Chapter 53

Maeve’s POV

I narrowed my eyes as the unfamiliar face stepped forward. He wore a black cloak draped over his clothes; his hair was as dark as night, catching the last rays of the setting sun, and his eyes shone a captivating shade of deep magenta. “I sincerely apologize if I frightened you. It wasn’t my intention,” he said with a small smile, plucking the dagger suspended in midair.

“I wasn’t frightened. Just alarmed,” I replied, watching him stalk closer.

“Here.” He extended my dagger, and I slid it back into my boot.

My gaze swept over him. The subtle trick with the dagger confirmed my suspicion: he was a witch. Yet I had never seen him among the coven. He must be new here. Adie’s voice echoed in my mind: Ask him?

“I haven’t seen you around before. Who are you?” I asked.

He smiled again, deepening the dimple in his cheek. “You’re right. I’m not from here; I just came to visit. But I might stay a while longer.”

I nodded at each word,