Caught in Crystal by A.W. Exley

Author:A.W. Exley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kydala Publishing, Inc.

12

They were a party of just four. Lyra had flatly refused to allow more, explaining that the binding could be broken by one skilled wizard; having a second along was plenty of insurance, and Anastasia would be along in case anybody needed to be hit over the head. Several agents were strewn throughout the neighborhood awaiting their signal in case they needed further assistance, and the Duchess was on high alert back at Edgebourne House in case there were any injuries, but it was only the four of them who crept quietly to the gate outside the house on Jermyn Street.

Simon wrapped his fingers around Anastasia's and squeezed, and she turned to smile at him. Her heart clenched as she saw his serious expression, and she leaned in to kiss him swiftly. "I love you," she murmured.

"I love you," he whispered against her lips. "Be careful, please."

"You're the one about to engage in battle with a god," she pointed out. "I think I should be the one saying that."

"I'm always careful," he said. "You, on the other hand..."

She grinned. "I'm more fun than you are."

He rolled his eyes, and she felt the tension melt out of his body. Good. "You're a menace, Anastasia Armistead."

"Your menace."

"Yes, thank God." He kissed her again, hard and sure, leaving both of them breathless, then focused his attention on the house while she glanced back at the other two members of their party.

Lyra was watching her and Simon, smiling with what almost seemed like wistfulness. Elliot St. James was watching Lyra, and his expression was something else entirely. He reached out and touched her arm, drawing her attention to him, but by the time her gaze focused on him his face had gone from intense, fierce adoration to cheerful concern. Anastasia was impressed. "Are you all right?" Elliot asked Lyra quietly.

She nodded. "It's almost time."

The girl they'd found was safely at Edgebourne House, where a League wizard under the Duchess' direction would break the binding on her according to Lyra's careful instructions. When that happened, they would move in. Anastasia had wondered how they would know in time to take action. Lyra had shaken her head. "We'll know."

They'd only been waiting for a few minutes when the door of the house swung open with a crash. There was nobody visible inside. Lyra rose. "It's time."

"I see what she meant," Anastasia murmured. As signals went, it was effective.

They walked into the house without any subterfuge at all. They were expected, and pretending otherwise was simply a waste of effort.

Lyra led them unerringly to the back, through two parlors and a hallway, until they found a set of large double doors thrown open invitingly. "Here," she said quietly.

Anastasia gave Simon's hand one final squeeze and then faded back, letting him join Lyra. Elliot stood next to her and patted her shoulder comfortingly. Then they all entered the room.

It was a ballroom, meant for holding society affairs. Tonight, it was simply large and empty. The only light came from a tall torchiere in the center of the room, and Lyra headed for it.

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