RISING SHADOWS (Shadows Book 2)

Chapter 24

The Catacombs were full of my witches.

Jack Middleton met me first at the bottom of the obsidian steps. Full cheeks were flushed a bright red, and for the first time in forever he wasn't in a perfectly tailored suit. He wore a burgundy polo neck and simple trousers.

Jack had dressed quickly. A sign of trouble.

"He's in your office."

"Do we know what he wants?" I asked as Jack fell into line and started walking with me. Arden stayed a couple of steps behind. I offered weak smiles to other members of my coven. Mr Phillips and his daughter Susan who still bore the viscous diagonal scars and burn marks she'd sustained fighting Tor Langin's followers hovered around the entrance to the Archives. They placed their hands over their hearts as I passed.

"He will only speak to you. Mrs Horton has tried a few times, pretty-much declared herself deputy in your absence." Jack took a careful hold of my wrist stopping me in my tracks. He turned me towards him. "How are you, High Witch?"

His eyes were huge, and soft. Unspoken words of pity were illuminated by the bewitched ceiling acknowledging daybreak. Jack was lovely and had never done me any wrong.

But I did not want pity. His or anyone else's.

"Vengeful. Let's get this over with," I stepped away and headed straight for my office.

Olaus Carl, the imposing Head of the Witches' Council, sat in Gran's chair, drumming his fingers on the desk. Mrs Horton, azure skirts fanning out around her legs, had taken up position in one of the chairs opposite him. Jack and Arden followed me into the room with Jack closing the door behind us.

A dim light lit the office, whether it had been done on purpose to set a more ominous tone to the meeting, then I suppose I was about to find out.

"Ah, High Witch, at last." The rhythmic beat of his fingers stopped. He leaned back in the chair, leather creaking and pressed the tips of his fingers together.

I tried my best to keep calm, though fire burned my insides. "Forgive me, had I been given notice we were due a visit I would have made sure I was here promptly," I smiled as sweetly as I could. "How can the Coven of the Obsidian Star be of service to the Witches' Council today?"

"I am very much aware of your situation, Riley Archer. Your journey to becoming High Witch has been somewhat unconventional."

"I'll say," Arden muttered behind me. He was against the back wall, arms folded, head back. He mouthed the 'what' and gave me a wink when I looked at him.

I caught his smile and turned back to Olaus Carl. "Thank you for your careful consideration, but please do not make me repeat my question."

Mrs Horton swivelled in her chair, skirts rustling and cocked her head as an owl might. Her pencil-line thin eyebrows nearly touched the top of her head and she looked at me as if I'd just told her it was raining blood. Perhaps that's not how I should be addressing the Head of the Witches' Council, but I had other things to worry about.

Olaus' Carl's cheeks hollowed out. "Very well. A rather grave accusation has been levelled at you, one that I am here to address, if it is true, it could mean expulsion not only for you, High Witch, but for your entire coven."

Gasps rounded the room.

"What am I being accused of?"

"The Witches' Council received a formal grievance from High Witch Darkmore-"

"Are you being fucking serious?" Arden pushed away from the wall. His arms had dropped to his sides, hands balling into fists.

"Language, Mr Jones," scolded Mrs Horton.