Page 66 of Rogue Witch

Something in his voice gives me pause. He’s almost…nonchalant, as if he’s trying to act natural.

Raith’s face clouds over. “All but one.”

Fear flickers in Domini’s eyes. “What happened?”

“Robert Janson was hanged.”

“Hanged?” The color drains from Domini’s face. “He was a promising siren. What a tragedy.”

The words sound sincere, but something still seems off. I have the strange feeling he expected another student to have died. Or does he fear a different student died?

A click of snowy sleet taps the windows.

“Who is responsible for the hanging?” Domini asks.

Raith shifts in his chair. “Ariel Littleton led the hanging.”

“That slip of a girl?” Domini blows out a breath. “You just never know, do you?”

“Leilah Crowe saved Chelsea Nightlow from hanging.” Blade’s eyes are locked on the man.

Does he sense something off about Domini, as well?

“My God.” Domini shakes his head. “A Reaping is never pretty. How is Ms. Crowe doing?”

“She’s doing well,” Raith says. “You were in the City?”

Domini nods. “Olympia sent me on an errand. She must be pleased the students have returned.”

“I wouldn’t know,” Raith says. “We haven’t seen her.”

He frowns. “She isn’t here? Have you no way to contact her?”

“I left a message with her assistant.”

“Do you need me to help with debriefing?” Domini asks.

“You may report to Cromwell. He can assign you a student.”

Domini angles his head, starts to turn, but halts, his eyes on Caleb. “Forgive me, but have we met?”

Caleb gives a single shake of his head. “No.”

Domini hesitates, clearly surprised at Caleb’s curt manner and, I suspect, hopes one of us will make introductions. When we don’t, he leaves.

Blade crosses to the open door and closes it. “Is it just me or is there something off with that guy?” he asks.

“It’s not just you,” I say.

“Leilah Crowe?” Caleb cuts in. “She isn’t related to Miriam Crowe?”

“Her granddaughter,” I say.

“You’re not serious?” He shakes his head. “That’s a hell of a family to be born into.”

“You have no idea,” Blade says. He looks at Raith. “I assume you haven’t filled Caleb in on the situation with Miriam?”

“What situation?” Caleb looks from me to Raith. “I thought the witch was dead.”