Page 121 of My Pleasure

“You think?” Meryn asked sarcastically.

“You don’t understand. We don’t get involved in the citizens’ personal wealth. One of our oldest laws, one that I believe is in place in every pillar city, is that personal wealth cannot be used for public endeavors. We maintain strict guidelines to keep the two separate. That’s why all contracts are authorized through the Witches’ Council. Once a contract has been completed, we transfer the money and that is it. Under no circumstances should Karl have gotten involved with the Fire Temple.”

“Under normal circumstances you say,” Meryn teased.

Aiden spoke up. “Karl made it sound like he was doing the Appleblossoms a favor by maintaining their accounts for them before Zoe came of age.”

“If Karl had admitted to doing as much, we would have overruled his efforts,” Daia said.

“He freely admitted to it after the fact,” Meryn pointed out.

“I believe it would very much be a case of ‘asking for forgiveness not permission’,” Daia replied.

“Why does everyone want money?” Meryn asked.

Everyone turned to look at her.

“You know what I mean! Zoe’s money was taken and Kiera’s douche uncle wanted her…” She stopped. “Is this a pattern?”

Kiera turned to Hunter. “Nope,” she said.

He nodded. “My mate has ‘noped’ further discussion for now.”

Meryn stared. “I thought your string magic was cool, your ‘nope’ power is even better.”

Kiera laughed. “You can do it too.”

Daia drained her teacup. “I agree with Ms. Sorrel. I think we have gone over much this afternoon. Instead of going down rabbit holes, let us figure out our next steps.”

“Business as usual for now,” Caiden said. He looked over to Daia. “But maybe cut back on some of the rumors.”

Daia pointed to Kiera. “She has ‘noped’ new discussions.”

“The rumors aren’t from the Witches’ Council, are they?” Caiden asked.

Daia simply shook her head. “Nothing overtly planned, I cannot speak to what may have happened behind closed doors.”

Meryn pointed to Caiden. “Business as usual, like Caiden said. Nothing changes between the Witches’ Council and the warriors. I’ll chase the money to see what’s going on there, and we find a way into the Academy. Daia if you notice anything different with your magic that may be linked to that grey string, call me,” Meryn said, delicately placing her saucer over her teacup.

Daia stood. “Thank you, for your trust in me.”

The men stood.

Meryn waved her off. “I have a built-in asshole detector, so I didn’t doubt you.”

“What an amazing gift. It would make navigating politics much easier,” Daia said.

Meryn sighed. “Everyone says I’m not allowed to do magic or master politics. For like world safety or whatever.”

Daia winked at her. “Later when things… settle. Come visit me. I can go over the basics of political science.”

“Deal,” Meryn agreed.

Pip showed Daia out and the men sat back down.

Kendrick immediately turned to Kiera. “Whenever you are ready. I would like to run more tests using what Meryn showed you.”

Kiera looked down at her hands, then up at him. “You want to see who else may be affected by mental magic?”