Page 40 of Roaring Spell

“He might. I’ve never asked.”

“Smart. Some mysteries are better left unsolved.”

The Den is busy for this time of evening—wolves at the dart board, a cluster of panthers in the corner booth, three bear cubs playing some kind of card game that seems to involve occasional growling. The fireplace crackles with warmth, the air thick with the smell of hops and woodsmoke.

I navigate through the crowd, nodding at familiar faces. Word travels fast in Mistvale. By now, everyone probably knows about the siphon discovery. About Sakura’s role in finding it.

About the way I’ve been showing up at her studio every morning with coffee and barely concealed longing.

The Stone Circle is already occupied when I push through the back door.

Aslan catches my eye. Grins.

That grin worries me.

“Finally.” Caius waves me toward my usual seat. “We’ve been waiting.”

“I was delayed.”

“Torin. The weather witch. Status?”

“Sakura’s stable. Her magic has been calmer since the siphon discovery.”

“Because she knows she’s not the problem.” Aslan leans back in his stone chair. “Leire says she’s been sleeping better too. Less anxiety spiraling. More actual rest.”

“The ladies discuss sleep patterns at wine night?” Rhodes sounds skeptical.

“The ladies discuss everything at wine night.” Aslan’s grin widens. “It’s equal parts terrifying and informative. I’ve learned more about female friendship dynamics in the past month than in my entire previous existence. Apparently there are rankings involved. And voting.”

“Voting on what?”

“Romantic potential. Attractiveness. Who’s most likely to make a reckless heroic gesture.” He pauses meaningfully. “You’re currently winning that last category.”

“I don’t need to know this.”

“You need to know this. Knowledge is power. Even embarrassing knowledge.”

“Horrifying.” Rhodes shakes his head. “Can we discuss actual investigation matters? Some of us have work to complete.”

Elio produces a slim folder from somewhere—his sources are never quite clear. “My network has been tracking the siphon materials. I’ve been reviewing requisition records.”

“Every request for these materials in the past five years was approved by Councilor Valesh.” Anouk’s voice comes from the doorway. I hadn’t heard her arrive—the coven leader moves like her familiar owl did, silent and observant.

“Too helpful.” The pattern clicks into place. “She’s always the first to offer assistance. Always present when incidents are reported.”

“Always asking questions about Sakura’s sensitivity.” Anouk settles into a chair. “She practically interrogated me about the witch’s abilities after the first siphon discovery. Claimed she was concerned for ‘community safety.’”

“We need more evidence.” Rhodes is already writing. “Circumstantial links aren’t enough for⁠—”

“Evidence takes time.” Aslan’s gaze sharpens. “Time we might not have. The Warding Line is weakening faster than we anticipated.”

“Rushing leads to mistakes⁠—”

“And waiting leads to dead witches.”

“Gentlemen.” Caius’s voice carries alpha command. “We continue the investigation. Carefully. Thoroughly. Elio, keep tracking material sources. Anouk, dig deeper into Valesh’s history. Torin—” His gaze finds me. “Keep monitoring Sakura.”

“You seem invested in that particular duty.” Elio’s voice is smooth.