the huntress 04 - eternal magic by Linsey Hall Read Free Book Online

normally relied on buying them from wizards.
    “Maybe,” I said.
    “It’s Victor Orriodor, isn’t it?” Nix asked. “He’s responsible for the scarcity of the charms.”
    “That was my thought. He’s got something planned, and if his appearances in your life are any indication, he’s gaining power.”
    I scrubbed a hand over my face, suddenly weary. “I think you’re right. He needs those charms to sic his demons on me. And to capture other FireSouls. I just wish I knew what his endgame was.”
    Aidan reached for my hand and squeezed. “We’ll figure it out.”
    “Yeah.” I lifted my head. “We have to.”
    He nodded approvingly. “Come on. I want to hear what they have to say.”
    “Sure, but let’s stick to the back.” I followed him through the crowd, glancing back over my shoulder to make sure Nix and Del followed. Nix, who was right behind me, put her hands over her chest and made thumping heart motions. Del was making kissy faces behind Nix.
    I hissed at them, then turned back around.
    Aidan led us toward a darkened corner in the back where a massive statue of a female warrior loomed. It was perfect. She’d guard us, figuratively speaking, and I didn’t like the idea of being surrounded by other Magica while my powers were gone.
    I looked toward the crowd, and Dr. Garriso caught my eye. He made his way toward us, looking so much better than he had after I’d saved him from Victor Orriodor’s portal last week. His white hair was neatly combed and his tweed suit freshly pressed. My shoulders loosened a bit. Thank magic he was okay. He was a tough old goat, and I was glad to see him back to his usual spry self.
    But when he approached, the worry in his gaze was stark. 
    “Hi, Dr. Garriso. What’s wrong?”
    “We have done an inventory of the museum and found a missing item. A massive dampening charm encased in the Gundestrop cauldron. It’s Celtic, and the artifact itself is ancient, found in a bog in Denmark. It’s quite large and heavily decorated. But the dampening charm that it houses is even more impressive. It’s the strongest of its kind, able to knock out the magical power of dozens of supernaturals at once.”
    My breath whooshed out. When I could breathe again, all I could do was wheeze, “Shit.”
    “And you have no idea what he might do with it?” Aidan asked.
    “No, but I wanted to let you know. However he bypassed the museum’s security, he put a lot of money and power into it.”
    That was no surprise. Victor Orriodor had a lot of both. But we were both seeking dampening charms? Why? 
    “Thank you for telling us, Dr. Garriso,” I said. “I’m glad to see you are feeling better.”
    “Because of you, my dear.”
    I gave him a quick hug, and he left to find his seat.
    “Well, that’s a real kick in the pants,” I muttered.
    “No kidding.” Del thumped her head back against the wall.
    The lights flickered, signaling that the ceremony would begin soon.
    “So how’s this going to go?” I asked.
    “It won’t take long,” Aidan said. “Just some speeches, then we’ll meet the Order after. They’ll thank you, and it’ll be over.”
    Okay, that wasn’t so bad. I just had to keep everything under control and act like a normal Magica.
    I almost laughed. I’d never been normal, so this wouldn’t be easy.
    We stood in silence and watched the chairs fill up. The lights dimmed until our corner was cast entirely in shadow and a subtle yellow glow illuminated the stage and the depressing flowers. Freaking lilies. Magic’s Bend might be full of Magica and Shifters, but our memorial practices were as dreary and boring as the humans’. 
    The museum looked so different tonight, full of people and not half disappearing from Victor Orriodor’s portal.
    But what was that bastard’s end goal? When he’d created the portal, he’d done it to steal something from this museum. He’d managed to get his hands on the dampening charm, but also the Chalice of Youth, which