"Because—according to Lucian—that’s the only way we can stop the locating spell the Raziq have more than likely placed on the book."
She grunted, frowning a little. "It may take a day or so. I’ll have to brush up on the technique before I attempt it."
"Do it. We need to find and destroy these damn keys so my life can return to normal."
I glared at Azriel as I said it, but he returned it passively. And that was even more frustrating. Damn it, I wanted him to react, wanted him to … what? He was a reaper, for Christ’s sake. I had to stop applying human sensibilities to him.
"It does mean I’ll have to go back home," Ilianna said. If she still sensed the tension riding between me and Azriel, she didn’t mention it. "Mirri doesn’t have the texts or the equipment I’ll need."
I frowned. "I don’t like the thought of you going there alone …"
"I will accompany her," Azriel said abruptly. At my surprised look, he added, "If Ilianna were captured, you would drop everything to rescue her, would you not?"
"Yes."
"Then it is beneficial for my quest that she not get captured."
"So glad my safety came into consideration," Ilianna murmured with a wry grin at me. "Oh, and I’ve found Adeline Greenfield for you. She said to pop in after you’ve finished work. She’ll be home all night."
"Good." I accepted the piece of paper she handed me and glanced briefly at the address. Toorak, not far from where Mom had lived. The protection-spell business was obviously booming. I tucked it into my jean pocket and added, "Where are you staying tonight? With Mirri?"
Ilianna nodded. "Although I miss the peace and quiet of our place. Her damn apartment always sounds like it’s in the middle of a battlefield."
I snorted softly. Mirri lived in one of the old East Melbourne mansion blocks close to her work, and her apartment was on a middle floor, meaning it got noise from above and below. And the families living in the neighboring apartments had no qualms when it came to airing their grievances at the top of their lungs.
"Once we get the void in place around the book, it should be safer at home."
"Well, I’d better get my ass into gear then, as I really don’t want to be at Mirri’s too long."