Page 77 of Thicker than Water

But more than that…that it washer’s…that she could share something so essential of herself…

And so powerful. She wasn’t a novice witch. I can tell that from how strong I feel, the promise of magic right under my skin.

Should I have let her go?

No, I can’t think about it now.

Just focus on work. Work, then my coffin, then tomorrow night, find another breather to drink from and put this all behind me...

The elevator doors chime open.

To my surprise, Tudor is standing in the office hallway, with Renata, Lexi, and Oana circled around him.

“Celine! We were just looking for you,” he says.

I stiffen, annoyed at the intrusion. I had assumed they were all still at the party.

“What is it?” I snap.

“Our plan is formed,” Tudor says, a maniacal glint in his eyes. “Tomorrow night, we act. We’re going to break the Arundel wolves out of the Cave.”

“TheCave? How do you expect to do that?”

Oana steps forward, her crimson lips curved in a self-satisfied grin. “I helped the Hecate witches to imprison them. I think I know how to get them out. I’ve been consulting with Xia to develop our strategy.”

Renata shakes her head. “There’s no way Xia will agree to attack Elmwood Academy.”

I give Tudor a sharp look. “You’re…you’re going through with it?”

“Xia is working at the hotel, so she won’t be at the school,” Tudor says. “She’s not part of this plan. We can’t trust any of the witches, even our own day guard. All we need are the Arundel wolves. You heard Amrita, it’s only her and Lydia Craft defending the school. We can easily overpower them.”

Renata rubs her temple nervously. “I suppose if they can’t get a message out, the Hecate witches won’t know what’s happened.”

“Exactly,” says Tudor. “It will give us enough time to fortify our position.”

“What about Hallie?” Lexi asks with a scowl. She’s clearly upset that Tudor has interrupted her party, but he doesn’t seem to notice or care.

“She’ll join us. She’s still young, but she’s unusually strong for a newborn,” he says. He turns to me. “You’ll come with Oana and I, and we’ll meet up with Hallie at the academy. Renata and Lexi will remain here, at the hotel. I believe we have the element of surprise, but I don’t want to bank on it. The hotel should be well defended while the four of us are strengthening our position at the academy.”

Although I don’t care for his plan, I don’t have the will to defy him. The look in his eyes and the wide grin on his face indicate how dedicated he is to getting his way. He’s been itching for a confrontation with Lavinia Nox.

An image of Amara’s face enters my mind, golden light emanating from her fingertips, her lips parted in guilt. Or was it just disappointment that she had been caught?

I shake my head, pushing away the thought of her.

Renata shoots me an anxious look. I can tell she’s not completely behind this plan either.

But right now, I just need to distract myself.

“I’m with you, as always,” I tell Tudor, firmly.

“Excellent. We leave at sundown tomorrow, for the Cave, then the academy.”

Amara

The faintest hint of dawn appears over the shining, silver buildings.

I wasn’t able to get my shoes from Celine’s suite, so I walk barefoot down the sidewalk, clutching my purse to my side. I don’t mind. I’m used to being barefoot. Witches rarely wear shoes.