the facial recognition software embedded into it? That was built in the Pelcrum’s computer lab.”
“Then I’m sure it’s more than adequate. Let’s go straight there.”
“Wonderful. While you do that, I can assemble what’s left of the team at the Pelcrum. I have a few favors and friends I can call in to bulk up our numbers.”
She sat back. “Sounds like a plan.”
He glanced at her. “You know it’s highly unlikely the senator will be wherever they’re holding Augustine, right? Just her men?”
Harlow let out a long, slow breath. “All I care about right now is Augustine.”
Finally, the witch was awake. Ava Mae couldn’t wait to be rid of her. The more time she spent in the witch’s body, the more she realized that she had to be back inside Harlow. And by telling the witch they needed to sacrifice her sister to the tree, Ava Mae had a plan in place to make it happen.
Then she would finally be complete.
Now all she had to do was live long enough to get to that point. Since the witch had gotten rid of the leaves, Ava Mae had begun to weaken. Her only chance was to get the witch in the house, close to the tree. That should give her enough power to take control again. If not, she had another idea about how to make it happen.
Either way, she wanted back in her sister’s body. It was the only place she would be able to comfortably inhabit for the rest of her days.
Get up, Ava Mae urged Giselle. We have work to do.
And I have coffee to drink. I’ve only had a few hours of sleep. Calm down.
The longer we wait, the more advantage Augustine and Harlow will have. They’ll be prepared for us. We should have gone to the house immediately, while they were still asleep.
Giselle sighed. I may be a witch, but I’m also human. I have to have sleep.
Ava Mae was aware of just how human her new host was. We should go now. Augustine usually leaves the house right after breakfast. Chances are good he won’t be home for a few hours.
“Ian, my love.” Giselle shook his shoulder gently.
Ava Mae wanted to throttle her. Are you paying attention to me? We need to go now.
Ian turned to face Giselle, blinking. He stretched and the sheet fell away to reveal his naked torso. For a moment, Ava Mae considered staying in bed awhile longer. He yawned. “It’s too soon to be awake.”
“I agree, but my parasite wants me up.”
Don’t call me that.
“She’s insisting I go to Augustine’s house and take possession of the tree now.”
He pushed up to his elbows. “I’m not sure I’m ready for a confrontation with two fae.”
Giselle sighed. “She says Augustine won’t be home right now.”
He shrugged. “Can I at least get some coffee first?”
We don’t need him. This is something you and I must do alone.
Giselle hesitated.
Ava Mae pushed harder. Do you want him to know all the secrets of the tree that I’m about to reveal to you?
She leaned in and kissed Ian on the cheek. “I’m just letting you know I’m going out. It’s nothing I can’t handle. I’ll be back before you know it.”
He gave her a strange look. “You’re sure?”
“I’m sure.” Giselle smiled. “If I’m not back by twilight, come look for me.”
“That’s a long time.”
Some of the rituals I’m going to show you take time. The power ceremony cannot be rushed. Ava Mae was making stuff up as she went along, but Giselle seemed to be buying it.
Giselle shrugged. “It’s just one of those things. It takes some time.” She slipped out of bed, showered and got dressed.
What’s with the white all the time? It’s so boring and dull.
It’s not boring and dull. It’s sophisticated and it sets me apart.
You sound just like someone else I know. Ava Mae sighed. Hurry up.
I’m walking out of the house. I can’t go faster than that. Giselle missed the click of her heels on the cobblestones but for breaking into a house, flats were more appropriate. She unlocked her car and slid behind the wheel.
Nice car.
“Thank you.” Giselle preferred speaking out loud to her parasite. All that conversation in her head was making her queasy. “It was my father’s.”
The one you killed?
Giselle stiffened. “I did what I had to for the good of the—”
Hey, I get it. I killed my father, too. I guess we’re more alike than I originally thought. Dead fathers, sisters that betrayed us, the desire for power…