I left Twyla’s studio, my head spinning, and descended the stairs to find my mother in her huge, cluttered crafting studio on the first floor. My intention was to march in and demand Benedictus for the sake of everyone’s safety, but when Nelly Fanning turned to me and focused her eyes on mine, I stopped short. Her face was all smiles, but her eyes told a different story. Grinding my teeth together and setting my jaw, I stepped forward and forced a smile on my face.

“Hi Mom,” I said, tilting my head to the side. She smirked.

“It’s so good to see you, sweetheart,” she said, taking me by the arm. My mother led me through her craft room, giving me a tour of all her current projects, the stories behind her tchotchkes, while intermittently trying to teach me to cross stitch. By the time she stopped talking, I was so exhausted I almost forgot why I’d gone into the lion’s den.

Finally, I stopped and turned to her, breaking her iron grip on my arm. “Mother, I’ve come for Benedictus. I need the magic of the sword to defeat a dark force that could threaten the entire family. Just me being here is a beacon for this monster. Quickly Mother, tell me where it is.” I looked her square in the face, delivering my speech with the utmost confidence and conviction.

Nelly Fanning pressed her slim finger to her plump lips and hummed. “Where is that?” she said, tapping her finger.

“Mother, it was Father’s most prized possession. You must know where it is. If not, tell Twyla to track it for me.”

“Your other sisters put it in long-term storage for me. They know where it is.”

“Can you tell them to tell me over that witch network thing or something?” I felt like I was about to start begging. Just because I didn’t want to be around my family, didn’t mean I want them dead. I also had my own neck to save, not to mention my job.

“I know Margery had a lot to do with researching the runes.”

My older sister Margery was the last person I wanted to see.

“Aster is the one who found the space. The portal is out on her property, I believe. You should go ask her.”

“Aster has property?” I asked. My youngest sister had been in high school when I’d left home.

“Aster grows the majority of the herbs that Iona uses in the apothecary. She and her husband Bear also have a permanent stall at the Portland Farmer’s Market,” my mother said proudly. “And she’s got a baby on the way. You need to see her.”

“She’s pregnant?” The thought of bringing Vincent down on my pregnant little sister made my stomach turn. “Mom, I need to get Benedictus now and leave this place. This isn’t a game. All of your lives are in danger.”

“Oh Olivia, always so intense. You need to relax. Aster can help you with that too. I want you to go see her. Twyla will give you a map.”

“Mother, I’m serious.”

“Of course dear. Now run along and see your sister. I’m sure she can help you. But before you go…” My mother snapped her fingers and I looked down at my clothes. Instead of the bloody head to toe black leather I’d been wearing, I was now in a pair of overalls, work boots, and a baseball cap. “I think Aster needs some help out on the farm.”

I gasped in disgust. What had she done? This was too much, even for her. First my hair, now my clothes. These garments offered no protection. Like my dyed hair, it was functional. It helped me stay camouflaged at night when I did most of my executions. Even the heels on my boots served as weapons. Now I was dressed like some hick ready to plow the back forty.

Just great.

I turned on the clunky heel of the work boot and clomped out of my mother’s craft room. Balling my fists, I stood next to the front door. The morning light glowed through the intricate stained glass, reminding me of my childhood. I took a deep breath. I had to make a choice. I could leave now and risk being killed by Vincent or at the very least being permanently debarred from the Executioners. Or I could stay and risk my family’s safety and quite possibly my own sanity in the process.

I sighed. There wasn’t really a choice. I had to get that sword no matter what and leave as soon as possible. Hurrying up the stairs, I tried to quiet my mind. My warrior ability gave me a laser sharp focus when I need it. Analyzing or thinking too much about anything could get me killed during battle. Quick decisions with no hesitation. That’s what I needed.