Page 25 of Rogue Witch

I imagine she distrusts this particular Fae more than most because of his relationship with an ancient vampire and dragon. She would be wise to keep that association in mind.

“The Fae are most accomplished,” I say. “If anyone can find a way inside, he can.”

She gives a single slow nod. “Perhaps. Still, I want you to keep trying. Damien is back. I am certain.”

“Why are you certain?”

She turns her head to the left and stares at the fireplace before facing me. “Eldione visited us today. The gods are experiencing nightmares.”

I make the sign of the cross. “God have mercy.”

“That isn’t all.”

I wait.

At last, she says, “An alumni of The Academy who graduated a few years ago—a Seton Alexander—turns out to be a childhood friend of Leilah Crowe, Miriam Crowe’s granddaughter.”

“I’ve heard of her.”

“Seton was the Atlantean demigod Tychon in disguise.”

“Tychon? What has an Atlantean to do with“—I almost say “Ciarah“ but catch myself—“Miriam Crowe’s granddaughter?”

Olympia slowly shakes her head. “I don’t think Leilah Crowe is who he was interested in, but Miriam.”

I have no idea why an Atlantean demigod would be interested in Miriam Crowe. Ciarah, however…. A woman who draws to her five ancient beings throughout centuries of incarnations…well, a demigod might find that interesting. Might he suspect her connection to us? That would not bode well for anyone.

“The Wall didn’t name Seton as a High Potential. Miriam nominated him as a student,” Olympia says.

“That is odd,” I say.

“Very odd,” she agrees. “Upon reflection, another thing I find odd is that someone tried to kill Leilah Crowe.”

I start. “What? Someone tried to kill Leilah Crowe?” I manage to add “Crowe” just in time to avoid sounding like an afterthought.

“Strange, wouldn’t you say?” she murmurs.

“The girl is unharmed?” I manage a casual tone, although my heart pounds.

“Yes. We now know who tried to kill her—though we don’t know why. I wonder if Tychon is involved.”

I force calm and ask, “Who assaulted her?”

“One of our young students, a skilled witch.”

“Why?” I ask before remembering that she said they didn’t know why. “What makes you think the demigod is involved? Does the girl know him?”

Olympia rubs her temples. “I don’t know.”

“Perhaps I should—”

She shakes her head. “No. You have more important things to do.”

No, I don’t. My first order of business is to talk with Raith, Ethan, and Blade. I had assumed Ciarah was safe in their care. Apparently, she isn’t.

“I have been to Crowe Potionary,” she says. “Though I plan to go again.”

I relax a fraction at the memory of finding Leilah there during my visit. I recognized her instantly. Her glory doesn’t dim through the passage of centuries. Even young, there is a grounded quality to her that was absent in her last lifetime. As Nova, she was beyond impetuous, and self-absorbed. Her magic is far better developed in this lifetime than it was then. That, I am certain, can be credited to her grandmother.