Page 71 of Ice

“The elixir we need for the scepter. It will help him too. That’s why they assisted you in getting me back.” It is a fact, not a question. Miranda always knows things without having to ask questions.

I nod and steeple my fingers together. “They will do anything to help him.”

“Which means.” She pauses and inhales sharply. “You really think they will…?”

“If the elixir requires it – yes.” I put my hand on her upper arm and squeeze, fixing her gaze with my own.

“You’re tired,” she says, nodding at me. “And your eyes are bleeding again.”

I wipe the corner of my right eye. She’s right. “I got angry. The wolf—”

Miranda tuts at me and pushes past. “The wolf is harmless. And you have bigger grudges to worry about.”

As she disappears into the room, I hear her telling the others she needs more space.

The viking appears a moment later. “I want to talk to you,” he says, pushing back his shoulders.

He is all muscle, and tattoos, and simmering frustration.

But he’s also the most vampire-like mage I’ve ever met.

“Good. I should like to talk to you too.” I extend my arm and indicate that he should head back toward the study. When we reach it, he begins to pace back and forth.

“What the fuck is going on here, Thornfield?”

I do not allow my features to move. “Could you clarify what you’re asking?”

The viking huffs and squares up to me. “I’m asking what you’re hiding. Something feels off.”

I meet his eyes and do not blink until he does. “I’m hiding nothing. I brought you here because I knew you’d help me get my friend back. You did. And we will all benefit from that, so I don’t see what the problem is.”

“She’ll fix Mack?”

“She’ll certainly try. And in return, you’ll be the ones to destroy the scepter for me.” I look at him defiantly. I’m not asking him. I am telling him.

“We’ll destroy it for you. Where is it?” Kole asks. “When’s it arriving?”

“Ahh.” I lean back on the desk and reach into my pocket. Gently, I unscrew the top of the silver flask I always carry, and I take a long slow sip. I like my blood cool, and this ten-year-old type A is the perfect temperature. “Slight snag.” I wipe a trace of blood from the corner of my mouth. “I did not win the auction, I’m afraid.”

“You lost it?” The viking’s fists clench at his sides and the cords of muscle in his forearms twitch. “You had one thing to do… one.”

“I apologize profusely.” I rub my chin. “I am wondering now whether it is because, somehow, it knew I wanted to harm it.”

“It’s an inanimate object. How could it know?”

I laugh at him, exposing my fangs, not caring that it makes him wince. “Come, now. You’re a seer as well as an earth mage. You know how these things work. My family pledged to protect the scepter. My intention, no matter how hard I tried to shield it, was clear. If I managed to get it back into my possession, I would have had it destroyed.”

“Then why…?” The viking hesitates and rubs his beard. “Fuck that. It doesn’t matter. What matters is how we get it back.”

“A very good question.” I take another sip of blood and watch as his eyes darken. “One to which my answer is a suggestion.”

The viking waits for me to continue.

“I am going to suggest that we divide forces. There are enough of you, after all.”

“Divide forces?” His heartbeat has quickened. He doesn’t want to be parted from his Fire Bird.

“Two of you look for the scepter. Two hunt down the ingredients Miranda needs for the Elixir. And you and me…” I step closer and hold his gaze. “We destroy Queen Zephyra and her nest once and for all.”