Page 67 of Spirit Storm

She arches a brow. “And what is that building? It arrived here, and my envoys have had no luck determining its origin or purpose.”

I shrug. “Let’s just say it’s a magical mystery of legend, and the only chance I see of us beating the major demon plaguing the real world."

Her focus sharpens. "And will it draw the wrath of demons upon us?”

“I don’t see how. No, if we do our jobs right, there won’t be any blowback. It’s also magically bound to the woman who was with me just now, Mica. She’s from the Emberwood coven but is now part of the Life and Death Brigade.”

“So, I assume it’s Mica who I must arrange with to access the mirror?”

“It is. The building is warded, and Mica's agreed to allow entry into the front room for use of the mirror under those conditions. Those are the terms."

She doesn't argue. She studies me for a moment with those frost-and-starlight eyes, and then she nods, once, precise as a signature. "The witches who are most volatile need that resource urgently. I'll arrange supervised sessions beginning tomorrow. You have my word that your conditions will be observed."

“Thank you. And, you should know the condition to me securing Violet’s release from the guardians is that the moment she’s cleared by your team, all of us foul-mouthed, demon-tainted abominations will leave Arcana and never come back.”

She blinks. “Arcana is open to all without judgement or prejudice.”

“Apparently not. I just thought I’d mention it, because when we go, so does the mirror.”

It’s not a threat. It’s a simple statement of how things are and how they will be.

“Understood. Please wish Violet well from me when you see her. It seems I’ll be busy ironing out a few administrative unpleasantries.”

“Good luck with that.”

Briar turns with the kind of finality that means the conversation is finished and she's already headed up the steps, speaking crisply to her staff as she moves back inside.

I let out a long breath and strike off toward the Summoning Hall.

"Excellent. Thanks for coming.” Mica stands aside and opens the door wider to invite Asher and me into the forge building. “I know you’ve had a day already, but this is important.”

“Not a problem. Personal stuff aside, we’re still trying to take down a major demon before he releases a…” I stall out on that one. “What’s worse than a major demon?”

“A super mega major demon?” Asher offers.

Close enough. “Yeah, we need to stop all the big baddies so we can reclaim our lives.”

“Then roll up your sleeves because we’re about to wreak some magical havoc."

“Isn't that what life is about these days?” I shrug out of my jacket and toss it carelessly onto a nearby chair as Asher and I step deeper into the stone building. "So, what have you got in mind?"

She gestures for us to follow her to the back, and Asher quickly gets out of his winter jacket before he melts.

The further back we walk, the hotter it gets, until we’re in the forge room proper, and the sulfuric air wraps around us, dense with heat and the unmistakable signature of Mica’s affinity.

Mica takes the towel hanging at her hip and wipes her brow and neck. Her teal and blue hair glistens in the firelight, purple, blue, and silver highlights dancing as she moves. "How's Violet?"

"Better." The heat sluices over me, and I pull my sweatshirt off and toss it to Asher. "She's with the healers and Dr. Thorne now. Lily's staying with her, ready to pack up and leave as soon as Violet gets the all-clear."

Mica grins. "I'm glad it worked out.”

“It was iffy there for a bit, but a win’s a win.”

“Damn skippy.” Asher weaves past the anvil and takes a seat on the bench against the wall. “And after Ireland, we needed a win.”

True story.

The room is alive with shadows and smoke. Flames flicker within the forge’s heart, the magic of the ancient Cinderheart Crucible crackling in the air around us.