“It’s Lydia. She’s starting up this ridiculous magic school with Amrita. They’re going to try to get the vampires involved, including Tudor Thornblade. I forgot that he knows Lydia, and now that they might be working together, I’m sure he’ll realize who you are if he sees you.”
Callista stares at her with indignation. But it’s obvious that Lavinia is right. Callista and Lydia are a few years apart, but they could easily be mistaken for twins. They have the same freckles and long, dark red hair, although Callista’s hair forms perfect ringlets while Lydia’s hair falls in waves.
If Tudor Thornblade knows Lydia, he would certainly realize that she’s related to Callista. Her cover would immediately be blown.
“Well, that’s too bad,” I shrug, turning to leave the office. “Who knows, maybe the academywillimprove magical relations. If Tudor is teaching, that’s a good sign, right? No need to spy on anyone-”
“Not so fast, Amara,” says Lavinia. “Just because Callista can no longer complete the mission, doesn’t mean it’s not essential. I received some unfortunate news this morning.”
Oh Goddess, whatnow? I turn back toward Callista and the High Priestess.
“One of the northern vampires was attempting to communicate with the Arundel wolves in the Cave,” Lavinia reports solemnly. “We believe that she’s planning to ally with them and break them out. I’ve never trusted vampires. They don’t have a moral code, like witches do. They’re sneaky, and they only care about themselves. They would betray us atanyopportunity.”
I cross my arms. “Well, there’s nothing we can do about that, Lavinia.”
“Yes, there is.” A slight smirk appears on the High Priestess’s face. “Amara, you’re going to go undercover at the vampire’s hotel, in Callista’s place.”
I stare at her in shock. “Me?Whyme?”
“You’re our best witch,” Lavinia says. “Your offensive magic is strong, and you’ve been serving Hecate for hundreds of years. And best of all, you haven’t been involved in any politics-”
“Because Ihatemagical politics-”
“So none of the vampires will recognize you! It’s a perfect plan,” Lavinia leans back in her chair, surveying me confidently. “You’ll work as a bartender in Tudor’s hotel, in the city. Get close to him and his progeny, and learn about what they’re plotting. It’s dangerous, but I’m sure you’re up to the task!”
I’m fuming. This is thelastthing I want to do. I don’t mind rounding up some wolf shifters, butspying? Onvampires? I haven’t been around so many vampires since…
“Absolutely not,” I declare. “I won’t do it, Lavinia. I belong here, in Hemlock Haven.”
She narrows her small eyes at me. “You’re making a grave mistake, Amara. Iknowthat Tudor Thornblade and the vampires are up to something. If they pull out of our alliance, it could put our entire coven in jeopardy.”
Beside me, Callista huffs, still unhappy about this turn of events. I wish with all of my heart that she could be going, but we all knowthat’s not possible.
Still…Iknowthat I can’t take her place.
I look Lavinia in the eye. “I’m not going. That’s my final word.”
My High Priestess sits back in her chair, her mouth thin. “Peace is hard won, and difficult to keep. What would your father think if you lost it?”
Her words pierce my heart like a dagger. Without waiting for Callista, I storm out of her office, slamming the door loudly on my way out.
COLD BLOOD
Amara
“On your marks and…go!”
Two lines of young witches turn to face each other and golden light illuminates the large classroom, curling in long tails to the high ceiling.
“Naomi, if you widen your stance, you’ll get more power,” I say, walking down the line. “Sam, the same for you, and try to relax your attention, remember how we practiced? June, excellent form, as always, but don’t forget…”
I stop in front of the girl, and the entire class pauses to watch us. I put a hand to my heart.
“Your most powerful tool is your connection with Hecate. All of our magic, our power, is bestowed upon us by her. It’s not just about moving in the right way, or even about being the most blessed. Magic comes from the heart, from your intention. If your intention is clear, your spells will succeed.”
The student nods, her grey eyes sharp with attention. “Of course, Professor Moonfall. I’ll try again.”
Her eyes turn to yellow as she recasts her spell. The student across from her puts his palms to the air, his face wrinkled in concentration to defend against her careful and practiced attack.
