Page 5 of The Tracker's Dawn: Sunderverse

“That’s better,” she said in a simpering voice as Eric and Damien glared at the phone. “I still want that elixir. I guess someone promised it to Bernadetta Fiore to get her on your side, but I can’t have her recover from that veryfortunateillness.” At once, her voice did a one-eighty, turning into a near growl as she said, “I want her dead. Truly dead. If you give me the elixir, I’ll give you Gonira. I’ll even throw in the other two in the bargain.”

What?Other two? My heart pounded against my chest, its erratic beating filling my ears.

“What other two?” I asked.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She laughed a cackling laugh very appropriate for a witch. “I’ll meet you at your little agency tonight at midnight. Don’t be late. Come alone. And of course, bring the elixir. And don’t, for a second, dream you will be able to fool me. I’ll know if you try to replace the cure with a fake one. Bitterthorn is something I’m adept at spotting.”

“Please tell me—”

The call disconnected, leaving me at a loss, a feeling of utter disorientation making my head spin. Last night, I’d gone to bed with a plan, and in a matter of minutes, Mekare had smashed it to pieces.

That fucking bitch!

Scrambling for the phone, I picked it up and dialed Mom’s number.

“Good Morning, Antonietta!” She greeted me.

“Mom, where are you?”

“At home, where else would I be at this time of the morning?”

“Where’s Lucia?”

“Getting ready for school.”

“You’ve seen her.”

“Yes, I’ve seen her. What is this all about?”

“And Dani?”

“I don’t know. You’re starting to worry me. What’s happening? Do we need to hide again?”

“I don’t know. But maybe it’s best if you stay home today.”

“This is—”

“Sorry, I gotta call Dani.” I disconnected, cutting Mom off mid-sentence.

When my older sister picked up the phone, she sounded groggy and angry. I had woken her up after a late shift at the hospital.

“Sorry, I just needed to know you were okay,” I said.

“I’m okay, Toni. But what about you?”

“I’m fine. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Witchlights, this has got to stop! Your life is a constant turmoil, and you’re putting everyone in danger.”

“I don’t mean to.”

“I know you don’t, but...” She exhaled and gave me a tired warning. “Please be careful, whatever is going on.”

“I will be.”

Eric and Damien bore my panic with stoic expressions. When I started to dial Jake’s number, Eric shook his head.

“He’s here already. I’ve let him in.” His eyes flicked toward the phone in his hand, which allowed him to control the security system that wired the entire house.