Free Witches Be Burned: A Magic & Mayhem Novel by Stacey Kennedy Page A

the treaty and lived by those rules—the Otherworld stayed out of politics in the Earthworld, except when they weren’t given a choice.
    Zade stood from his chair and approached Zia, reaching out his hand. “Let me have a look. Maybe I’ll recognize someone.” One of Zia’s magical abilities gifted as a Spirit Witch allowed Zade to see Trefan’s death as Zia had witnessed it—through her memories, almost as if Zade had been there himself.
    Focused and determined, Zia took Zade’s hand, and then both of their eyes fluttered shut. Only a second passed before his eyes reopened and glowed bright with power. “I’ve met three of them before. They’re vampires from the Midwest Territory.”
    Holten raised his brows in obvious surprise. “Thalia’s vampires?”
    “Yes, I believe so.” Zade returned to his seat. “I met them a few months back when Thalia invited me to her summit to witness the ceremony to rebirth five new vampires.” A summit was a gathering of vampires by the Mistress Vampires to celebrate new vampires, discuss trouble, and issue punishments in their territory. But the summit also included a party that could lead to a lust-filled night of sex and blood sharing between vampires, which was likely why Zade had been there.
    Kyden pondered this new development, doubting Thalia had any involvement in Trefan’s death. He’d been close to Thalia a year ago, and still had a friendly relationship with her. She wasn’t cruel. In fact, she was the complete opposite, gentle and caring. “I can’t image Thalia issuing such an order to take Trefan’s life.”
    Talon bobbed his head in agreement. “I suspect you’re right, but we can’t rule anything out.”
    Zade added with dark, stern eyes, “If Thalia’s not involved, she’ll be furious anyone from her territory is involved. We need to go to her immediately. Trust me when I say she’ll want to discover those behind this.”
    “I’ll go,” Finn stated.
    Talon leaned back in his seat, regarding Finn with one of his long considering looks that Kyden had seen many times as a child. He finally shook his head. “You’re too close to this. Tempers will flare with you involved.” When Finn’s mouth parted, no doubt to argue, Talon added, “Let Zia, Kyden, and Nexi gather the information to locate the accused. Once they have that, you can join in the fight.”
    Finn stayed silent, his fists clenching.
    Kyden didn’t doubt that Finn wanted to refuse, but an order from the Master of Guardians couldn’t be ignored. Besides, Kyden thought his father had made a good decision. The fire burning in Finn’s eyes called for blood. Finn would likely kill first and not bother asking questions. And Kyden doubted Thalia would appreciate such treatment of her vampires.
    “I agree,” Zia interjected in her soothing voice that seemed to affect everyone around her, always calming emotions. “I think it’s best we handle this delicately. If we all bombard Thalia and make accusations, this case could worsen.”
    Talon nodded at Zia and then said to Kyden, “The rest of the Council needs to stay in the Otherworld to see if any developments come about with the trackers.” To Zia, he added, “Show Thalia what you saw and see what she has to say.”
    Kyden anticipated what was going to happen next, and he felt the tension blast through him as he glanced down at Nexi. Deep down, he hoped that she’d decide to stay back with Haven—seeing how distraught her soul-sister was. It came as no surprise when her blazing eyes stared back at him.
    He sighed.
    On one hand, he was so proud of her for how brave she was and how confident a fighter she’d become in six short months. On the other hand, her fiery and determined personality might be his undoing. “I—”
    “Might I remind
you
”—she cut him off with a hard voice—“we already discussed what I think you are about to say and came to a compromise. Unless what you say next is ‘let’s go,’ your mouth