Shifting Loyalties by Patti Larsen

Author:Patti Larsen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: family saga, magic, ya fantasy, young adult fantasy, ya paranormal romance, young adult paranormal romance, young adult paranormal, ya paranormal, young adult action adventure, young adult magic, ya action adventure, ya magic, ya witches, young adult witches, young adult family saga
Publisher: Patti Larsen

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Chapter Nineteen

We didn't return to the study, but retreated back toward the front of the house and through another doorway, into a wide foyer. I saw an open pair of doors on the far side, more light reaching us, and realized we'd only been in one wing of the big house. I pulled my hand free of Piers’s as we entered what looked like a dining room. But there was no food on the table, much to my stomach's displeasure. Instead, a large map of the countryside spread over its surface, the palace in the center.

It was even bigger than I thought, if I was reading the scale of the map correctly. Had to be larger than a couple of football fields. Who lived in such opulence?

As much as I loved Charlotte and everything, part of me had to agree with the revolution, which brought down the Romanovs, if this was their idea of a country house.

A short, narrow-shouldered sorcerer, his red hair and freckles making him seem younger than he probably was squinted at Piers through his round glasses, a glare of light reflecting from the smooth twin surfaces.

“Sydlynn Hayle,” Piers said, gesturing to his friend. “Allow me to introduce you to my team. This is Ellis Lowsley.” Ginger nodded, hands spread out on the table before him. “Flora Husher.” The pretty brunette's dark bob reminded me of an old friend and, in a rush of emotion, I missed Beth and wondered how she was.

“And this is Liard Meath.” Crooked teeth grinned at me, his dark skin and brown eyes betraying his Indian heritage. Which made me think of Shenka,

Seriously, Syd? Find some freaking focus already.

“Last but not least, Perty Lins.” Blonde, pert, pretty. I smiled a little and nodded to each of them, certain I'd forget their names in about two seconds even as I wondered why they all seemed so young. Where were the older Steam Union members?

Piers leaned over the table as Oleksander chewed the rim of his mustache, scowling at the map.

“Els,” Piers said to the red-haired sorcerer. “Lay it out for us, if you would.”

Ellis nodded, straightened up. “Our previous plan had to be altered, thanks to our new information.” He gestured at me. Isabelle huddled next to him, misery on her face as she stared at the map herself. “Our main target remains the same, but we need to be more careful if the Czar is able to call on backup.”

“Where are they holding Charlotte?” I peered at the map in frustration.

“We're not sure.” Ellis might not have been, but Isabelle twitched with guilt and refused to meet my eyes. “But we'll find her once our main target is taken out.”

Hang on. “Wait a second,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest as I glared at Ellis. “Charlotte is the main target.”

Piers hesitated before leaning close to me. “Actually,” he said. “That's not exactly accurate.”

What the hell?

“Our goal has always been to remove the Czar,” Oleksander said, looking back and forth between Piers and me, confusion mingling with worry on his face.

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