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Willow’s gaze went immediately to the woman’s throat and upper chest since she bore a natural ring of feathers that had sprouted like a necklace, the coloration varying from magenta, to green, to a deep navy blue. It was one of the most beautiful realm-attributes that existed.
Not all wraiths produced a ring of feathers, only the most powerful, like Illiandra.
Willow moved toward her. “I’m so sorry for the confusion.”
Illiandra held out both hands and Willow took them. She kissed Willow on each cheek, her scent delicate like a lightly fragranced powder. Her gown was made of silk in a soft ivory and cut low to showcase the feathers, and her blond hair was piled on top of her head in a series of intricate braids. Soft bands of eye-shadow complemented the feathers in matching colors. She was exquisite.
“So tell me about this vision that prompted you to leave the colony.”
“In a moment, but first I must know a few things.” Illiandra held her gaze firmly and Willow felt a dizziness roll through her mind. The wraith had tremendous power, and using her enthrallment skills she searched through Willow’s recent memories.
When she released Willow’s hands,
she blinked. “You’ve made love with Mastyr Malik.”
What else could Willow say? “Yes, recently.”
“This is most fortuitous, but might we talk for a few minutes?”
Willow didn’t spend a lot of time in the wraith-colony for the same reason she didn’t often go out and about in Ashleaf; she had to retain her focus at all costs.
But she’d forgotten how polite the wraiths were in general, never wanting to intrude, which was one more reason that Mastyr Axton’s campaign to rid Ashleaf of all wraiths was so absurd. Most wraiths, so long as they were unaffected by Margetta’s horrible taint, were kind and gentle.
“Of course, but why don’t we retire to my study and I’ll prepare us some tea.”
“That would be delightful.”
“Do you still prefer chamomile?”
“I do.”
Later, settled with a stoneware teacup in hand, Illiandra glanced around the study. “I do love this room. You have so many books. Have you read them all?”
“Yes. It is my favorite thing.”
Illiandra nodded and sipped her tea. She released a sigh. “I suppose you must be wondering what prompted me to come here, but I had to speak with you, and I couldn’t raise you telepathically. Of course, with all these spells in place, I now understand why.”
A jolt of anxiety hit Willow. “Tell me what’s happened?”
“There is no easy way to say this, but the breach that the colony suffered recently has had an effect, which is something our seers have witnessed in a shared vision. They’ve seen a dark cloud that now overshadows the entrance to the colony where Mastyr Axton attempted to break through with his illegal charm.”
Willow leaned forward. “I want to assure you that the entrance shield holds. I restored it completely.”
“I know you did.”
“But now you believe Axton will attack again?”
“I’m convinced he will.”
Willow’s heart sank further. “Do you think he’s in league with someone?”
Holding her cup in the palm of her hand, Illiandra gently swirled her tea then drank. “I have no idea but there are a number of powerful fae who specialize in illegal charms, selling them on the black market all through the Nine Realms. Any of these could have sold the charm to Axton.”
Willow had repulsed him once, having been equal to the task, but what if he purchased a more powerful charm? She truly didn’t think she could counteract anything stronger.
Setting her teacup aside, she rubbed her forehead. “There’s something you need to know, Mistress. I feel as though I’ve reached a limit in what I can perform in terms of my Protector service. I’ve found it increasingly difficult in recent years to sustain what I do for the colony.
“In the beginning, I was able to enjoy a great number of activities while holding the shield intact. But that’s not so anymore. I feel as though I’m in constant danger of losing my grip on the power I stream.”
