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“Does your family live in the area?” Peyton gave her a soft smile.
Luna shook her head. “No, they are originally from Ireland, though some of them migrated over toward the Italian shores. My own mother and father chose to come to the States when they were younger. I was born here.”
I made a snap decision, going on instinct. “You can stay here. I’ll have to ask my cousin, but I’m sure she won’t mind when we explain the situation. I’m glad you came to us today.”
If she had not, tonight she would die. Ulean swept through the room. She can hear me, if I choose for her to. Her voice sends magic through the slipstream when she sings. You can teach her to talk to the wind. It might be a handy skill for her to have.
You act as if she’s going to be around for a while.
Keep her away from Myst’s hunters and she will.
Luna glanced out the window. The clock was chiming six and dusk had fallen. She closed her eyes, then shuddered. “They are out there, aren’t they? Hunting for magic, hunting for people.”
“For blood and life force, yes. And they leave very little of their victims. They are killing machines—make no mistake and do not let them charm you, should you ever encounter them. Myst’s people are sharks of the land, and they do enjoy their carnage. They dance with death and deal it out by the handful.”
“I will stay, if you’ll put me up.”
I stretched. “Then welcome. Can you cook?”
“Can a bird sing?”
“Good, because we can manage, but it will be nice to have a change of pace.”
As Peyton led us out of the parlor, the doorbell rang. Rhia answered, glancing briefly at Luna, then came back from the door, an envelope in hand.
“For you, Cicely.”
I stared at it, recognizing the handwriting. After a moment, I ripped it open and pulled out the card.
“Your presence is requested at my home tomorrow night. Formal dress. A limousine will arrive for you at 8:00 P.M. Come alone. Geoffrey.”
I wondered if Leo knew about this, then silently slid the card back in the envelope. Best leave it for now. I shoved the summons in my pocket and, asking Peyton to take Luna in the kitchen for a snack, pulled Rhia into the living room and told her about the woman.
“We need her. Ulean is certain of it, and certain she will die if we let her take off again.”
Rhiannon peeked around the corner, then let out a long sigh. “We are gathering allies, you realize.”
“And losing some.” I thought of Anadey. “But Luna, she’s yummanii and a bard—with a touch of magic-born blood in her background.”
“She seems swathed in an aura of mist. There is more to her than meets the eye,” Rhia said. “You are sure of this?”
“Ulean is sure. And yes . . . when I think about it, it feels right that Luna join our group. That will be six. I must bring the group to a full thirteen—of that Ysandra was positive. I wonder who they’ll be.”
“Not Anadey.”
“No.”
“You aren’t telling me everything. I know that much, Cicely. But I won’t ask you what or why. You have your reasons, and I can only imagine what you must think of me, after Leo hit you like he did. I can’t ever apologize enough for his actions—”
I waved her words away. “It’s not up to you to apologize. He knew what he was doing.”
“I don’t know what to think. I’m second-guessing myself about him. Ever since he laid hands on you, I haven’t been able to let him touch me. The thought of him hurting a woman makes me sick to my stomach. It could have been me, Cicely.”
I bit my lip, not knowing what to say. The fact that Leo had found it acceptable to hit me bothered me, too, a hell of a lot. And I wondered: If he could hit me, could he beat my cousin, who couldn’t fight back easily? Or who might lash out with her fire and burn him terribly?
“I can’t give you an answer. All I know is that Ulean said we’d need him. So for now . . . we lead an uneasy truce because I know he’s still thinking I’m going to betray you all by bringing Grieve here.” At the mention of my love’s name, my wolf shifted and I forced myself to hold my hands steady.
“What happened with that? Why won’t you let Kaylin take you dreamwalking to look for the antidote?” Rhia pleaded with me, begging to understand. “I know I wasn’t going to ask questions, but I can’t help it. Talk to me, Cicely.”
