Chapter 54
FIFTY-FOUR
E lder Willow’s unexpected presence at Artair’s cabin did nothing to improve Thora’s already complicated evening. The witch sat calmly at the kitchen table, herbal tea steaming before her as if midnight visits were perfectly normal.
“The Ursine Codex is not merely a valuable artifact,” Willow explained, her weathered hands cradling her cup. “In the wrong hands, it can sever supernatural bloodlines permanently.”
“Including the Tiikeri line,” Thora guessed, the birthmark on her shoulder tingling with awareness.
Willow’s knowing eyes assessed her. “Yes, child. The awakening in you tonight suggests a connection to that lineage. It makes you both valuable and vulnerable.”
“Which explains why my apartment isn’t safe,” Thora concluded, processing the implications. “If Ajax realizes what I might be...”
“Precisely.” The elder witch produced a small wooden token from her pocket and placed it on the table. “This protective charm needs to be placed in your dwelling. Once activated, it will shield your presence from those who might track shifter energy signatures.”
“What’s the catch?” Thora asked, recognizing magical conditions when she saw them.
Willow’s lips quirked. “The protection requires a dominant shifter’s mark—one bound to this territory.”
Before Thora could object, Artair stepped forward, rubbing his wrist along the token, leaving his scent—a bear shifter’s traditional way of marking protection.
“The bear’s instinct is to protect,” Elder Willow observed with quiet satisfaction, “even before he knows precisely what needs protecting.”
The implication hit Thora with startling clarity. The protection spell meant she was now magically bound to this cabin—and by extension, to Artair—until the threat passed.
Her sabertooth purred with such obvious pleasure that both Willow and Artair turned to look at her. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she crossed her arms defensively.
“That wasn’t—I didn’t—” she sputtered.
“Your inner cat seems pleased with the arrangement,” Willow noted, gathering her supplies.
“She’s easily impressed,” Thora replied, but the usual bite was missing from her tone. She caught Artair watching her with a soft expression that made her heart beat faster.
“The charity gala is tomorrow night at the Maxen mansion,” Willow said over her shoulder. “I think it’s important you both attend. Expect the unexpected.”
As Willow departed with her cryptic message, leaving them alone in the cabin, Thora felt the weight of the day’s revelations settling around her. Calan’s possible appearance, the Tiikeri connection, the magical binding to Artair’s territory—any one would have sent her running a week ago.
Now, as she watched Artair move around the kitchen, preparing tea with the ease of routine, she realized something had fundamentally changed within her. The cabin felt warm, welcoming—safe in a way no place had ever been.