She pulled out the items one by one. The first was a bunch of tiny bundles of braided white hair. Next came a shriveled severed hand. A few days ago, that would’ve totally freaked me out. But after what had been done to la Aquelarre, one hand was no big deal. And it was loads better than the jar of eyeballs.
Then a ring with a seal on it came next. And last, a knife. Claudia arranged everything on the table before pulling out the last item. “This is the most interesting piece.”
She held up a gray crystal. It looked like one of those cheap polished rocks they sold at rest stops. “Are you sure? I was thinking that hand was kind of the winner.”
My cousin grinned. “I guess you’re right, but the crystal killed a demon.”
Now she had my attention. I took the crystal from her, but I didn’t feel one lick of magic. “Are you sure it was the crystal? Not your own magic?”
“I’m sure. I think I used up all its magic when I stabbed the demon with it. It used to glow, like it was lit from the inside with a pure white light.”
I set the crystal down. “That would’ve been too easy.”
Cosette touched the crystal and her eyes narrowed. “Can we get more of them?”
Claudia nodded, and hope blossomed. “But it’s a long trek. I’m not sure we could get someone there and back in time.”
“How long could it really take?” I asked. “You got back to Raphael so fast. If we send someone the same way, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
She mumbled, mangling her words so much that even with my hearing, I couldn’t understand what she said.
“What?”
She cleared her throat, but wouldn’t meet anyone’s gaze. Instead, she stared at the crystal. “I made a promise with a fey to get me to Raphael.”
Cosette jerked, knocking the crystal onto the floor. It skittered away, but everyone stood frozen. “I thought I expressly told you not to do that.”
“I had no choice.” Claudia rubbed her hands together. “My brother’s life was on the line.”
Energy vibrated off Cosette and I realized this was the first time I’d ever seen her angry. It made me worried for Claudia. By all accounts, fey could be tricky. Even saying thank you could lead to bad things happening. Making a bargain could be deadly.
Cosette muttered fey curses as she picked up the crystal and then plunked it on the table. “What were the terms? Exactly as they were stated. And who did you make this bargain with?”
“I gave him a favor of his choosing—”
“No you didn’t,” Cosette’s voice was so cold, the sound made me shiver. Claudia was definitely in trouble.
“There were terms…”
“What terms?” A wave of energy spiked from Cosette and she was definitely casting off a glow. “Do you even know what court this fey was from?”
“Cosette,” I said. “Calm down.”
Raphael cleared his throat. “I know that what my sister did might not have been the best thing, but I was dying. If you’re worried about her, know that I’m willing to pay the price. Especially if it’s something that could harm her.”
“No!” Claudia hit her brother’s shoulder. “It’s my debt to pay.”
“No. It’s mine.” Raphael crossed his arms as he stared down at his sister.
“Argue all you want.” Cosette rubbed her temples, but at least she’d stopped glowing. “It doesn’t work like that.”
“It doesn’t matter. I made the deal and I’m prepared to go through with it.” Claudia pulled a chair to the table and sat. “We agreed that I wouldn’t do anything bad or evil, or kill or hurt anyone. He also agreed that he wouldn’t hurt or kill me or anyone I love. He can’t steal my magic or bind me to anyone. If I have to go somewhere for the favor, Lucas comes with me. And whatever he asks can’t override the agreement between the wolves and the fey.”
“Mother of…” Cosette scrunched her eyes tight. “Give me your hand.”
The deal sounded pretty airtight to me, but I kept my mouth shut. I wanted to see what Cosette would do.
Claudia offered her hand. Cosette took it gently and then closed her eyes, muttering something in her language. The seconds drew out as Cosette did… I wasn’t really sure what she was doing, but when she finally let go, she pressed her forehead to the table. Her thick curls hid her face, but they didn’t muffle her voice. “If this is a test, it’s not funny.”