Page 44

Her throat burned. “He’s a liar.”

Lysander didn’t move closer. He studied her, his expression guarded.

“You should come meet some of the other witches,” he said at last.

She drew a deep, unsteady breath, forcing it through clenched teeth. The tears had dried into salt trails along her skin. “I’m not staying.”

He didn’t answer right away.

Her gaze met his. “You promised,” she said.

“I remember.” His jaw worked once before he added, “It will take a couple of days to get it all organised.”

“Then why bother,” she said. “They won’t like me.”

Her fingers tightened around the picture frame in her lap, knuckles whitening.

“They don’t know you,” he said.

Her head tilted, a bitter smile tugging at her mouth. “Neither do you.”

Lysander shifted his weight. His hand dropped from the doorframe. “Come.”

Back outside, near the fountain, townspeople walked. None looked older than twenty.

A few walked towards them, and one girl with pale skin caught her eye. Her hair was shocking white, and she'd wide green eyes. She wore similar attire to the other females around: a simple dark brown, long gathered skirt, a brown brocade overbust corset, white woollen blouse; with a dark brown hooded fur coat that fell to the ground. All the females sported short hair, not a strand falling past their ears.

She was the first to step forward and extend her hand out to Idonea.

“Kitsa,” she said in a high-pitched voice. Her eyes strayed to Lysander at her side, and something flashed through her eyes. Kitsa smiled too quickly. Like enthusiasm had become a rehearsed survival skill.

“Idonea,” she said and took her hand, which was garbed in woollen fingerless gloves.

The other two also introduced themselves, twins based on their similar appearances. Edik, the boy, had one green and one brown eye, while the girl’s eyes were both brown. The twins didn’t look Idonea in the eye, and after shuffling from foot to foot, they turned and headed towards the chapel. The girl stole a backwards glance. A sliver of amber streaked through her eyes. Something about it tugged at Idonea’s memory.

Kitsa stayed and took a step forward, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

“Can show you around,” she said. Her arms swung at her sides.

Lysander shook his head. “You know the rules Kitsa,” he said. “You’ve got to join the others.”

She looked between Lysander and Idonea, then pouted. “But a witch.”

“She’s older, and you’ve got somewhere to be.” He pointed at the chapel.

While those two glared at each other, Idonea’s eyes wandered up to the grey-blue sky with hints of pink. Lance darted from tree to tree, keeping away from the others. The fewer who knew a dragonkin was alive, the better.

Eventually Kitsa gave in and sprinted to the chapel, her boots crunching over the snow.

“Is there something I should know?” Idonea asked.

Lysander sighed. “No. I should get you acquainted with the town.”

"I have a thought — fetch a map. We should plan where we go next."

His left hand flexed.

“No?” She licked her lips. “Sitting idle is not why I am here.”