Page 114 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals

“I assume you heard the news,” Wulf interrupts, walking over to us. He’s a hulking man, much wider than Kaden.

My magic, seeming to be irritated at his presence, ruffles against my gut where it rests. I have to clamp down on the urge to let it loose.

It doesn’t like him; doesn’t trust him. Not like it does withKaden.

I decide to listen to my magic for the first time and let my fingers turn the slightest shade of red. Just to be ready.

“You’re not helping.” I cross my arms, wishing I had grabbed my cloak. “You’re just going to let us continue on to certain death.”

He shrugs, the implication of no concern to him. “Griffin should have planned better if he really wanted you to succeed.”

I don’t like what he’s implying. That Griffin set us up for failure.

But logically, it makes sense. This entire raid was ill-preparedand difficult to complete. So, why do it?

“I am sad to see you depart.”

“Sad or disappointed you couldn’t woo her, Wulf?” Kaden asks, annoyed. “Don’t play the charming leader, we both know you’re only interested because you think she can give you something.”

Wulf’s eyes flash with his inner wolf and I take a wary step back. “And what would that be, heir?”

“Power,” Kaden says simply. “You think she has it and you want it.”

He smiles but he doesn’t deny it. It’s something I’ve suspected, especially after his comments before I retired to the cabin. Wulf is power-hungry and he can sense my magic.

The only person who hasn’t tried to use me for it is Kaden.

“Perhaps I can tempt you, flower, to stay a bit longer.” He turns to me, appraising the outfit. His people left me clothing—a black silk tunic and heavy leggings.

I should have kept my dirty clothes on.

“Tempt me, how?”

“You may want to speak to the Mad Witch.” He shrugs, shuffling his feet. Following his gaze, I see a decrepit hut at the back of the village, backed against the thickest trees and barrier. Although the sun shines high above us, that part of the village stays in the shadows.

“We need to leave,” Kaden interrupts, placing a warm hand on my elbow.

The touch burns me but in the best way. I didn’t realize how badly I missed his touch.

“The Humans are still gathering supplies,” Wulf replies, pushing me forward. “If you want to leave with them, you have time. The Mad Witch has asked to speak to the woman.”

Kaden intercepts, his large body halting me from moving. I exhale, relieved that someone is on my side.

“Why would she want to speak to me?” How would she even know I was here?

“The Mad Witch is a seer of great power.” I look back to the hut, Kaden glaring at the shifter with enough intensity to turn him to ash. “She knew you were coming before you entered the hollow. I’ve known you’d be here. She has words to deliver to you.”

Uncertain, I tilt my head, weighting my options.

I’ve never spoken to a seer before. Magic is rare enough in our world that coming across someone who could see the future was an impossible temptation to ignore.

She could tell me what I could do next. Do I follow the raid? Do I return to the Blackwood Coven? Is there another option?

My eyes land on the heir who seems to block Wulf from coming closer to my side.

Do I and the heir mean anything or was it just an incredible night of passion?

It’s a naïve thought, one of hope and longing ,and I’m ashamed to admit how it reminds me of Tay’s cutting words. That I’m desperate for love. But I can’t deny that I’ve felt pulled toward him since Griffin’s throne room.