Page 32 of Fallen Court

Kelly’s life had been stolen.

“We’ll help you,” Marin promised. “Now we should probably get off the street. People will think we’re drunk.”

But Ilsa grinned as she brushed debris off my shoulder. “Trinity College is only a few blocks away. We’ll blend right in. Plenty of people are out drinking at this hour.”

“Do you have someone you want to call?” Ilsa asked Kelly.

The question hit me squarely in the gut, grief tempering my joy as I realized the person I wanted to call would never answer.

“My daughter,” Kelly said.

“When we reach Kildare,” Marin said. “We can’t waste time here. Let’s go.”

But I shook my head. “I need to get home. Now.”

Marin’s silvery eyes filled with sympathy.

“You can still nip,” Ilsa told me.

It had been a miracle that we’d made it here. “To New Orleans?”

“If you go quickly.” Ilsa nodded. “It will be simpler, since it’s home. Just picture where you want to be. Our sisters there can answer your questions.”

That was easy. I’d picture black-paneled walls and windows that overlooked the bustling heart of New Orleans, a fire warming a marble hearth, shelves crammed with books on either side. But that room would be empty. My heart ached at the promise of returning home to a city without Lach. I bottled up the feeling before the rawness in my throat turned to tears. I was still in an enemy’s city. I couldn’t fall apart even as anguish pulled at the seams of my grief.

“It’s too dangerous,” Marin said before I could make the leap. “She can’t make it that far.”

“She’s channeling Titania’s magic as well as her appear—”

“Exactly.” Marin cut her off, shaking her head. “What will happen if she shows up looking like Titania? Plus, we have no idea if Titania could nip that far.”

“Titania is hundreds of years old, royalty, and she teaches at the academy,” Ilsa said dryly. “I’m sure she’s powerful enough.”

“It’s too much to ask of her.” Marin nodded in my direction. “We can’t risk it.”

“It’s no safer for her to stay here in his city,” Ilsa said.

“Which is why we need to get her off the streets before her appearance changes.” Marin started to jostle me toward a back alley.

But we only made it a few steps before a deep voice called out, “Is everything okay, Titania?”

I spun around to find two men in black suits approaching us. They glanced at my companions as if assessing a threat. The closest one’s gaze narrowed on Kelly and the uniform she still wore.

I stepped between them before they could ask more questions. “Do I look like I’m okay?” I planted a hand on my hip. “I just spent the evening having my ass chewed out by my brother because these three can’t do their jobs.”

Confusion creased their foreheads, and I saw a flicker of tattoos slip past their human glamours. I needed to get these women out of here now.

Turning back to the others, I mouthed, I’ll be okay. Go. I rubbed my fingers together with a conspiratorial wink, then raised my voice. “Get out of my sight and tell the coven to send someone competent next time!”

Marin hesitated, uncertainty clouding her eyes.

I summoned the frostiest tone I could manage. “I’m done with you. Leave.”

For a moment, Marin didn’t move. Finally, she shrugged. “We did what we could. Good luck.”

Whatever doubt she was wrestling with, she’d come to the same conclusion I had. They had gotten me out of the Hallow Court, but now we were running out of time before their spell wore off. We stood a better chance if we split up.

“If you need our help again, you know where to find us,” Ilsa said, flashing her tattoo as she took a step away.