Page 13 of Queen of the Crimson Throne (Queen of Blood and Stardust #2)

13

LENNOX

Witches have a strange third sense when it comes to meeting other new witches. Each witch gives off a feeling. Typically you are able to sense what coven a witch belongs to, what kind of elements they possess, or what kind of person they are. Like an alarm system of sorts to warn you about danger. Sometimes you get a slight feeling, your magic goes on high alert or there is a slight prickle at the back of your neck. Sometimes you get no feeling at all.

My magic writhed inside me as I took in the witch across the street. All four elements of my magic fought against each other to be released as I assessed her. The sensations coursing through my body put me and my magic on edge.

I had heard stories about evil witches. About the witches who misused magic.

I had a feeling the witch sitting in front of me wasn’t entirely good.

“Wait.” I held out a hand to stop Luka as he started towards the female. He turned, his eyes going wide as his hand looked at my fingers grasping the firm muscles of his arm.

I immediately let go of him.

“What?”

I tilted my head toward the witch. “I have a bad feeling about her.”

Luka looked over his shoulder. “What kind of bad feeling?”

“I don’t know how to explain it.” I wrung my hands in front of me. “My magic is going haywire. All of my elements are begging to be released. I have a feeling—it’s a witch thing.”

Luka sighed. “I understand your hesitancy, but Lennox, I’ve been searching and waiting to find this witch for weeks. This is the closest I’ve come to finding the spellbook. I have to at least try.”

I wanted out of this arrangement, but I didn’t want Luka risking himself for me.

“What if I told you I didn’t want you to?”

Luka’s expression softened. “Lennox?—”

“Please, Luka, don't do this,” I pleaded. “I can’t explain it, but I don’t think any good will come from talking with her. Please .” My magic pushed and pulsed violently against my skin, begging me to retreat. “You don’t feel anything? Your magic isn’t reacting at all?” I knew it was unlikely he’d be able to sense anything, but if she was a threat he might feel something. His magic might be on alert if anything.

“No.”

I swallowed. “Luka, please, let’s go.” I took his wrist in my hand and tugged him away from the witch.

He scrubbed his hand over his face. “Fine.”

I let go of his hand and as we made our way back down the street, I struggled to keep up with him as he wove through the stalls. He only looked back to check I was still following him a handful of times.

Not even once we exited the market, did he say another word to me.