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The witches behind her held their breath as they waited for the elders to speak. The women joined hands, closing their eyes, and silence fell over the garden.
Nick glanced at her.
“They’re speaking to each other in their minds,” she whispered.
He frowned and whispered back, “Can you do that?”
“No, but-”
“Void,” the elders said, their voices ringing out in unison.
Nick tensed. “Yes?”
Ana stepped forward. “You threaten us with a display of your power. You come to our home, bypassing our wards with ease and showing your true self on your skin for all to see.”
“A reaction to your attack,” he said. “And a show of strength. Nothing more.”
“A show of strength,” Ana repeated. “Why?”
“To remind you that an alliance could suit us both,” he said. “Cara is right. I could be a powerful ally.”
“And to show his restraint,” Cara added. “He’s not dangerous. He can control his power.”
“Control does not make him less dangerous,” Ana said. “The void corrupts all.”
In the corner of her eye, Cara thought she saw darkness flickering around his fingers, but it disappeared before she could be sure.
“You’re wrong about him,” Cara said. “The vampires are the real threat.”
“For now,” Ana said.
One of the other elders, Violet, spoke. “And if we refuse? You truly expect us to believe you will accept that decision?”
Nick glanced at Cara before looking back at them. “I won’t attack you if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Why? Our coven would be a feast. All these trueborn witches and all our magic must be irresistible.”
“But somehow, I’m resisting,” he said. “I’m standing here right now, and I haven’t tried to drain any of you. Cara is literally touching my hand, and I haven’t drained her, either.”
“Kill, not just drain,” Ana said. “The life essence of a trueborn witch. The very thing that inspired your kind to hunt ours for centuries. Why would you not want that?”
“Because of her.” Nick tilted his head towards Cara, and she suddenly felt every eye on her. “Hurting you would hurt her,” he said. “She cares deeply about all of you.”
“And he’s not a murderer,” Cara added.
“You have feelings for her,” Ana said.
Cara blushed, but Nick didn’t even blink. “Yes.”
The other two elders reached forward to touch her arms, and they stood in silence for several long moments. Nick looked at Cara, and she gave him a weak smile. His eyes blazed blue, but they softened as he looked at her.
“You want an alliance,” Ana said.
Nick turned back to the elders. “Yes.”
“The terms?”
Nick looked as surprised as Cara felt.
