Elina

But now I understood.

I took a step through the door but stopped. Normally I'd close the door. To keep the rain out. But I kept it open. Because instinct told me to.

The moment I stepped in, I could smell it. That scent that wasn't a scent. The energy in the air. Something that tickled my nose, made my heart pound, set off alarm bells in every ancient corner of my brain.

Fight or flight. Usually an easy choice. But not this time.

Elina said, "What's wrong? You'll catch a cold if you keep standing there."

I underestimated Syrus. As a witch hunter he was above me. He immediately knew what magic smelled like. I didn't. Maybe it's because I only fought witches out in the open. Never stayed indoors with one. At least not long enough to learn the smell of magic. Because one of us always died quickly. And it was never me.

"What did you do to her?" I asked.

"Who?"

An innocent, but knowing smile. Something swirled in her glowing eyes. Something disturbed the perfect silver lakes.

I said, "Julia Abernathy. His wife. What did you do to her?"

A pause. Elina said, "He's impressive, isn't he?"

"Syrus Abernathy?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

Elina sighed. With disappointment. Then she said, "He's the first one to be able to see through my human disguise." She looked at me. She smiled. "If I came to Altheim in my human form, I doubt you would've been able to find me."

I said, "Answer the question. What did you do to her?"

Elina said, "His wife is good too. Did you see how her face changed when she saw me?"

I did see that. Julia's expression was tense, her body stiff. Maybe she knew something. Some instinct I didn't possess. And whatever it was, Elina triggered an immediate warning.

Which made me think of what Syrus said. Julia did know something. Her contacts in the Church of Deliverance had told her something about the recent changes. He hadn't asked her what it was. But it likely had something to do with Elina. Otherwise why this reaction?

I said, "What did you do to her?"

Elina let out a long breath and closed her eyes. She seemed to be thinking. I didn't like that. If she was thinking, then she was scheming. If she was scheming, then it meant trouble for me.

Eventually she opened her eyes and looked at me.

She said, "There is something you want from me. And there is something I want from you."

A negotiation. A trade. An eye for an eye.

"What do you want?" I asked.

---------------------------------

ELINA: Today has been full of surprises. I never thought that I'd get to meet another witch hunter, let alone a pair of them, and married too.

And the third? That was the best of all.

The woman's name was Julia Abernathy. Her husband is Syrus Abernathy.

The man was perfectly normal. And by that I mean easy to kill. Even with the gransia handcuffs on, I could destroy him. But his instincts were better than Salem's. His eyes were immediately suspicious as soon as he saw me.

That's what made Salem so much more fun. He was always so serious, but foolish enough to play with.

I enjoyed watching Salem and Syrus lie to each other. Desperate to keep the peace. Julia didn't seem too happy about that. I smiled at her. She didn't smile back. She was terrified of me.

Syrus put the cloak on her. A loving gesture. A lover, a husband. His touch was gentle, his expression concerned.

I wonder if he'll still be so gentle of I told him about Julia's lie. The best lie I had ever seen.

The charade fell apart and swords were drawn. Julia even had the impunity to aim an arrow at me. Did she really think that could hurt me? Was she just putting on a show or was she really that stupid?

Syrus said, "Don't make a fool of me. Can't you smell it? Her magic is everywhere in this hut." He licked his lips. "I can taste it."

Oh-hoh! He really is good! To think that he can identify the smell and taste of magic. Even most witches didn't know about that.

But it wasn't my magic he could taste.

Salem talked. Persuaded him to put his sword away. But Julia kept the arrow aimed at me.

Salem is blunt with his words but good at negotiations, I'll admit that. A deal is struck. An exchange of information. Physical conflict was avoided.

But both of these men were still stupid. Because Salem suggested for Julia to watch me. Syrus agreed. Which left me alone with Julia.