“Got it.” I nodded, grateful even if she wouldn’t let me say it.

“Good. Although depending how things play out these next few days, maybe I’ll come running after you.” She let out a sigh that sounded like a spring breeze. “Getting mixed up with the wolves is changing everything for both of us.”

That was an understatement. I’d hardly left home before and suddenly I was flying off to a foreign country, trusting the wolves to keep me safe, while I searched for ancient magic…

I said another prayer, hoping I had the strength to do this. Raphael’s life depended on it.

Cosette might be worried I’d make an unfair bargain, but I was very close to being desperate. If it came to it, I was willing to give up anything that could save my brother. To save what was left of my coven and the wolves.

If I failed, Luciana’s black magic would spread through all our supernatural worlds. Not even normal humans would be safe if demons came into being.

I’d do anything to stop that from happening.

Chapter Eight

That night I couldn’t sleep at all. Call it nerves or fear—from the effects of the oath or the upcoming trip or the fact that I was sitting beside my still unconscious brother. Or all of the above. I just couldn’t relax enough to make myself actually sleep. I’d said all my goodbyes at dinner, and the morning would be just Muraco and me. I’d start this journey on my own—the same way I’d finish it.

My mother had always told me to picture what I wanted; if I believed it to be true, it would happen. I’d been doing that all night as I sat in the chair beside Raphael’s bed.

He hadn’t woken up yet. No one knew what that meant, but it couldn’t be a good sign. His exhale had taken on a rasping rattle that made my lungs burn in sympathy. But that wasn’t the worst part.

His aura was changing. It was usually blue and purple with touches of white. Now, it was turning a muddy brown. It was like his soul was slowly disappearing. I’d cried a little at first, but as time ticked by, I grew more and more determined.

I’d go. Find the magic I needed to save my brother and defeat Luciana. Use the distance to figure out how to break Luciana’s hold on me.

My backpack sat at my feet. I’d stuffed it until I could barely get the flap closed. I was showered. My hair was braided. I was as ready as I’d ever be.

When I shook off the sleepless trance long enough to check the time, I realized it had gotten away from me. Muraco would be by any minute now, and this might be the last time I saw my brother alive.

No. I stood up and paced away from the bed. I rested my forehead against the cool wall, trying to calm down but failing.