Page 61 of Reckless Witch

Raith emerges from between Penncarrow and Middlewich Halls. Chelsea casts a quick glance his way, then continues down the walkway.

Raith reaches my side and demands, “Why are you still here?”

“After what just happened in your office, I’m not leaving The Academy anytime soon,” I shoot back.

“Don’t make the same mistake we always do and allow Ciarah to rule our lives,” he says.

“What the devil are you talking about? Someone nearly killed her.”

“Exactly,” he says. “You need to figure out the magic used on that spear.”

“Of course. By the way, I looked into the Thol’guk that showed up at Miriam Crowe’s house the other night. Someone called it from the underworld.”

Raith scowls. “Of course, someone called it from the underworld.”

“Don’t be an ass,” I say. “The magic was fresh. Someone sent the creature to kill Leilah.”

“You can’t be sure of that.”

“I said, don’t be an ass. The attempt on her life today is the second attempt. How the bloody hell did her attacker get past Ethan’s protection spell in that sigil—never mind his fire?”

Raith’s eyes flash. “Whoever it is, is using some powerful dark magic. I want to know how that’s possible on Academy grounds.” His gaze shifts past me and his mouth thins.

“Gentlemen,” Olympia says behind me.

Bollocks.

A silent promise to continue our conversation later passes between Raith and I before I turn toward the Grand Witch. She stops beside us and her assistant, Franklin, halts behind her. Her silver gown shimmers as she extends a ring bedecked hand toward me.

With a viper like Olympia, it’s wise to keep her sated. “You grace us with your presence,” I imbue my words with the seduction I know she loves. It’s a damn good thing I ran into Raith before meeting Olympia. She would have read my anger in an instant.

She gives a soft laugh. “Please say you’ve changed your mind. You must teach at The Academy. After you fulfill your obligations to me, of course.”

Right willingly will I fulfill my obligation to her. Then, never again will I yoke myself beneath the Grand Witch of the North. However, my smile doesn’t reveal my thoughts as I caress her hand with my thumb.

“As you know, teaching is not my forte.” I lift my lips in a hint of the smile that melts her every time.

Amusement lights her eyes. “You cannot resist me forever, child,” she says in a voice both cold and beautiful. “I will have you.”

I know she is referring to more than my obedience, but I say nothing as she faces Raith.

“I’m running late,” he says and, before she can respond, he turns and strides down the walkway.

The Grand Witch watches him for several seconds, then faces me.

“Surly fellow,” I comment dryly.

“Indeed.” She loops her arm through mine and leads me through the maze of paths running behind Penncarrow Hall. Her assistant follows a few discreet steps behind. “I’ve never understood your friendship.”

This isn’t the first time Olympia has tried to learn more about the connections among Raith, Ethan and me. I can’t imagine her reaction if she knew Raith was one of the First. Raith hadn’t been made a vampire. He’d been born a vampire.

“I don’t always understand our friendship, either,” I murmur.

“We haven’t discussed your progress with my request,” she says.

“The Zidruhin are tight-knit,” I say. “They choose their high priests from those whose families have been members of the order for centuries.”

“We have had spies within their ranks for centuries,” she counters.