Page 64 of Reckless Witch

“Four names preceded Leilah’s, and the wall named her as part of all four clans,” Olympia says. “This, after her grandmother died while consorting with Shadows.”

So much for Olympia’s humanity. Four of Leila’s names from previous incarnations—especially one as old as Ciarah—shocked me. In all the thousands of years that Ciarah has passed in and out of our lives, we have kept secret our connection to her and, until fairly recently, our connection to one another. We wondered what the consequences might be if the wrong person discovered that beings as ancient as we five were bound to one woman. The Grand Witch of the North is a perfect example of the wrong person.

“Have you consulted an oracle?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “I have yet to decide who I might trust.”

That is not a good sign. “I sense no evil in Leilah Crowe.”

“Neither do I. But then, I was completely unaware Miriam was practicing Shadow magic.”

“The Stone would never name a High Potential who practiced dark arts,” I say.

“There is only one thing in life that is unchangeable, Blade.” Olympia tilts her head and makes eye contact with me. “Nothing stays the same forever.”

We reach the southern edge of the garden and the scrape of a boot on the rocky path announces a newcomer. Olympia and I turn to find the new Headmaster, Domini, approaching. There’s something about that man that bothers me. His eyes lock onto mine and I realize he knows about the attempt on Leilah’s life.

He stops in front of us. “I just learned of the attempt on Ms. Crowe’s life. I was on my way to her dormitory.”

Franklin gasps in unison with Olympia’s, “A murder attempt?” Her eyes snap onto my face.

“Ms. Crowe is fine,” I say.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” the Grand Witch demands, but before I can answer, she demands, “What happened?”

“She was in Ethan’s martial arts class when a spear was yanked from the wall and thrown at her,” Domini says.

“Who is the culprit?”

I shake my head. “We don’t know. Magic was used. We have yet to discover who cast the spell.”

Her mouth thins into a hard line. “In all the Illumina Academies’ years of existence, this has never happened in any school.”

“I know,” I say.

“I have our Watchmen investigating the crime scene,” Domini says. “I will want to speak with Ms. Crowe, as will the Watchmen Commander.”

“Ethan and I are conducting an investigation, as well,” I say.

Olympia frowns. “Blade—”

“I must insist,” I say before she can tell me no. “You can well imagine how Ethan feels with one of his students attacked in his own classroom. As you said, Grand Witch, this has never before happened. Our students have always been completely safe at The Academy. This attempt on Ms. Crowe’s life must be met with swift, hard justice.”

Olympia purses her lips. “I expect you both to report to me upon finding any information.”

“Of course,” Domini says, and I’m surprised to read genuine worry in his eyes. Maybe the guy is all right, after all.

She begins walking and Domini and I fall in on each side of her, with her assistant close behind.

“Domini, we must implement a spell that protects our students.” Her attention shifts to me. “Blade, I find this attack too coincidental given her grandmother was consorting with Shadows before she died.”

“I do, as well,” I say.”

“Look into the matter at Miriam’s home immediately. I have yet to receive information from Raith concerning the Watchmen’s investigation into Miriam’s death. Franklin?”

Her slim assistant steps forward. He’s a strange man, his face so hard to read it might as well have been carved in marble. “Yes, Grand Witch?”

“Retrieve the Crowe investigation report from Raith. I’ve asked him twice, and I’ll wait no longer.”