Romani Magic (Shifter Blood: Romani Curse Book 3)

by Frances Trilone

  “Carter?” Her brow furrowed. “Why are you asking me about a Kingsley wolf?”

  “I heard what Ava said about your late-night visit. Were you working with him and Ethan to kill Kaleb?”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I would never work with Ethan Istrati. His mother’s cruel, and the entire family’s dishonest. Thank God you didn’t marry him. It would’ve been disastrous, and they’d be here making demands.”

  “Oh, I know,” I mumbled, recalling how Uncle Henry had tried to arrange my marriage to Ethan.

  “Is there anything else you want to discuss?” A frown on her face, she fiddled with the cuffs of her robe.

  “Yes.” I sucked in air, fighting not to scream at the top of my lungs. She had no reason to be annoyed at me. Maybe I had a lot of questions, but I deserved answers. “Why didn’t you help Kaleb that night?”

  “There was nothing I could do, Sienna.” Avoiding my gaze, she glanced at her watch. “If that’s all, I have to—”

  “No. We’re not done talking,” I snapped, wanting her to look at me and tell me how sorry she was. “It’s your fault he’s dead. You could have at least tried.”

  “Is that what you think?” Her tone hardened. “What if it wasn’t Kaleb?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “You didn’t actually see him break through the barrier spell. All you saw was a black wolf fighting a vampire. It could have been someone else.”

  “No. That makes no sense. The only other wolf who’d come to my rescue is Markus, and he has brown fur.”

  “There might have been a black wolf already outside the barrier spell. For the past year, we’ve heard rumors about a rift in the Norwood pack. More than half the pack is loyal to Kaleb, not his father. If that’s true, one of them may have tried to save you.”

  I stared at her, not sure what to believe. Kaleb had wolves loyal to him, but it was hard to imagine they’d save me from a vampire. They thought I’d put a spell on Kaleb, and he trusted no one but Markus. The idea of another wolf risking their life to save me…

  No. Not possible.

  “Kaleb told me you made a deal with him. What was it?” I asked.

  Calandra’s face tightened, and she hesitated before answering. “He came to the coven, saying the wolves had captured you, and they were going to burn you alive. Kaleb demanded I save your life in exchange for his blood. Of course, I couldn’t refuse because I knew you were the Lost Raven, and olden blood from a Norwood wolf is rare. The barrier spell was his idea, and it was a solid plan. Contain the wolves and get you outside the barrier. It worked perfectly.”

  “You mean, it almost worked perfectly.” My heart pounding in my chest, I shook away the image of Kaleb in wolf form, lying lifeless on the ground. It had been him; I knew it. “He risked his life to save me.”

  “If Kaleb crossed the spell barrier, that was his decision to deviate from the plan. He should’ve known the vampire wasn’t a real threat.”

  I shook my head. “That vampire and his friend had come after me before. They told me a warlock paid them to find me.”

  “What vampires?” She jumped to her feet, her eyes wide. “You’re saying two vampires came after you?”

  “Yes. Right before the wolves kidnapped me, two vampires showed up. One tried to bite me, but the other one stopped him. He said a friendly warlock sent them to find me.”

  “You’re just telling me this now?” Calandra paced back and forth, running a hand over her face. “It must be the prophecy. This beast could be a vampire. I need to tell the others. This has to be important, especially with the missing witch and—”

  “What missing witch?”

  “It’s nothing to worry about.” She stopped pacing. “A witch has gone missing from another coven. It’s possible she ran away with her boyfriend, and they’ve left for Ireland. That’s where he’s from… Is there anything else you haven’t told me? Anything I need to know?”

  “No.” I looked her straight in the eye. I still had no reason to trust Calandra or believe she knew nothing about those vampires coming after me. “But I have one more question. You promised to give me a week to tell Kaleb the truth. Why did you change your mind?”

  “I didn’t change my mind. When I returned to the coven, the High Council already knew about you and Kaleb. I assume Garrett must’ve called Ava and told her what was happening. I informed the High Council of our blood oath, and we agreed to give you a week to say your goodbyes. But one of them contacted the Romani Elders and sent word to the Norwood pack. If they’d known you were Marie’s daughter, they wouldn’t have done that.”

  “You’re saying someone on the High Council wanted me dead because you told them I was your daughter?”

  “Yes. I’m not very popular around here. If my daughter had lived, she’d be around your age. That’s why I knew they wouldn’t question me when I said you were mine. But I should have told them the truth.”

  “I’m sorry about your daughter,” I mumbled. The idea someone wanted me dead because I was Calandra’s daughter sounded awful. What was wrong with these witches?

  “It was a long time ago, but thank you.” She pulled the key out of her pocket. “I better go. You can study in the library, but I have to lock this room.”

  “Okay.” I grabbed the books off the table and followed her to the door.

  “I’ll stop by Hale House to check on your progress, but I want you studying hard for two weeks. It’s very important you quickly learn the basics. After that, we’ll train together.” She stopped in the doorway and took a step back into the room. Her voice took on a softer tone as she said, “There’s one more thing I need to tell you, and it’s very important you remember what I say.”

  I nodded, realizing she’d purposely stepped back into the room so no one could hear us.

  “When the binding spell wears off, there’s a good chance Grace will be able to read your mind. She’ll tell the High Council everything, including the fact that you never cast a love spell on Kaleb. That’s why it’s important you study hard, learn how to block your mind, and practice casting spells.” She crossed the threshold, stepping out of the room. “Have you made any friends at Hale House?”

  “Yes. Orla and Rosella have been very helpful and welcoming.” I took one last look at the High Council’s sanctum, wishing she’d spent time telling me about some of those objects.

  Calandra locked the door and ran a hand across the top of the doorframe. “If they’re willing to help you with mind-blocking and spell casting, that’s fine. Just don’t mess with dark magic or ancient spells. It might seem harmless at first, but it’s not. Trust me.”

  I took a seat at one of the tables and watched Calandra walk to the library’s main doors. What would she say if I told her it was too late? That I’d already made plans with Orla and Rosella to cast an ancient spell so I could gain my powers. Maybe Calandra would think it was a good plan and offer to help.

  Unfortunately, I had no reason to trust her.

  Chapter 10

  I looked up from the witchcraft book and found Julius standing in front of me, with a white file box tucked under one arm. After attempting to study in my bedroom for a few hours this morning, I’d decided to work at the library, away from all the Hale House chatter.

  “Hello, Sienna.” Julius bowed. “I hope you’re doing well.”

  “Yes, I’m fine.” I smiled, admiring his physique in the blue fitted polo shirt and khakis pants he wore. My breath hitched when his hazel eyes met mine, and a hint of delight flickered across his face.

  What did this warlock want? Unlike the other witches in the coven, I had no interest in flirting with Julius, even if he was good-looking.

  “Do you mind if I join you?” he asked.

  “Of course not.” I pushed aside the stack of books across from me, aware that everyone was looking our way.

  “What are you reading?” Julius set his box on the table and sat down, clasping his hands together.


  “It’s an introductory book to casting spells. Calandra wanted me to read it and try a few.”

  “How’s that going?”

  “Okay, I guess.” I shrugged, not sure how much I wanted to admit. Calandra had been wrong: I hadn’t had much difficulty in casting basic spells. “I’ve been able to cast a few simple ones like the locator spell.”

  “Locator spell? Is there something you’re looking for?”

  “No. It sounded easy, so I cast one to look for my cousin in Woodlake.” I told only half the truth, as I’d also cast a locator spell for Kaleb, coming up empty, just as Garrett had at Magickal Dreams. When I’d searched for Drina and anyone else I knew in Woodlake, the pendulum had moved to Woodlake on the map. But no movement for Kaleb, even when I’d tried heightening it by using personal items like my wolf bracelet. I’d used the same spell as Garrett but still had no result.

  “Well, if you have any questions, I’d be glad to help.” His gaze lowered to Marie’s grimoire, which lay on top of my other books. “Any luck with breaking the protection spell?”

  “No.”

  “I’m sure you’ll figure it out once you get your powers.” His gaze lowered to the other books. “Have you tried invoking the elements?”

  “Not yet. Calandra insisted I focus on the basics until I get my powers. She’s worried it might have disastrous results if I invoked the elements and lost control.”

  “And you believe her? Sounds to me like Calandra’s trying to control you, and you shouldn’t allow that.”

  “I won’t.” I glanced at the white file box. Although I didn’t trust Calandra, I also had no reason to trust Julius. “What brings you to the library?”

  “Actually, I was looking for you. Your friends at Hale House told me you were studying here. I wanted to apologize for how we treated you when we first met you. If I’d known…” Julius sighed. “Your father was one of my closest friends. When Marie died, Cyprian was devastated, and he spent years seeking revenge for her death. He always believed the wolves set the fire. If he’d known you were alive, he would’ve searched for you instead.”

  “Can you tell me how he died?”

  “Yes. Cyprian and I were returning from a trip, and we ran into a pack of wolves. They outnumbered us, and by the time help arrived, it was too late. I almost lost one of my legs.”

  My gaze lowered. Now, I understood why Julius disliked the wolves. “Do you know which pack attacked you?”

  “No. They didn’t shift into human form, and none of the packs will admit they’re responsible.” He ran a hand over his face. “There’s something you should know. I’m convinced it wasn’t a coincidence we ran into those wolves. They were waiting, which must mean someone sent them to kill Cyprian. It made no sense why they didn’t kill me that night. I can only assume Cyprian was their real target.”

  I swallowed hard. “Did he have any enemies?”

  “He was a warlock, Sienna. We all have enemies.” Julius pulled a photo from his shirt pocket. “This was taken about five years before he died. I thought you might want it and the stuff in this box. There’s not much, just personal items that I kept. His grimoire, some crystals, spell books, and an empty wooden box. It’s yours now, to do whatever you want.”

  “Thank you.” I smiled as I took the photo from his hand.

  In it, two men with smiling faces stood next to a large tree. One was a younger Julius, and the other had to be my biological father, Cyprian. Like me, he had brown hair and was tall. Even his smile looked like mine. He wore the High Council black robe with the Raven Coven emblem stitched in purple on the right-hand side, while Julius was dressed in jeans and a white T-shirt. They looked happy.

  “He was very handsome,” I said.

  “All the girls loved him, especially Marie.”

  “Did you know her?”

  “Not really. But she seemed sweet, and she loved Cyprian a lot. Sometimes I think she loved him too much. Did you know she had stepped down as High Council witch?”

  I shook my head. “Had she done something wrong?”

  “No, nothing like that. Her half-brother was dying, so she moved back home to take care of him. I happened to be in Woodlake when Cyprian went to see her, and that’s how I learned Marie was pregnant. They wanted to keep it a secret until after you were born. Anyhow, after Marie had stepped down from the High Council, Calandra took her place.”

  I stared at the photo. “Who took Cyprian’s place?”

  “I did,” Julius said, a look of sadness crossing his face. “I think Cyprian knew he wouldn’t be around much longer. Two months before he died, he talked about stepping down from the High Council and said he wanted me as his replacement. It was all so surreal for me. Of course, I never wanted to be on the High Council, but out of respect for Cyprian, I agreed. I still can’t believe how much you look like him.”

  I smiled, laying the photo on the table. “Did you say you had his grimoire?”

  “Yes.” Julius removed the file box lid and pulled out a leather journal, which he handed to me. “I’m afraid there’s not much in there. Your father never liked writing stuff down, and his penmanship was dreadful.”

  I opened Cyprian’s grimoire and looked at the barely legible handwriting. No wonder he hadn’t enjoyed writing. The few words I could read, he’d misspelled. As I returned the book to the box, I glanced at the other things inside. Julius was right, there wasn’t much, but at least I had a few items, plus the photo. “I guess you don’t have any photos of Marie.”

  “No, I’m sorry. Like I said, I didn’t know her that well,” he replied. “So, what do you think of the coven?”

  “It’s nice. Everyone’s been friendly.”

  “I’m glad to hear. It’s hard being an outsider, particularly with this prophecy looming over your head. I hope you’re not too worried about that?”

  “Not really.” I shrugged. “I know the High Council believe I’m this Lost Raven, but I don’t know how to invoke the five elements, and I doubt I ever will.”

  “Give it time and do your best. That’s all we ask.”

  I nodded, realizing how comfortable I felt talking to Julius. “It is true you can communicate with the dead?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can you see them too? Like, are there spirits always near us or walking around?”

  “I can only see them if they want to be seen. It’s strongest on Samhain, when the veil between us and the spirit world is lifted,” he replied. “Unfortunately, talking to the dead isn’t as glamorous as being able to see the future or read someone’s mind.”

  “I disagree. Your power helps bring people closure by talking to their deceased loved ones. I think it’s an admirable power.” I made a mental note to look up Samhain, feeling too embarrassed to ask when it sounded like something I should know.

  “You’re much too kind, but don’t forget, not all spirits want to communicate.” Julius lowered his voice. “Is there someone you want to contact? How about Marie or Cyprian?”

  “No,” I said with a quick shake of my head. I had nothing to say to my biological parents. Not now. Probably never. It wasn’t like I’d known them, and I couldn’t ask Julius to contact Kaleb.

  “If you change your mind, please let me know.”

  I glanced down at the photo again, grateful for the keepsake. “Thank you for the photo and the other stuff.”

  “I might have more photos of Cyprian. I’ll check through my photo albums when I get a chance.” Julius looked around, his gaze settling on a group of warlocks who sat on large couches at the back of the library. “I suspect you have an admirer.”

  I squinted over at them, getting a better look. A blond warlock in shorts and a tank top appeared to be watching us. “I don’t recognize him. But I’m sure he’s curious like everyone else. You’re a High Council warlock, and you’re talking to the new girl.”

  “Yes. That might be true. But trust me, every single one of those guys has been looking over here, watching you,” Jul
ius said. “You’re the new witch, so they must be wondering how powerful you’ll be once your binding spell wears off. Just do me a favor and don’t date any half-warlocks. You’re much too good for them.”

  Although I had no plans to date anyone, I nodded. I certainly didn’t care whether someone was a warlock or half-warlock. That didn’t make them any less than me. But none of these guys could compare to Kaleb. I didn’t care how powerful they were. Kaleb had made me feel safe and loved me unconditionally.

  “I’d better go. Boris and I are going over details for the upcoming Lughnasadh Feast.” Julius stood. “I’m usually in the High Council’s sanctum after lunch each day. Do you know where that is?”

  “Yes.”

  “Feel free to come by if you need help or have any questions. I know you have no reason to trust me, but I hope, in time, you’ll see I can be a great friend to you as I was to your father.”

  “Thanks.”

  As Julius walked away, I took one last look at the photo before placing it and my books into the white file box. I then picked it up with both hands and hurried from the library as the blond warlock glanced at me again.

  Chapter 11

  “You’re the new witch they call Sienna.” A short guy with reddish-brown hair stood in front of me, his hand resting on top of the chair. “Can I sit here? It’ll give us a chance to talk.”

  “No. I’m meeting someone. Sorry,” I blurted out, giving him a friendly smile.

  That was the fourth interruption since I’d arrived at the coven’s library an hour ago. I’d even sat at a small table with two chairs and stacked my books on the other side, but that hadn’t stopped the warlocks from asking if they could join me. Maybe I should put up a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign.

  As I watched the latest guy walk away, I decided the library was still my favorite place in the coven despite the interruptions. With its iron spiral staircase and large bay windows overlooking a beautiful courtyard, I’d happily spend hours here. Rows and rows of bookcases occupied one side of the library, while couches, tables, and chairs sat closer to the windows. In the courtyard, white benches, a koi pond, and pots overflowing with red and yellow flowers made it the perfect place to read or talk to a friend.