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We stepped through the door, walking into the only part of the Magical Usage Compound that was above ground. As soon as the door closed, Lulabelle did something wholly unexpected. Turning, she threw herself into Keir’s arms.

My claws sharpened, ready to defend my intended, but Keir’s happy laughter stopped me cold. When his arms wrapped around his cousin, embracing her tightly, my body finally relaxed enough that I could ask, “Would someone like to fill me in?”

Lulabelle threw her head back as quiet peals of laughter slipped through her lips. “Oh Goddess, I wasn’t sure I could pull that off.” Feet slipping back to the floor, Keir and Lulabelle stood at arm’s length, their eyes locked on one another. “The strawberries were the only thing I could think of that would tip you off but keep Xavier in the dark.” Lulabelle’s eyes rolled dramatically. “Goddess, he’s such a self-righteous ass. Jaakobah demanded Xavier come along, for my protection.” Lulabelle put little air quotes around that last bit. “As if Xavier could defeat anything I couldn’t. I could whip Xavier’s ass with my wings clipped.”

“So, he’s a spy,” I assumed.

“Spy, tattletale, schmuck… Pick your derogatory word and go with it,” Lulabelle answered.

“And the other two?” Keir asked.

Lulabelle completely stepped away, creating a little distance. “Loyal to Grandmother.”

Keir placed his forehead in his hand, releasing a heavy sigh. I stepped closer, wrapping my arm around his shoulder and offering my body as support.

“And what, exactly, is Grandmother’s stance?” Keir asked and Lulabelle sobered.

“We don’t have much time, so I’ll tell you on the way to see Eldon. I assume it’s this way,” Lulabelle said, not waiting for Keir’s response before she began walking toward the opposite door in the room.

Keir and I followed. “That’s some barrier, by the way,” Lulabelle said. “Funny, Jaakobah failed to mention that little piece of information.”

“It’s a long story,” Keir answered. “The short of it is that no one that means the Magical Usage Council or this compound’s inhabitants harm can cross.”

Lulabelle came to a dead stop, eyes wide as she turned toward her cousin. “Damn, I take back what I just said. That’s a hell of a barrier. Someday, when we have more time, I’d like to hear that story.”

“And I’ll be happy to relay it,” Keir answered.

I took the lead, allowing Keir and Lulabelle to walk together so they could talk. I kept my ears open, listening in.

“Aunt Lavinia spoke with Grandmother before she died,” Lulabelle said, voice soft and sad. “I think Grandmother already knew something was terribly wrong. The story she was fed when you left just didn’t sit right with her.”

“Grandmother never reached out,” Keir said. I could hear the hint of hurt lying there but doubted Lulabelle could.

“I know. She thought about it more than once. She regrets that decision now.”

“What did…” Keir’s breath hitched. “What did my mother say?”

Lulabelle paused before she answered, “I’m not sure of the exact conversation or words, but Grandmother told me that Aunt Lavinia was worried about Uncle Hunapo. She said she was worried he had the Wasting. Grandmother, of course, was very concerned. She became more so when she couldn’t reach Eldon. Every time she tried, she was told that he wasn’t well and was being kept secluded for his own safety.”

I slowed when I heard Lulabelle and Keir do the same. “Contrary to what Jaakobah thinks, Grandmother is no fool and isn’t easily misled. Grandmother has a mind of her own and she’s not afraid to use it.” They started walking again, and I picked up the pace. “Grandmother said she could hear the fear in Aunt Lavinia’s voice. I want you to know, Grandmother offered to take Saraphina. Aunt Lavinia was in the process of getting Saraphina out when… Well, I’m not completely certain what happened or maybe I should say how it happened. All we know is that Aunt Lavinia was killed.”

“And Jaakobah conveniently blamed Eldon for our mother’s murder.”

“It’s not just Jaakobah. Uncle Hunapo backed up his account. Accusing Jaakobah of lying is one thing. With your father’s support…” Lulabelle trailed off. “It’s nearly impossible to dismiss both their statements.”

Keir’s chest rumbled with a growl. “Of course it is. But how could everyone else not see what’s happening with Father?”

“I don’t know, Keir. Denial is a powerful thing.”

It was. I knew that firsthand. Anyone who’d lived over a century understood denial was a powerful mental drug.

Silence filled the hallway, the only sound that of our footfalls. Finally, Keir asked, “So, Grandmother doesn’t believe Eldon murdered our mother?”

“No. Although like I said, neither of us knows the truth. That’s why she wanted me to come and speak with Eldon personally. I didn’t make that part of the story up. Grandmother wants to know who’s responsible.”

Keir’s voice was low when he answered, “I’m not certain the truth will ease her mind.”

“It won’t, but it will target her vengeance. And believe me, Keir, Grandmother is out for blood. She just needs to know whose to spill.”