Call of Duty

“Who is that?” Melanie asked, obviously seeing my face and knowing there was something wrong. I clearly didn’t want to answer my ringing phone.

I scowled and said, “It’s Mage Jaye.” Both Raven and Melanie made faces, their eyes popping out of their heads, as they backed toward the house. I didn’t blame them for not wanting to stick around and hear how this conversation was going to go.

I answered the call, “Hello?” hoping I was wrong to be alarmed and the head of the council of mages was actually calling with some good news. Since I couldn’t even imagine what that might be, I didn’t hold my breath waiting for her to tell me everything was rosy.

“Harlow,” she began, her tone wiping away even the faintest traces of hope I’d held out fo