Page 12

PIPER

I ’m frozen in place. The last few days have been a whirlwind, and I don’t know how to cope with this one last thing.

Somewhere in the back of my head, I knew Ambrose still had two living parents, but they’re never around.

I wasn’t expecting to walk into the chateau and be confronted with my in-laws.

Ambrose’s mom is elegant and as cold as ice. His father is disconnected and absent, even though he was standing right in front of us. It’s amazing that Ambrose exudes the warmth that he does. Then again, most of my friends are not at all like the rest of their families.

Ambrose extracts his hand from mine, and I realize how tightly I’ve been squeezing it.

My nerves are just about shattered. I keep waiting for Tucker to burst through the door or something really horrible to happen.

Not that Tucker can command me to do something because of my hex any longer, but he's a big guy. It wouldn’t be the first time he’s hit me.

Not even getting rid of the hex will protect me from that.

Instead of walking away, Ambrose wraps his fingers around my shoulders and ducks down to look me in the eye. “I have a really big favor to ask of you.”

“I think I sort of owe you.” I offer him a wry smile.

“No. We’re not going to do that. You don’t owe me anything for helping you out. In fact, this is more to keep you safe than anything.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t trust my parents. I don’t know what’s going on with the coven or why exactly they’re back in town, but I don’t think it’s safe for you to be alone.”

Someone in a maid’s uniform bustles by with a stack of clothing. People are running around with a frenzied anxiousness. How much stuff did the Roths bring back with them? “Do you think your mom would hurt me?”

“Probably not. It’s likely overkill on my part, but I think until we can break your hex and to hold up things for appearance’s sake, you should stay here.” He sounds unconcerned, but there’s a glint of worry in his eyes that he doesn’t hide.

“Okay.” It’s actually a relief. If I went back to my apartment, I’d be worrying that Tucker would come storming in at any moment.

His forehead creases. “Hear me out, it really would be safest for you all around.”

“I said okay.” I squeeze Ambrose’s arm, and my words finally seem to sink in.

His entire body relaxes. “Really? Just like that?”

“I’m not an idiot, Ambrose. Things are chaotic with the coven, and in my life. Besides, you have an incredible magical library, and safety in numbers and all that.”

“Ah.” Ambrose smiles at me. “I get it now. You married me for my library, didn’t you? That was the plan all along.”

“Let’s be honest, you don’t have much else going for you,” I quip, and he grins at me. Ambrose is vain enough to know that he’s beautiful, and rich, not to mention charming, and generally an all-around good guy.

“Sir, this arrived for you while you were away.” One of the staff dressed in blue and gold livery, that looks straight out of a period film, holds out an envelope to Ambrose.

I can already tell at a glance that it’s from the coven. Ambrose takes it and rips it open, holding it so that we can both read it together. “It’s an invitation.”

“I’ve already been to a coven party. I don’t think I’m interested in another.

” Ambrose sighs, but upon further reading, I realize it’s not really a party.

It’s a letter explaining that it’s time to select a new coven council.

After the masquerade, we lost our entire coven council.

They plotted to curse the witches of this town in an effort to outrun their own mistakes.

Which is how my uncle and the rest of the council ended up under magical house arrest.

Lucida Ash, who’s currently the head of the Luminara coven, has requested the presence of every witch in Mystic Hollows to join her in calling for a new coven council. Besides the date and time, there’s no other information provided.

“What are the odds this ends in another riot?” Ambrose waves the envelope like a fan.

“I’m not much of a gambler, but I’d guess there’s a ninety-nine percent chance of a fight breaking out.”