Page 34 of The Banshee and the Warlock

I guess that leaves no doubt in my mind about what she is. There's no way this can be a coincidence.

"I need air," she murmurs, pushing her chair back and racing away before I even have time to process her words.

I stare after her, confused by what I'm supposed to do. Should I follow her? She didn't say not to, but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Clearly she needs this book and the information in it. I grab it and head over to the desk where Ms Thornhill is watching the library intently.

"Ah, Cethin, you're still here," she says.

I smile. "I am, it took me a while to get through all the books you found me."

"It must be a very interesting project you're working on," she says.

I think of the beautiful potential-banshee who has just gone running from the room. "The most interesting I've ever worked on," I respond. "Is it okay if I check this one out? I just need to run an errand before I come back and deal with the others." I feel bad for leaving them, but I need to get back to Anja.

"It's fine, I can put them back," the librarian responds. "Let me see the one you want."

I hand it to her.

She clicks his tongue and flips through a ledger in front of her. "No one's wanted this one in a long time."

"It's a subject of special interest to me." Which isn't even a lie.

"A fascinating one too. Banshees carry a load far greater than you, or I could ever imagine." She hands the book to me. "All yours. Just make sure you bring it back in a couple of weeks."

"You know I will." I'm already turning and slipping it into my bag, anxious to go find Anja and make sure she's okay.

I hurry out of the library, surprised to find a raven sitting at the top of the stairs to the main floor of the academy.

I guess I'm not the only one worried about her.

Chapter 15

Anja

My whole body tenses at the sound of footsteps, only to relax when I realise I recognise them. Have I spent so much time around Cethin that I'm able to differentiate the sound of his shoes, or is it something to do with the mate bond that means I know he's there? I've been researching so I can assure him that there's nothing to worry about the next time he's concerned that we're going too far. But nothing I've found has told me what I'm able to do with the bond, it's all focused on how important it is to those who feel it.

The flap of wings announces Thistle's appearance, and she comes to sit on the back of the bench beside me.

"I thought you were supposed to be my familiar?" I ask her.

"I think she was being," Cethin responds.

"How so?"

"I think she was worried and wanted to bring me to you."

"Oh." I turn to the raven and smile, though I don't know if she can understand the gesture. "Thanks."

Thistle flaps her wings, which I have to assume means she's heard me.

"Can I sit?" Cethin asks.

"Of course." I don't even have to think about my answer. "I'm sorry for running away, I wasn't really thinking things through."

"That's okay. I'm just lucky Thistle decided to show me the way or I could have spent hours searching the grounds for you."

"I'm surprised you didn't just follow me," I respond as I pick at the hem of my shirt.