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“The most valuable, the one that other witches covet.”
“Ah, the Grimoire. Yes, that one is valuable. It’s protected, though.”
“How so?” Malcolm asked.
“It’s within a special room that is a portal to our afterworld. It’s only accessible on All Hallows’ Eve, when the barrier between the worlds is weakest. It’s the best way to protect it. Only a Salem Witch who is a world walker can access our afterworld. Without dying, at least. And only on All Hallows’ Eve.”
“Tomorrow,” Sofia whispered. No wonder the High Witches had told her to get the book now. But they needed a Salem Witch who was also a world walker. That would be hard, unless….
“Can you take us there tomorrow?”
“Yes. I’m one of the three who can walk across worlds. On years when we need the book, one of us goes to the room to retrieve it. It’s never been me, though. I’ve only been part of the coven for fifty years.”
“Do you need the book this year? Is anyone going to get it?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Then tomorrow, you’ll get the book and bring it to us here.”
“My magic isn’t strong enough. I need someone to link me to this world while my soul goes to the afterworld to retrieve the book. Someone whose power equals my own.”
Shit.
“We’ll go with you,” Malcolm said, his voice firm. “I can link your soul to this world. My power is equal to yours. We’ll meet you here and you’ll take us to the room. I’ll help you get the book.”
She nodded.
Unease skittered across Sofia’s skin on little mice feet. This was too easy, wasn’t it? What were the odds that a witch who could help them would walk out of the house right when they needed her to?
“Malcolm, ask her if she often walks outside to smoke. Or did she sense us?”
Malcolm repeated the question.
“I do come outside to smoke often, though I usually just sit on the stoop. But I sensed you in the forest. I walked to draw you close to me. Like wounded prey attracts a predator. I was ready for you. But I don’t know why I didn’t attack you. I always turn away outsiders. But there’s something special about you.” Confusion gleamed in her eyes.
How about, we enchanted you?
“I believe her,” Sofia said.
“So do I. And my enchantment is working.” Malcolm turned his attention back to Inara. “We’ll meet you here tomorrow. Is there a certain time the barrier is weakest?”
“Midnight, of course.”
“Then we’ll meet you in the woods near your house at eleven pm. You won’t mention us to anyone. You won’t remember us until tomorrow, just before eleven.”
Inara nodded. “Until tomorrow.”
She turned and walked away.
“Let’s get out of here,” Sofia said. Though she didn’t want to go back to his house, there wasn’t an alternative. She was so far from her home and aetherwalking took so much energy that she needed to go with him. Actually….
“I want you to take me back to my village,” she said.
“No.” His voice was firm.
“Malcolm. Don’t be such a heavy-handed asshole.”
His brow creased. “Fine. I’ll take you there, but you need to come somewhere with me first.”
