“We’ll leave as soon as Reid returns.” Coco walked to the path to gather rocks for a firepit. “If we go before, he might not find us again. We’ll need him to help steal the ring before we can return to Cesarine.” With an inscrutable look in my direction, she added, “That is the plan, isn’t it? To rejoin Claud and Blaise with the melusines? Plot a final strike against Morgane? Rescue Madame Labelle from the stake?”

“More or less.”

Beau scowled when she snatched his stick, speaking in an aggrieved whisper. “On that note, how on earth are we supposed to steal the ring? Chateau le Blanc is a fortress, and again—Morgane could be hiding behind that rock even now, listening to our every word.”

“Again, without Lou in the picture, Morgane could be rallying forces to kill your father as we speak,” Coco said pointedly. “Zenna said witches have been gathering at Chateau le Blanc en masse. I doubt they’re braiding each other’s hair. Perhaps they’ve already marched toward Cesarine. It’d certainly make our job easier.”

“And if not? Couldn’t we just . . . dispatch Morgane at the Chateau?”

“Like we could’ve dispatched her on the beach?” I watched as Célie moved to the gash at my chest. Though the fabric was still wet from my blood—from Coco’s blood and honey—she didn’t seem to mind. I, however, struggled to remain still. To remain calm. “It worked out so well for us the first time. I’m sure it’ll be even simpler surrounded by witches en masse.” To Coco, I said, “Why didn’t we think of that?”

She shrugged. “Who needs gods and dragons, werewolves and mermaids, when we could’ve just done it ourselves the whole time?”

“Yes, all right.” Beau scowled at each of us, stalking down the beach, as Célie finished mending my shirt. “It was just a thought.”

He returned a few moments later with an armful of driftwood, dumping it at Coco’s feet. She promptly scowled and stacked the pieces into a square. “Genuinely, how have you survived this long, Beauregard?”

“Here.” I snapped my fingers, magicking the friction between them to the point of pain. The golden pattern vanished as a flame sparked. Delicious heat washed over me, a welcome reprieve to the icy cold in my chest. I glanced to the path instinctively.

He’ll come back.

“Lou.” As if reading my thoughts, Coco turned my chin with a single finger. “You forgot to include one key component in our plan: seducing Reid.” She smirked at my deadpan expression. “Fortunately you happen to know a master in the art of seduction. Don’t worry, Célie,” she added, winking. “I’ll teach you in the process as well. Think of it as your first lesson in debauchment.”