Page 104 of First Ritual

Wild drawled, “The laws of the original coven would dictate that she be treated as esteemed.”

I almost glared at him in front of the council. “I would never expect that, and to be treated as esteemed doesn’t sit right with me. I’ll accept a novice room and duties.”

Delta folded her arms. “I appreciate your desire to prove yourself and work your way up, but Caves complicates things. To treat you as a novice would be unfair when you are stronger. If your desire is still to remain within this coven, then we’ll need to ensure your correct placement.”

“We shall deliberate,” Barrow said sagely.

The council murmured their assent, Wild included.

How to say this? “Do I need to be there?”

Varden smiled again. “No, Miss Corentine. The council will make this decision alone.”

Sounds good to me.

I filed out in their midst, and caught sight of Huxley, Sven, and Corentin at the end of the tunnel. I peeled away from the council procession to join them. “All done.”

Saying more seemed risky with Winona, Frond, and Barrow about.

The tightness around Sven’s eyes eased. The big joker had been worried. Wild cast a glance our way but didn’t join us. Probably for the best. Me talking with his friends would look dodgy enough.

The council disappeared into their chamber. The door closed.

“What reason did they give for the test?” Huxley demanded.

“The original coven quoted some affinity test laws in response to my transfer application.”

Corentin scoffed. “Pissing contest.”

“Pretty much.”

We went silent as Varden exited the testing room and walked toward us. I hadn’t realized he’d lingered behind. Oops.

“Time for bed?” Varden asked me drily.

I blew out a breath. “Past time.”

“Must’ve been a big party at the bar,” he mused.

The amused undertone in the grimoire’s voice was clear. We both knew there was no bar. “Always.”

I felt a strange connection to Varden, and I had to wonder if he’d been close with just my grandmother or both my grandparents. He hadn’t mentioned Caradoc once though. The others were quiet, and that they didn’t try their antics on Varden spoke for their respect of him—or his abilities.

“I shall leave you to your evening, then,” the esteemed said.

“When will I know the verdict?” I asked.

“Tomorrow.” Varden paused. “And thank you, Miss Corentine. I appreciate that you took that test for our benefit, not your own.”

Did I ever. I replied aloud, “I may not have been raised in a coven, sir, but I was raised alongside another strong personality. I know how to compromise when needed.”

He dipped his head and made to walk on.

“Sir,” I called. “Why did the original coven really want me tested?”

Huxley elbowed me. Hard.

I wheezed.