Page 76 of Broken Hearted
Zander pointed a firm finger at his brother. “No blood,” he chastised.
Zane clapped his brother on the shoulder. “I got this.”
Even though I was hungry, I left the table and followed Zane to the drawing room we’d met in yesterday.
The only blood witch I’d ever met was Elisana, and she was a nightmare, so I wasn’t sure how I felt about meeting another and asking them for help.
“You trust this woman?” I asked Zane as we walked down the hallway.
“No,” he said simply, and chills rose up on my arms.
“But she might be the only one who can help us?” I asked, and he nodded once.
Steeling myself, I let Zane lead, entering the drawing room after him.
One of Zane’s men was standing next to a tall woman with light-purple-hued hair. She had her arms crossed and looked like she didn’t want to be here.
“Luckily for us, she was one town over from Windreum, here in the Western Kingdom,” the spy said and bowed to Zane before leaving to post himself at the door.
“This is the only kingdom currently not affected by the curse, so yes, I am staying here.” Her voice held an air of superiority.
The tic in Zane’s jaw showed how much he liked her dwelling in his kingdom, but he didn’t comment on it. Instead, he cut to the chase. “We need your help again.”
She stood a little taller then, running her fingers over her smooth face. “And I would love to help you again, darling. Your blood was absolutely divine. What can I do for you?”
Zane looked at me, and I saw apprehension slip over his gaze. “I need you to project us to the Faerie world like you did last time. This time in front of Lorelei, the Spring Court princess.”
My head jerked back like I had whiplash. “What?” I said.
“There must be payment. Like last time.” The witch held out one hand and pulled a dagger from her belt with the other.
Zane turned to me frantically. “I’m sorry but I have to see her, to tell her I’m coming. Then we can ask for help with Adrien.”
I swallowed hard. Was this what they’d done when they’d projected their ghostly apparitions into my room that day?
“Zander said no blood,” I told him as I stared at the witch’s outstretched palm and the dagger.
Zane pursed his lips. “What my brother doesn’t know won’t hurt him,” he said and then held out his hand out to Rowena.
With that, the witch sliced the tip of his finger and let the crimson fluid leak out onto her dagger, filling the tip. She then pressed the tip of the cold metal to her tongue and licked it off. I began to shiver.
Right before my eyes, the woman seemingly looked younger. It was incredible and horrifying to see someone lose five years of their face and skin.
“Ahhh,” she sighed in contentment. “Iamenjoying these little meetings we have, Lord Zane.”
“Get on with it,” he growled.
She rolled her eyes. “Since there are only two of you, it will be much easier this time.”
Pulling a small box from her cloak she opened it, revealing a long, sharp needle. She gestured for my hand and I gave Zane a look, but he just nodded solemnly, telling me she’d only take a drop. After pricking my finger she blotted it with a small square of red cloth and then did the same to Zane.
“Thank you for doing this,” Zane said beside me.
I understood his desire to check in on Lorelei, even I wanted to see her, to speak to her and ask how things were going. She was his mate and he was protective. I admired that. I just hoped it was quick since my own mate was in trouble.
The witch then began to chant and wave the cloth into the air. “Once you have the place I need to take you in mind. Grasp my hand,” she told me.
Right. Lorelei.
