The spells were all there, strong and solid. My heart lightened. My work was almost done.
Raising my left hand, I spoke an incantation for giving my magick a visual form. Suddenly, my spells materialized as a glowing spider’s web of blue power that stretched off in every direction—a sight only I could see. Dainty lines of energy linked every rotting leaf, ridged tree trunk, and blade of grass. The ties appeared bright, solid, and strong. I lowered my hand and sighed.
My casting’s complete.
Satisfaction warmed my chest. The entire Havilland estate was now fully protected from virtually any mage. I glanced down at my mud-stained frock. The land might be fixed, but when it came to my appearance? What a mess. Normally, this wouldn’t bother me. I grew up on a farm, after all. The Montagne passion play started in a matter of hours. My pulse sped as I thought about what Kamilla had said in the Havilland’s gallery. Ada and the others might be hidden at Montage estate.
I could rescue them all tonight. The thought made my head swim.
I patted my pocket. Today, I’d headed out with my witness watch. I pulled out the device and glanced at the face. I still had until midnight tomorrow night. After that, the totem ring would be fully charged and my friends were good as dead. Determination made my hands ball into fists.
Time to find out if Ada, Veronique, and the others were at the Montagne estate. My heart warmed at the thought. Perhaps I might even find some other trained Necromancers as well.
I was tired of being the last of my kind.
No matter what happened, I needed to get ready for tonight. Unfortunately, I’d wasted too much time casting spells today. I’d have to transport to Amelia’s mansion. I bit back a groan. Transport spells were the worst. They hurt like blazes and drained me of magick for hours.
I sighed. There was no avoiding it. I’d never get a carriage in time.
Raising my left arm, I gathered fresh Necromancer power to me. An azure mist swirled around my feet as the bones in my left palm glowed blue. I spoke the incantation for a transport spell to Amelia’s chamber.
Strong as stone and fast as wind
Magick moving without end
Take me to my heart’s desire
Travel racing fast as fire
Darkness enveloped me. My muscles tensed, preparing for the pain that would surely follow. Transportation magick always hurt. It only got worse when my energy was low from casting, like it was today. The transport hit me like a boulder. Every bone felt crushed under enormous weight. Agony streamed through my limbs. All air left my body. I couldn’t even scream.
The pain vanished. The spell was complete, but I couldn’t focus on my new surroundings. Air was my first priority. I leaned forward, bracing my arms on my knees as I gasped in breath after breath. Seconds passed before I noticed the familiar lines of Amelia’s chamber, from her elegantly carved furniture to her many tapestries of unicorns. Then, I noticed something that wasn’t familiar at all.
Philippe stood half naked over Amelia’s washbasin.
My mouth fell open. It wasn’t that Philippe was unattractive. I just saw him as more of a brother. Maybe.
I quickly covered my eyes. “What are you doing here?”
“My chamber is occupied and I needed to wash off.”
“Occupied?” I peeped through my fingers. “You have more guests?”
Philippe tossed his washcloth into the basin, picked up a white towel, and wrapped it loosely around his shoulders. Why didn’t the man put on a shirt? “Who said it was a guest? One of the new chambermaids is a dirty little vixen. She wanted me to—”
I raised my hand. “I’d rather not know the specifics.”
“In any case, she’s now asleep in my bed, and I needed to clean up.” He looked me over from head to toe. “But I’d say you’re in far worse shape than I am.”
I couldn’t stop my smile. “That’s true. Could you send in a servant to help me, assuming that there are some you haven’t ravished into oblivion?”
A mischievous light danced in his eyes. “There are, in fact, one or two who are still conscious.”
As a good Necromancer, I should act appalled. Philippe seemed to make everything a grand adventure. I didn’t bother to keep the slyness out of my voice. “Glad to hear it.”
Philippe rubbed his neck in a slow rhythm. “That was very impressive, by the by.”
“What was?”
“Your transport spell. I’d never seen one before. Amelia has some magick, but not enough to—” He grinned. “You know.”
My heart warmed under his compliment. Only Grand Mistress Necromancers could manage transport spells, and even then, it was a rare skill. “Thank you.”
The door flew open, and Amelia stepped into the room. She was wearing a silk dressing gown with her hair tied into loops using long strips of white cloth. “Elea! When did you arrive?”
“Not long ago. I cast a transport spell from the Havilland estate after I’d finished their warding.”
Amelia turned to her brother and gasped. “Philippe! Have you no shame?”