Page 13 of Reckless Witch

“Ah, but he’s already hired, my dear,” she says. “He’s waiting in the library.”

Raith arches a brow.

She waves dismissively in my direction. “You’ll see him settled.”

“I thought we were going to discuss candidates,” Raith says coolly, but I note hesitation in his eyes.

Leave it to Raith to be blunt.

The subtle compression of Olympia’s lips reveals her irritation. “There is nothing to discuss. As you know, Leilah Crowe being named a High Potential has caused a disturbance in the houses. House Maywen is demanding we deny her entrance into The Academy.”

I tense.

“Perhaps they’re right,” Raith says.

“Are we going to allow the Houses to dictate who attends The Academy?” Blade asks.

Olympia grimaces. “No. But that doesn’t mean I can ignore their concerns.”

Blade laughs. “Forgive me, Grand Witch, but I’ve known you to ignore concerns far more serious than this.”

Her eyes glow. “More serious than a White Witch—a White Witch powerful enough to have replaced me—who has crossed over to The Shadows?”

Blade half smiles. “Miriam Crowe hasn’t been drafted into The Academy.”

The glow vanishes and Olympia’s eyes darken. “No, she hasn’t. But I want to inspect Miriam’s shop.”

“We are still investigating,” Raith says. “As is Zadkeil.”

She bestows an indulgent smile. “We cannot count on Zedkeil to share every detail. I knew Miriam. I may be better qualified to detect the source of The Shadows she used. Meanwhile, you and Ethan can welcome Domini and see him settled in.”

I smile, but only because it’s expected.

“Blade, you will take me to Miriam’s home,” she says.

We’re on edge with Leilah’s impending arrival. I’m betting Blade is in no mood to deal with Olympia’s machinations. Yet, with her power and position, we cannot refuse.

“Will two this afternoon suffice?” Blade asks.

Her mouth thins and I can tell she’s preparing to insist they leave right away, but her assistant arrives, a slim male with a self-important swagger. He whispers in her ear and Olympia stands abruptly.

“If you’ll excuse me, Gentlemen?” Without another word, she leaves.

I look at Raith and Blade. “What was that all about?”

Blade glances at the door. “Can’t be good,” he says.

I hate it when he’s right.

Chapter Six

LEILAH

Back to School

With the way the dragon’s damned sigil burns my skin, I know there’s no turning back. It’s nine in the morning as I crack the twelfth egg and drop it into the frying pan. Despite feeling like I’m marching to my death, I’m determined to make Stony’s breakfast as I do every morning. Even though she’s a micro-pig, Stony eats enough for a full-sized hog. Her grocery bill is four times the cost of mine.

“Time to chow down,” I announce.