Page 74 of Magical Mission

Mys swallowed, looking down at the tabletop. “Then you should know… I think it’shim.I think he found a way to mark her. I think he wants her to come back.”

My stomach turned.

But I didn’t flinch.

“Then we’ll make sure she never has to.”

And I meant it.

Chapter Eighteen

The moment we stepped out of the study room, I turned to Nova.

“Let’s get Keegan,” I said.

She just gave a sharp nod and vanished down the corridor like smoke had been waiting for her feet.

I could already feel the magic bristling in the walls. Old enchantments stretched awake and sensed movement that didn't belong. And I was pretty certain the strange guest at Keegan’s inn had less to do with magic and a whole lot more to do with Krina.

I looked at Ardetia. “We need to strengthen our charms. Something that’ll hold against shadowcraft, especially the older strands.”

She nodded once. “I’ll prepare it in the lower west wing. The stonework there is tight. It holds.”

“Good,” I said. “Don’t do it alone.”

She gave me a look. “I won’t.”

As she turned and drifted down the hallway, already reaching for her sigil pouch, I caught sight of Bella approachingfrom the main foyer. Her cheeks were pink from the cold, her braid unraveling slightly, and her eyes were alert with tension.

“You’re here just in time,” I said.

“Trouble?”

“Possibly.”

“And here I thought a chandelier trying to attack us was enough for one evening.” Her gaze flicked between Krina and Mys, who hovered behind me like they weren’t sure if they were being escorted to safety or exile.

“Should I shift?” Bella asked.

I absolutely loved how direct she’d always been.

“Yes, please,” I said. “If you could scout the outer perimeter and focus on the Butterfly Ward and the east edges. If anything’s trying to seep in, that’s where it’ll feel weakest. Any sort of shadows that seem out of place could be exactly what we’re looking for.”

Without another word, Bella stepped back, took a deep breath, and shimmered.

There was no flash, no burst. Just that soft ripple that always came before her shape blurred and collapsed into itself, replaced by the sleek frame of her fox form with fur pale gold, with streaks of copper and bronze as her eyes turned bright and feral.

She gave me a look that was unmistakablyBellaand then darted down the corridor, tail sweeping behind her like wind trailing silk.

I turned to Krina and Mys. They looked a little stunned.

“That doesn’t get less impressive,” Mys murmured. “Shifting is such a talent.”

“Come on,” I said. “Let’s get you somewhere warm and full of bread.”

That caught their attention.

“Bread?” Krina echoed.