Page 6 of Seas the Reckoning

The Were she mentions has a supernatural ability for seduction, and I can only guess that Grammy has seen the necessity of schmoozing at the winter ball.

“I’ve already given Ji-hwan a call. As you know, he’s been helping some friends out on a case, but luckily he is available to head straight back here. You all should be able to leave tomorrow. Never has given him, and by extension the rest of you, use of her jet to get to England.”

Another unique Were, Never can read emotions and kick butt—the second trait being less of a magical ability for her and more of a lifestyle.

“That should get us to, and therefore through, our misery a bit quicker,” Starla laments.

“At the very least, Ji-hwan can use his powers to serve as a distraction for when you inevitably lose your temper on some pompous individual,” Jackal teases the witch.

She flashes him a mischievous grin, and I’d gather she’s already imagining how many unique, Southern-style insults she could lob off at someone while the rest of the guests are focused on the seductive Were.

Grammy must catch the expression as well, because she looks at Starla sternly.

“One last thing. And before I say it, I’m warning you now that this is non-negotiable. I’ve seen it in my visions. You need to adhere to this advice, because that is how you will come across the information needed to break Leena’s curse.”

Starla’s smile falters, but then she looks at me and back to Grammy again.

“Whatever it takes.”

Grammy sighs.

“I must stress, once more, that this is necessary, or I wouldn’t ask you to do it. Your father is, I am certain, going to hoist a bevy of sorry suitors in front of you. You must play the part. Go on the garden strolls, say yes to the dances, flirt and be the absolute pinnacle of charm. No insults or slaps or stomping away mid-dance. No storming out of the manor. You will participate in everything for the duration, and that is how you will find the answers you need. To break Leena’s curse, but also for closure with your father.”

Starla squeaks, and I whip my head around to see her lips pursed. Her cheeks puff out, and go redder than a summer strawberry. She stomps one foot into the ground several times, before letting the breath out and nodding.

“Yeah, sure. Of course,” she manages hoarsely once she has her temper under control.

Your fault.

My thoughts are an ever-present reminder.

Starla is going to be miserable on this trip, for me.

I’ll make sure it counts—and that I pay her back, no matter what it takes.

4

PACK YOUR BAGS

Barely a day later we’re being loaded onto a jet. It’s a good thing that Ji-hwan’s coming along. He’s spent a fair portion of the past twenty-four hours reviewing his best and most flirtatious tips with Starla, in a bid to get her through what will probably be some rather unpleasant meetups.

Most importantly, he’s been reminding her repeatedly that even when she wants to lose her temper over the coming deluge of suitors, she will instead smile and endure it if she wants to achieve our goals.

And she does.

We all do.

“How incredibly interesting,” Starla manages with only a bit of tension in her voice after Ji-hwan, pretending to be a suitor, gives a speech that manages to be both condescending and offensive.

Jackal moves across the jet to lean over the two of them as they practice.

“The good thing is, you’ll at least have a chance to tell the councilman to his face how you feel about all this once the event wraps up.”

Starla grins, and the smile is the type that would have me backing away from her if I didn’t know her.

“My idea of closure is telling my father to his face exactly what I think of his interference. Maybe I should hire a photographer for the occasion. Have a scrapbook made. Brilliant idea, don’t you think, Leena?”

“Hmm,” I respond, inner thoughts whirring. I brush my fingers over my shell necklace.