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Their scowls matched one another in ferocity.
A shrill ringing from the living room interrupted their standoff.
She was about to ignore it when Josie’s voice announced, “Incoming message from Andrea Yang to Mistress Gabriella.”
Why was Andrea calling her? It was early, with the sun just gone down. And why her? Why not Nikolas? Something felt off.
“Answer.”
Gabby spun on her heel and ran to the other room. The sound came from the TV screen, with an icon flashing in its middle.
The screen blinked and Andrea’s face appeared, her eyes snapping fire and her lips set in a thin line.
“Hi Andrea, what can I do for you?” It was difficult to stay polite. Her House was under attack, but the woman had been a tremendous help so Gabby couldn’t risk alienating her.
“Did you authorize a large coven in your territory? In LA?”
“I don’t think so?” Gabby’s brows furrowed, and she glanced at Felix, who leaned against the doorway. “Hold on. Josie, can you add Nikolas to the call?”
“Yes, please wait.”
Two seconds later, Nikolas showed up in an icon next to Andrea’s. The only change to his stoic expression was the slight tightening around his eyes. “What do you need?” he snapped.
Annoyance blazed over the witch’s face. If she was here, Gabby was certain the woman would’ve strangled Nikolas. Or lobbed a fireball.
“I should’ve stayed out of it,” she muttered before glaring back at the screen. “I thought you’d like to know there is a huge magical signature from LA. And by huge, I mean it can level half of the city.” Gabby’s mouth dropped. Piercing alarms jolted her out of her stupor. The lights in her room dimmed and red emergency lights came on. Shutters dropped over the windows. Other unrecognizable sounds bombarded her as the building’s defenses activated.
“Damn it. They are inside.” Red ringed Nikolas’ eyes as he hissed.
“Are you under attack?” Andrea asked in a tone that implied it was the most ridiculous thing she’d ever heard.
“Yes,” Gabby replied. Nikolas disappeared from the screen to speak with others in the background. “The magic. Is there anything you can do to stop it?”
“No. It’s beyond my abilities.”
Gabby cursed.
“It’s a distraction.” She darted a glance at Felix. His expression dark, he continued, “The attack on Haven is a distraction. Los Angeles is their target.”
“You need to go there and stop it.” Nikolas reappeared on the screen. “How long will the spell take?”
Andrea shook her head. “I’m not sure. I don’t know what they’re trying to do. Three or four hours, maybe?”
“Is there a coven in LA?” Felix asked.
“No, it’s neutral territory. Too close to Haven.”
Restless, Gabby paced across the floor. The initial alarms had quieted, but the rooms were still dark. A loud crash sounded below her. Something roared outside, sending chills down her spine.
“I cannot stay here.” Her claws extended. She needed the violence. Whatever was happening in LA, she couldn’t stop it. But here, she could protect her House. Protect those who’d trusted her to keep them safe.
“Wait. Nikolas is right.” Felix’s strong fingers circled her wrist in an iron grip. “We should go to LA. We might make it in time to intercept the witches.”
Gabby hesitated. The fighting outside called to her like the first hint of spring after a harsh winter. This was her House. Her life’s work. Yet, if the spell could truly level half the city, where millions of people lived, then shouldn’t she prioritize that?
Los Angeles was in Haven’s territory. It was her duty to protect it as well.
Reluctantly, she nodded. “Andrea, thank you for the warning.”
