Page 47 of Draven

Darcy didn't seem to take offense.

In fact, she seemed to be studying my chest intently, and I followed her gaze, realizing in my haste to dress earlier, I'd forgotten to button up part of my shirt.

I clenched my jaw, feeling exposed and vulnerable, but there was a flicker of understanding in her ancient blue eyes.

"I see, one of them has done a number on you," Darcy said, voice soft.

By "one of them," she meant a black witch.

"This was a bad idea," I muttered, turning away in frustration, but her next words stopped me in my tracks.

"I'm sorry for whatever happened to you, dragon. It's a miracle you survived one of them, when so few have," she said, her tone carrying a somber note. "I lost a sister to one of them before."

I turned back to her, and the grief in her eyes seemed genuine. I decided to take a chance and trust this woman.

"What do you need?" she asked briskly.

"Protection," I muttered. "Against one of them. One of my friends might be in trouble."

Darcy asked for more details, her expression urging me to divulge further information.

However, I shook my head, refusing to disclose any more than necessary.

While I didn't consider Darcy an outright enemy, and I acknowledged she wasn't anything like Belladonna, she also wasn't a friend to me.

Darcy rifled through a case behind the counter, her fingers deftly moving over various items until she found what she was looking for.

She pulled out a necklace with a pendant adorned with a crystal of some sort and set it on the counter in front of me.

I hesitated, not yet reaching out to touch it.

"The chain is made of iron," Darcy explained, her tone matter-of-fact. "Iron impedes their curses and hexes, offering some protection against their dark magic. Silver would also work, but silver hurts shifters."

I nodded.

"The crystal is moonstone," Darcy continued. "It helps ward off malevolent magic."

"Understand that this would simply muddle their foul magic, giving you time to escape," she explained, her gaze steady as she met my eyes.

"I understand," I replied.

From personal experience, I knew not to take Belladonna Payne and her kin lightly.

With caution, I reached out and picked up the necklace, half expecting it to trigger some adverse reaction.

However, the chain felt cool and reassuring in my fingers, and I let out a silent sigh of relief.

"Thank you," I said, meeting Darcy's gaze gratefully as I paid for the necklace.

"Good luck, dragon," Darcy said. "I do hope we see you again soon."

"I hope so too," I whispered, my thoughts drifting to Tobias as I wondered if I would emerge from this mission unscathed.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

TOBIAS

After I helpeda kid check out a book, I couldn't resist sneaking another glance at my phone.