Page 59 of Witch’s Heart

“Thank you! There’s a lot to be completed. Rixon doesn’t want a long engagement, given the state of things. So, I thought I’d tell you what I had in mind and let you run with it.”

“That’s delightful. Yes. Wonderful. Just a moment, let me gather my things.”

She rushed off, returning a few minutes later with writing utensils and a notebook. Setting everything out, she prepared to take notes. Her tea had largely gone untouched, abandoned in favor of wedding plans. I couldn’t fault her, not when I could nearly taste the excitement rolling off her in waves. Rixon had always been a second son to her.

Settling in, I took a sip of my tea then began to outline each of my desires, from the style of dress, to the colors of the flowers. They weren’t details I had considered for a long time, not since before my magic had come in, not since I was a younger woman daydreaming about such things.

The morning passed quickly, filled with smiles and giggles.

When at last we left, Cora was beaming. She hugged us and sent us on our way.

We made our way to The Innocent Flute, one of the taverns on my list, in an attempt to suss out information on Darius Santos—if such a person existed. I knew next to nothing, other than he’d hired the assassin my demon had killed. In a place like Corinna, it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Warmth blasted us as we stepped inside the tavern, scoping out an empty table. A barmaid was with us a moment later to take our order. Viktor stalked in a few minutes afterward, taking a seat at the bar and ordering a drink. He had a direct view of us from his vantage point.

“What do you have on special today?” Elianna asked the maid.

“Roast pork and apples, with a side of brown rice.” She motioned to a board at the front of the room with food and prices.

Elianna and I shared a look, both nodding. “We’ll take two,” I said, “along with two cups of cider.”

“Certainly. Be back in a moment.”

She returned with our drinks and I paid her. Before she retreated, I gently grabbed her forearm, releasing just as quickly. “I’m sorry to trouble you. But…we’re looking for someone, an acquaintance. Name’s Darius Santos. Not sure if you know his whereabouts?”

She frowned, her expression genuine. “Santos… Not sure I know anyone by that name.”

“Not to worry. Thank you.”

When our food arrived, we ate quickly, then departed for the next stop. Jaded Lioness was on the same block. We dipped inside, taking another table, ordering more cider. “If I don’t pace myself,” said Elianna, “I’ll end up with a bladder the size of a large melon. Last thing I want to do is use the toilet in a place like this.”

Like before, I asked the barmaid if she’d heard of anyone by the name of Darius Santos. Her answer was the same—she hadn’t. We tried two more taverns before we had any luck. “Darius Santos? I think I’ve heard that name. Tall fellow, frequents The Simple Spoon from time to time.”

“The Simple Spoon?” Elianna and I shared a glance.

“Yes, just down the road, as a matter of fact.” The barmaid glanced towards the tavern door as it opened. Lola walked in, Julian trailing behind.

“Thank you,” I said, adding an extra coin to the stack I’d given her. “You’ve been very helpful.”

“Of course.” She bustled away.

“Almost seems too convenient," Elianna mused. "Either we're lucky, or someone wants us to go to The Simple Spoon."

“Perhaps you’re right. Only one way to find out.”

Lola and Julian walked over to join us, pulling out the two empty chairs. Viktor watched from his usual vantage point. I wasn’t sure it was a good idea to draw attention to us, but, I supposed we had some information to work from.

“Shouldn’t you be guarding Rixon?” Elianna eyed the newcomers.

“Mya agreed to take over with Flynn, to give us some free time.”

Now that there was a greater risk, Mya wanted two witches tailing Rixon at all times.

“What about Anne and Ronan?” I asked, having preferred the two of them at the table. Nothing against Lola, but she was quiet and I didn’t quite feel any sort of connection with her.

“Oh Josette and Cayden took over. They wanted some time to rest before dinner.” I made a humming sound, taking a small sip of my cider. “So? Any luck?” Lola asked.

“Yes, as a matter of fact,” said Elianna. “We’ve got our first lead.”