Wicked Deal (Shadow Guild: The Rebel 2)

“Exactly. It was the only place that my spell was hidden.”

“How do we stop them?”

“The secret is in the spell,” she said.

“That’s vague.” I frowned. “Have you not warned the other sorcerers? Couldn’t they stop this?”

“Warn them how? I cannot leave this room, and the magic in this place weakens every time someone enters. They do not visit unless there are intruders.”

Behind her, I caught sight of a brief glimpse of the stone wall through the image of the ocean. The magic here was weakening.

“The sorcerers will be coming?” I stiffened and looked at the Devil. They would not like finding us here, that was certain.

“Yes. Soon enough, I imagine.”

“Then we’ll tell them what we know.”

“They’ll strike first and ask questions later.” She shrugged. “You are intruders, after all.”

12

The Devil

Damn it, the sorceress was right. We probably wouldn’t have time to explain why we were here. This guild hated me, and they were notorious for protecting their space with violence.

I leaned forward. “Tell us how to stop Ivan. Please.”

She nodded. “First, you must vow that you will repair the door to my crypt and remove my symbol from the stone. I do not want anyone else paying me a visit. My protections were clearly not enough.”

“I vow it.”

The Sorceress looked toward Carrow, her eyebrows raised.

“I vow it as well,” Carrow said.

“Good. You have the ability to read people and things?”

“Yes, but I can’t control it well.”

“Try anyway.” Mariketta held out her hand.

“All right.” Carrow leaned closer, resting her fingertips against the top of Mariketta’s hand.

Her magic flared, strong and bright. The scent of lavender overpowered the seaside aroma of the room, and the taste of oranges exploded on my tongue.

Mariketta’s eyes widened. “Your signature is quite something.”

“I know. I need to get control of it.”

“Indeed, you do. Unless things have changed drastically, the Council will not stand for it.”

“Things haven’t changed.” Carrow’s eyes shut, and she drew in a deep breath.

Her signature grew even stronger, and I frowned.

Mariketta met my gaze, and I could see my thoughts reflected in her eyes.

Carrow's magic was changing—growing. I sensed it. This was highly unusual.