a grateful nod. “We were able to get everything but the Powderwort and Devonian.”
“I didn’t have either,” Eve said, “and I don’t think you can find them in town.”
I took a big gulp of the coffee, not minding that it was hot. I needed something to get my head together. Everything was going off the rails.
“I know where to get the Devonian,” Grey said.
My gaze flicked to him. That was good. I turned to Eve. “That leaves the Powderwort. Any clues?”
“Yes, in fact. There’s a supplier in human London.”
“A supernatural, of course?” Miranda asked.
“Yes. An old friend.” Eve raised her brows at me. “Do you want to help me find it?”
I looked at Grey.
“Go with her.” His voice was firm, as if he didn’t want me to argue.
After what we’d learned last night, I didn’t particularly want to be parted from him. But it was reasonable. And smart. I wasn’t in love with him, for God’s sake. I cared for him—more deeply than I wanted to admit. But it would do neither of us any good to fall for the other.
“I’ll take care of the Devonian,” Grey said. “You get the Powderwort. With any luck, we can meet back here before midnight.”
“Well before midnight,” Eve said. “I saw what the spell required, and we’ll need time to set up for it.”
Grey nodded.
I stood, still holding my coffee cup. “I’ll change really quick.”
Eve rose. “I’ll come with you.”
We went into the bedroom where I’d left my things after my shower last night.
Eve closed the door and gave me a searching look. “You seem different.”
“Um, yeah.”
“Spill.”
“We need to get the Powderwort.”
“Not dressed like that.” She eyed the silk robe. “You can talk and dress at the same time. I know you’ve got it in you.”
I scowled at her but did as she said, spilling the whole sad, terrible tale as I pulled on my clothes.
Eve sat down hard on a chair. “Oh, fates, that’s bad.”
“Yeah, very bad.”
She swallowed hard, her eyes dark. “Listen to him, Carrow. If the Devil says it’s too dangerous for him to bite you, believe him. He knows his strength better than you do.”
“He’d never hurt me.”
“He wouldn’t want to.” She shook her head. “That’s why he’s saying no to your plan. And the Oracle confirmed it wouldn’t work. You’ve got to listen to him.”
I shook my head. “Let’s talk about this later.”
“Avoiding it won’t change the answer.”
I ignored her and went to the living room, finding it empty. Grey was likely in his room, changing. I didn’t want to leave without seeing him, but I couldn’t march in there like we were a couple and kiss him goodbye.
“I’ll see you later,” I called.
“Be careful.” His voice echoed through the door, and I turned away, heart twisting.
“Come on,” Eve said.
We hurried out of Grey’s place. By now, I’d learned the layout of the halls so well that even the disorientation spell didn’t work on me. Miranda wasn’t at her hostess stand—probably doing something far more important—and the man who stood in her place just nodded goodbye to us.
The day was rainy and gray again, and I pulled up the collar of my jacket as we stepped outside. “It’s like the weather knows things are going tits up.”
Eve squeezed my hand. “Don’t worry. We’ve got this.”
“Are we going through the Haunted Hound?”
“Yeah.”
I nodded and followed her down the nearly empty street. A few brave shoppers were out, fighting with their umbrellas as the wind picked up. At one point, her raven joined us, but I didn't mention it. By the time we reached the gatehouse that led to the Haunted Hound, I was unpleasantly damp.
We passed through the gate, and the shoved us out into the darkened hallway at the back of the Haunted Hound. Eve led the way to the main part of the bar, but instead of turning right to go toward Quinn, she went left, heading for the roaring fire.
I joined her, spotting the ghostly dog who lay curled up in front of the flames, snoring away. “What are we doing over here?”
“Drying out.” She spun around in front of the fire, sighing with pleasure. “It won’t last long, since we’re headed right back into it, but I couldn’t resist.” She gestured for me to join her. “Come on.”
I stepped up beside her, sighing in pleasure as the warmth hit my chilled skin. In seconds, my clothes were perfectly dry, even my boots and socks. “Wow, that’s amazing.”
“A nice little spell.” She tugged on her jacket