Page 98 of First Ritual

Frond returned to the fold. “What are your hesitations in taking the test?”

Here, I had to be careful. “My mother-given instincts are raised in wondering why my power level is more important than my self to this coven. I have been asked about the affinity test by council members far more readily than how I am.”

Only Varden, Delta, Sage, and Wild maintained eye contact. Wild’s lips were curved, though his deep frown hadn’t abated once, and seemed to grow deeper each time my legs shook.

On that note, we’d need to wrap this up soon or I’d need a chair.

“We’re in a hard place,” Varden broke the silence. “Covens have rules to ensure harmony. The task to find balance between so many individual minds is huge. So though I would not say the original coven is the reason behind tonight’s meeting in the way you suggest, they did remind us of our duties. In saying that, I recognize that you possess your grandmother’s spirit. I recognize that, unlike Rowaness, you grew up in a small coven where maintaining balance did not require rules and a council. I recognize that you have kept your own council for the last five years, and that coming to a place like this is a large adjustment. You, of course, made the choice to be here.”

Damn you, Varden. What was his stake in this? I couldn’t glean that he cared about the original coven. I had a feeling the grimoire in him was curious beyond measure about my power because of his past connection to my grandmother. Whatever that was.

Varden smiled, and there was kindness in his gaze. “So I will ask you, Miss Corentine, will you undertake an affinity test tonight so that the council might label their charms and cork their curses?”

Like dot your i’s and cross your t’s?

When I entered the room, I’d decided to bargain for more time. Another week or two. I didn’t feel they’d go for that now. Not with Ostara tonight being the perfect time for an affinity test. I’d negotiate something else. “I did choose to be here, and I’m grateful to the council for recognizing that one choice does not rob you of all future choices.”

Varden’s smile grew. “Noted. And respected.”

Good. “I will do the affinity test tonight. This is my compromise with the council, though I do not feel ready.”

Sage lowered her gaze again.

“I will not compromise on who does the test,” I stated.

Barrow started to rise. “We have decided—”

I held up a hand. “No.”

He blinked. “No?”

“No,” I repeated.

Barrow sat down.

I continued, “I also won’t allow any onlookers. I am unused to meeting others’ magic and having mine probed. My magic could respond aggressively if I feel cornered. Otherwise, I completed a purification ritual earlier today, so we can get straight to the test.”

Delta glanced around the table in the wake of my demands. “Those seem like requests we can compromise on considering Bronte’s compromise in doing the test tonight.”

Not requests. Demands.

Frond opened his gob, and I half bowed, saying, “Thank you. I appreciate the council meeting me halfway.”

“You said that you didn’t want Mr. Astar to do the test,” said Barrow. “So whom—’

“Wild will do my test,” I stated. “I accept the wisdom of the council in their decision there.”

All eyes swept to Wild, who regarded the council. “I am eager to expand my horizons in my duties as the council is aware.”

I’d laugh, but nerves had set in. I’d been in survival mode up at the cave. Now the memory of the way Wild’s magic attacked mine in the apothecary center hit me anew. That drilling feeling wasn’t easy to forget.

Then our kiss after.

The quad wasn’t here to help separate us this time.

I released a shaking breath.

“Those who agree to the terms of Tempest Bronte Corentine’s affinity test, please make it known,” Varden announced.