Chapter 209: Coven Alone

Sunlight streamed in the kitchen windows, turning the Enforcer's honey hair a glowing gold. I sat and watched him, Sassafras in my lap, while Mom served him tea.

"We've been trying to reach the High Council for some time," Mom said while the man seemed to squirm in discomfort. "Can you shed some light on why we've been ignored, Enforcer Tremere?"

"Pender, please, Ms. Hayle." He sat stiff and uncomfortable. "I'm afraid that's a question you'll have to ask the Council. I'm merely a messenger. And an officer of coven law. I follow orders as they are given to me."

I wanted to confront him, but Gram's mind wouldn't let me.

We could have an ally here, she sent. There is still honor among my brothers and sisters it seems.

After he'd left, with very little more information wrung from him, Mom sighed and hugged herself, staring into her teacup.

"This isn't over," she said.

"No," Gram said, dropping lump after lump into hers with little bursts of magic, "but at least now we know who we're