by Jasmine Walt
I sighed and stuffed my robes into my pack. "Well, Señor Filbas seems to think he's dead, so that means the trail went cold after two hundred years, at the very least. We could visit Brazos, try to find out more."
"Oh, I doubt he is there anymore," she said. "Yes, he could have reinvented himself, but Ortanos’s pride would have demanded he leave. He's moved on by now. No, I think it is best that we move on as well, at least for now. Would you like to go out for some fun? We can use my magic to seduce a man. Though I do insist that he be a handsome one," she added. "You can't just invite any man to your bed."
I wanted to be outraged at that, but laughter bubbled in my chest instead. "I think I'll start by getting drunk. If that's all right with you?"
"It's as good a start as any," she said blithely, completely missing my sarcasm.
"Great." I grinned, heading for El Botin. "Did you have alcoholic drinks back when you were alive?"
"We used to distill maize into a vile drink that would make the men quite rowdy," Garalina said, and I felt a wave of disgust from her. "I have never understood the appeal."
I laughed. "I think you'll change your mind after tonight."
I walked through the double doors, and my spirits lifted as cheery music and laughter swirled around me. Heads swiveled to face me, and the mercenaries who'd been here for my send-off cheered, looking pleased and surprised that I’d returned.
"Annia!" Sophia cried, grabbing my shoulders and kissing me on both cheeks. "You made it back!"
"How did you survive?" Camila asked. "Did you go to Tia Maluca and get protection?"
I laughed. "I'll tell you the story if you buy me a drink." Though it would have to be an abridged version. No way was I telling anyone here about Garalina.
Laughing, they pulled me into the crowd instead. "Drinks later," Camila told me. "Right now, we dance!"
Grinning, I let all my worries go and slid into the rhythm of the music. Yes, I now shared my body with a bossy, opinionated ghost. Yes, I was going to have to learn to control her before she got me into serious trouble with the law. And yes, one of these days I would have to hunt down a very powerful, very scary mage and try to kill him.
But for now, I was on a working vacation. And I was damn well going to enjoy myself.
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THE END…or is it?
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Annia and Garalina’s adventures will continue in TEMPTED BY MAGIC, Book One in the Mischief and Magic series! It’s available for pre-order right now, but if you’d like to read the first chapter early, click the link below and sign up for Jasmine’s newsletter! As soon as you confirm your subscription, she’ll send you a download link.
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