Page 22 of Witch’s Ruin

Rixon caught Mina’s gaze. A knowing look passed between them. It was too coincidental.

“We disregarded the curfew at first,” Mya added, “going out at night to hunt them.”

“At first?”

“Well…breaking curfew is grounds for arrest. Guards threw us in the cells.” At this, Mina’s lips parted in surprise. Mya continued, “They weren’t gentle with us, either. Didn’t care that this is our duty—slaying demons, keeping people safe. Didn’t care that witches operate outside the king’s laws.

“We fought back, in a way. Snuck out when we could. Eventually, we just got tired of it.” Mya sighed. “Sometimes, I feel the king deserves to see his city crumble. But…well, then I remind myself that it’s the citizens who suffer. Isn’t exactly their fault, now is it?”

“So…you’ve just…given up?” Mina’s brows pulled tight.

“Oh, we’re still helping where we can, within the limitations of the king’s rules. We go out at first light, kill whatever survives ‘till morning.”

“Why haven’t you simply fought back?” Mina asked. “Witches, wielders, we are more powerful than the guards.”

“Can you imagine how that will look, dear? Us maiming the king’s guards because we broke the rules? No, this is a political game the king is playing, Lady Witch.”

Mya had a valid point.

“My father likes to play games.” The words were out before Rixon realized he’d spoken. Heads turned towards him in surprise. Wielders, as a rule, let the witches do the talking. He’d gotten used to Mina’s company, used to her treating him as an equal.

“The king hates us,” Lola said after an awkward beat of silence, speaking for the first time. She was a skinny thing, middle aged, with big eyes and dirty blond hair.

“So do the people. They think it’s our fault they’re dying,” said Anne, rolling her eyes. “It’s the king they ought to blame.”

Rixon frowned as a picture crystalized in his mind. The king imposed a curfew, forcing witches to adhere to it. As a result, demons ran wild. People suffered, creating animosity between them. No wonder Mina had received such scorn yesterday.

It still didn’t answer the biggest question of all. Who was summoning the demons? Moreover, why were they more frequently appearing at night? Certainly, it was easy to pin this on his father, until he considered such a crucial aspect.

Only witches carried the knowledge of summoning stars, and there were six known witches living here within the city, right here under this very roof. It would be shortsighted to assume they had nothing to do with this. Not without solid proof. Mina felt the same way, given that she hadn’t voiced all of her concerns.

“Curfew or not,” Mina said at last, “I don’t intend to sit back and allow the king his games. We went hunting last night. Brought down three Xastors.” She detailed exactly what had happened, making it clear that they would continue prowling the streets at night; the king wouldn’t dare arrest his own heir.

The rest of their time passed quickly. Mina relayed all she could about recent events at the Citadel, what they’d encountered on their journey across Raeria, and what they’d found in Rockfall. She kept certain details out, naturally, namely her own changes.

At one point, tea and cakes were served, and at another, the remaining witches and wielders returned, prompting more introductions. At last, they began saying their goodbyes. “I think I’ll take some fresh air,” Elianna announced, standing. “May I accompany you back to the palace, Mina?”

“Oh.” Mina hesitated, then a soft smile spread across her lips. “I would like that—”

“Actually,” Rixon interjected, “I was planning to take Mina to Downing’s for a dress fitting and a few additions to her wardrobe.”

Elianna gave him a curious look, her gaze darting between Rixon and Mina, surprised that Mina hadn’t reacted to his interruption. A moment later, Elianna shrugged it off, saying, “Oh! I do love a good shopping spree.”

“Shopping spree?!” Anne cried, flouncing over. Upright, she only came to Mina’s shoulder, but what she lacked in height she made up for in generous, very generous curves. Rixon’s lips twitched. She was rather entertaining, he decided. Both women would be good company for Mina. It probably wasn’t healthy for her to rely solely on him for companionship.

“The both of you should join us,” he decided. Never in a million years would he expect those words to fall from his lips.

“That would be splendid,” Anne said. “Come, ladies. Let’s go have some fun.”

Mina shot him a glance, her brows lifting, as if to say, what mischief are you up to? He merely winked, giving a slight, reassuring tug on their bond.

They stepped out onto the city street, both women linking arms, with Mina in the middle. He followed at a distance. Ronan and Viktor fell into step beside him, immediately striking up a conversation.

He hated being social. He’d have rather slayed demons. But, he forced himself to appear amiable throughout their near interrogation into his past. Eventually, their conversation moved to weaponry and fighting styles. For this, he remained mostly silent. He often wondered if the relationships between witches and wielders was so stifling, that when wielders gathered together, they spewed all the words they’d saved up, bursting to get free.

He nearly groaned with relief when Downing’s shop came into view.

“Mina,” he said, interrupting Ronan’s rant about the lack of skilled Nebrine smiths in the capital. “Have several gowns fitted. We’ve got dinner with my father tonight. You’ll need one of the premade options, but beyond that, whatever you wish. Charge it to my account.”