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“You have no idea just how much of a miracle it is.” I wrapped my arms around her and gave her a brief but fierce hug. “I really am sorry I didn’t let you know earlier.”
“Forgiven,” Ilianna said. “I guess you have been kinda busy, what with trying to save the world and all.”
“Yeah.” My gaze went to Kiandra’s. “The Raziq are no longer a problem. There was something of an intervention by both the fates and the Aedh who still haunt that place.”
She nodded, her expression pleased, though I had a suspicion it wasn’t exactly news to her. “And the sorceress?”
“Went to hell—literally. I’m not sure she stayed there, though.”
“Which is the precise reason we made these.” Ilianna held up what looked like a half dozen multicolored ribbons twined together, then looped through several creamy white stones to form a bracelet.
I frowned. “And what might they be, besides pretty?”
She grinned. “Do you remember asking me to create something along the lines of the wards your father gave you, but for personal use?”
I nodded. I’d figured at the time it might be the only way to protect everyone I cared about from the Raziq. It was a shame said stones couldn’t also ward off the crazy that was Hunter.
“Well, when you made the mad dash home and Azriel came back with the wards, Kiandra said that personal wards against the Raziq was no longer the problem, and that wards against magic would be far more beneficial. Hence, pretty bracelets.”
My gaze met Kiandra’s. She smiled. “And I was right, was I not?”
“You certainly were. And thank you.”
She nodded and rose. “Before I leave, is there anything else you wish help with?”
I hesitated, then said, “You wouldn’t be able to recommend someone with psychometry skills, would you? I need to trace the owner of a cuff link I found.”
“And the owner is the sorceress?”
“We think so.”
“Then you will need a practitioner who has some ability to protect both herself and you against the dark magic should there be a spell of some kind infused within the object.”
I frowned. “If there was a spell, wouldn’t I have set it off by now? I’ve had it for a while.”
“Not necessarily. If the object were mine, I’d set the spell to trigger only when someone attempted to use it against me in some way.” She pursed her lips for a moment, her expression thoughtful. “Unfortunately, we have none capable of psychometry here at the Brindle at the moment, but I do know of someone outside these walls who may be able to help. I shall contact her and see if she is willing to see you.”
“That would be fantastic. And again, thank you.”
“It is in all our interest to aid you in whatever way we can.” She paused, her gaze suddenly unfocusing. Power shivered through the air, its touch as sharp and as electric as the power that protected this place.
“You must trust your instincts, Risa,” she said, voice soft. “No matter how incredible it might seem at the time. And remember, safety lies in four.”
Safety lies in four? What the hell was that supposed to mean?
Kiandra blinked, and life came back into her eyes. She smiled, but there was concern in her expression. “I told you once before there was someone in your life who was not what they seemed. That impression has grown stronger. Watch your back.” She paused, her gaze flickering to Azriel. “And you, reaper, had better watch yours.”
Azriel bowed slightly. “I thank you for the warning.”
Kiandra half smiled. “I shall leave Ilianna to explain the intricacies of the bracelets. I will be in contact if I find someone willing to help you with the cuff link.”
With that, she left. I looked at Ilianna. “I don’t suppose you can explain that somewhat cryptic message?”
“The ‘safety lies in four’ bit, you mean? Not a chance. Kiandra’s visions are often less than informative, unfortunately.”
Great. Though it wasn’t like I could bitch given all the help she was giving me otherwise. “So, these bracelets.” I carefully hooked a finger around one of them and plucked it from Ilianna’s hand. Energy tingled across my fingertips, and the Dušan reacted immediately, spinning around to glare at it.
Ilianna blinked. “That thing just moved again.”
