes in.

Bargainer

I’ll text you when I have an update.

Selene Bowers

Wait, one more thing.

Desperation claws at me. I was never able to go to Beldame Library yesterday evening after the attack in my dining hall, so I was never able to research what fae drink Eislyn gave me. But the Bargainer is a fairy. He might know.

Bargainer

No.

Shit. I type out my question anyway.

Selene Bowers

Have you ever heard of a purple fae drink that changes a person’s magic?

I wait. And wait. When still no response comes, I text again.

Selene Bowers

Please. It’s important.

Bargainer

Why are you asking?

Selene Bowers

Because I drank something like that and my magic hasn’t been the same since.

Bargainer

Of course you did.

Selene Bowers

Do you know what I’m talking about?

Bargainer