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Chapter Three

It was the build-up of magic that woke me. I could feel it gathering in the air and suddenly found it hard to breathe. Whoever was doing this was drawing it from the house, from us, and... well, everything within reach.

My clothes seemed to be missing, so I grabbed the shirt Rasmus shed yesterday and slid it on to hide my nudity. His body required tall sizing. His clothing was so long that it fell to my knees like a gown.

The room was in shambles after our hasty strip show last night. All I had time to grab for my feet were a pair of comfortable slippers I wore only in my quarters.

A sleeping Rasmus didn’t stir as I ran to the front door. I nearly collided with Henry, who was heading outside as well. “What’s happening?” I asked.

“There is a witch at the gates. I asked her to identify herself, but she refused. Now she’s trying to break through the wards.”

“Are the wards holding?” I peered toward the long driveway that led to the house and cottages.

An explosion suddenly split the air. Our security gates crumpled before being lifted out of the way and flung aside. Awoman wearing a long, bright shift and matching headdress now slowly walked down our wardless driveway.

Behind her, I saw a parked car just beyond the entrance. She’d driven here intending to break in but wasn’t taking the time to drive the lane.

I sighed and rubbed my forehead. Why did my life have to be this eventful every Goddess-blessed day? I hadn’t had a break since the day Mulan’s parents arrived.

“I guess the wards weren’t strong enough,” I muttered in frustration. “Excuse me while I greet our guest.”

I elbowed my way in front of Henry and called for Conn’s mantle. It covered me in glittering gold. In my hand, a green energy sword instantly appeared. Wearing nothing but the guardian’s shirt under my armor, I felt more dressed for Mardi Gras than to fight a magic battle. However, I’d learned to be wary of visitors after the jiangshi also made it through our wards.

It was now glaringly obvious that we needed to up our warding game to keep people away. I should have taken Zenos, my dragon mentor, up on his offer to help set better ones. Pride had gotten the better of me, and I’d refused his help.

The brightly dressed witch hadn’t just set the wards off like the jiangshi had, though. She’d obliterated them, so I pointed my vibrating energy sword at her and glared. “That’s far enough. Why did ya break our wards?”

She crossed her arms. “I have come to free my husband. You have no right to hold him prisoner. He isn’t an animal. He’s a human.”

Her husband?

My sword lowered a little as I thought of who in the world that might be. Snarling when I came up blank, I glanced over at Henry.

“Do ya know who she’s talking about? Please tell me it’s not Connlander.”

Henry made a strange sound, like choked laughter, and then stroked his chin. “The only energies clinging to her are some human’s and your guardian’s.”

“My guardian’s?”I squeaked out before clearing my throat. “That’s impossible, Henry. Rasmus couldn’t be married to that woman.”

“Why not?” Henry asked.

I rolled my eyes when I saw his mouth twitching.

I looked back at the witch again and raised my sword to point it at her once more. “Who are ya calling yer husband?”

“Do not play me for a fool, witch. I know he is here.I feel him. His beast calls to me. It has always been so. That is how we met.”

“Beast?”I repeated.

“Hmm... the plot thickens,” Henry said with a smile. “Perhaps she is talking about your boss.”

“Good Goddess,” I said, staring at her. “Are ya Ben’s wife?”

“I’m his woman...and his witch. You should fear my wrath.”

I lowered my sword and let my armor fade away. “Ben’s hiding out in the grove. If ya give me a moment, I’ll show ya where to find him. Ya could have just asked us if he was here instead of breaking down our gates and destroying our wards.”

“I intended to kill whoever was in my way. Breaking the gates was a warning about my power.”