Page 77 of Death Card

“It’s very close,” she says. “But our family bird is the raven, not the hawk, and our crest is black, not maroon. It’s not ours.”

The scrying mirror didn’t falter. I asked who was responsible, and it told me loud and clear. I wasn’t seeing the Hightowers’ crest. Everything clicks into place. To my knowledge, most of the victims had one thing in common: They ate baked goods right before they were sickened. And what is Mike Dupree’s latest real estate endeavor? A partnership with Sweet Dreams Bakery.

“If someone were to bake the demon’s blood into food and feed it to people, what would happen?”

Aria’s eyes widen. “Nothing good, that’s for sure.”

Mike Dupree is behind it all. He really would stoop that low to beat Gramps in the city council race. I’m not sure how he found out about the coven, but that’s something I can ponder after I save my brother.

“I have to go.” I turn to leave and then remember that across the city, Gramps might be turning Aria’s grandmother into a living statue. “Oh shit, you need to go too!”

I quickly explain our two-pronged approach, and Aria’s expression grows stormier by the second.

“Don’t worry about them. I’ll handle our grandparents.” Her eyes bore into mine. “Give me your number, and I’ll text you the coordinates.” My phone dings as soon as she hits send. “Thechances of you finding your brother and your friend alive are dwindling by the minute. So go!”

She doesn’t need to argue any further. I take off sprinting through the doors. Malik yells out to me, and I screech to a halt. “Give me your keys,” I demand.

“What?”

“I don’t have time to explain. I’ve gotta go!”

He pauses with the keys in his hands. “I don’t know where you’re going, but let me go with you.”

“No, absolutely not.” I glance over my shoulder at Aria. I can’t entirely trust her yet. “I need you to go with Aria to stop Gramps and the rest of the coven. I’ll be okay.” Before he can argue any further, I snatch the keys from his hand and race out of the bookstore.

35

The coordinates Gazannolgave me lead to a thick patch of forest off the side of a deserted two-lane road. Spindly, tightly packed trees stretch up to the night sky. All my senses are screaming at me to turn back, but I’ve already come this far. If I leave now, Orion and Joelle are as good as dead. The coven is on the brink of war unless Aria can convince them to listen to her.

Help isn’t coming. Scratch that. I’m the help.

“Here goes nothing.”

I trudge into the forest with no clue what direction to walk in. A few feet in, I spot a red sedan parked in the brush that looks exactly like the one that tried to run me over. I’m definitely on the right track.

Moonlight barely penetrates the canopy of branches, but I don’t dare turn on my phone’s flashlight for fear of being spotted. So, I keep my gaze trained down at my feet, walking carefully to avoid tripping on any rocks or branches. I don’t want them to hear me coming.

After what seems like an eternity, hushed whispers float over from somewhere on my left. I change direction, picking up the pace. Swiftly, I come to a small clearing. A giant weight is immediately lifted from my chest as I rush over to Orion and Joelle.They’re sitting on the ground before two trees with their arms bound behind them.

Joelle’s face lights up as soon as she spots me, but Orion’s eyes dart around the clearing. “Are you alone?” he whispers as I kneel before them, digging in my bag for Sabine’s dagger.

I nod. “Gramps is…busy. Malik will give him the location once he and Aria get to him. Are y’all all right?”

“Shaken but physically okay,” Orion answers. I saw through his ropes with the blade first.

Joelle cranes her neck to peer at me. “Your brother caught me up to speed,” she says. “Why didn’t you tell me you’re a witch?”

My heart drops. Joelle discovering my secret should be the least of my worries, but it still comes as a shock that the knowledge I’ve worked so hard to keep from her is out in the open now.

The rope binding Orion’s arms together snaps. I move on to Joelle’s bindings as Orion rubs at his raw wrists.

“I couldn’t say anything,” I murmur. “It’s one of our most important rules.” I glare at my brother. “Heshouldn’t have said anything, either.”

Orion’s jaw clenches. “I was out cold when they brought us here. When I came to, I tried cutting through the rope with fire, but I couldn’t quite get the angle right. Obviously, I had to explain why my hands were glowing red.” At my scowl, he throws his hands up. “It seemed like the best approach at the time. I thought we were going to die out here! Keeping secrets from her didn’t seem like the most important option.”

“Don’t be angry with him,” Joelle says. “Your secret’s safe with me. I hope you know that I’d never tell anyone.”

I narrow my eyes. “You’re telling me that you’re not going torun to your professors and tell them all about the real-life witch you met?”