The Villain's Dead Wife

29. Secrets, Spells and Stares

Lisa adjusted her pendant, her fingers deftly tracing the ornate patterns as if she were entering a secret code. I watched, intrigued, as the gem in the center of the half moon began to glow faintly. She closed her eyes, and a moment later, her expression changed as if she were listening intently to someone.I leaned in closer, trying to catch any sign of what was happening. Lisa's lips didn't move, but I could tell she was communicating with Ancillin through some telepathic connection. The faint glow of the necklace pulsed rhythmically, almost like it was breathing.

After a few minutes, Lisa opened her eyes and looked at me with a mix of excitement and concern. "He answered," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "He’s... not entirely happy with me calling him for this."

“Well?” I asked, trying to keep the anticipation out of my voice.

I leaned forward, eager to hear more. “What did he say?”

“He’s in the middle of a fight,” Lisa continued, her voice barely a whisper. “Monsters are attacking the magic towers and temples around the protection barrier. It’s serious.

”A shiver ran down my spine. “Is Kairan…?”

Lisa nodded. “He’s out there fighting them. He didn’t intend to be absent; he had to leave immediately to manage the crisis. If he hadn’t, the priests would be in danger, and the barrier might have broken."

My previous complaints seemed insignificant in light of this. The peace I had been grumbling about was precariously maintained, and Kairan was out there protecting it. I sighed deeply.

“Fantastic. Here I was grumbling about boredom while he’s out there saving everyone,” I said, feeling a mix of guilt and relief.

Lisa gave me a reassuring smile. “He’s doing what he must. Ancillin said he’s okay, and they’re holding the monsters at bay.”

I nodded, trying to ease the unease. “Good to hear he’s safe, at least for now.”

Lisa squeezed my arm gently. “Don’t worry too much. He’s strong, and Ancillin is with him. They’ll manage.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” I forced a smile. “At least one mystery’s solved. Now if only I could figure out where those witch books went.”

Lisa laughed softly. “Maybe the witches themselves took them back.”

“Wouldn’t that just be my luck?” I sighed with a wry smile. “But seriously, thanks for finding out. I really needed to know what was happening.”

She smiled warmly. “Anytime. And if you need more updates, just let me know. This necklace has more to offer.”

“Good to know,” I said, feeling a bit lighter. “For now, let’s hope Kairan and Ancillin keep those monsters in check. The last thing we need is the barrier falling and me being dragged into it.”

As Lisa and I left the library, the sunlight greeted us with a warmth that felt like an ambush. I squinted, trying to adjust from the dim library to the blazing outdoors.

“Why is the sun always so extra?” I muttered under my breath, pulling my cloak tighter around me as if it could shield me from its enthusiasm.

Lisa, ever the chipper one, simply smiled, unfazed by the sudden brightness. “The garden looks lovely today, doesn’t it, Lady Meredia?”

I shot her a look. Lovely? Sure, if by lovely you mean something that could cook us alive.

“Yes, lovely,” I replied sarcastically, glancing around at the perfectly trimmed hedges and the little birds flitting about, blissfully unaware of my suffering. One of them chirped at me like it was mocking my misery. Figures. Even the birds are in on it.