Book Two: Chapter 85

“He can’t help anybody!” When she swung her arm, rays of frost struck the ground, causing ice to climb up the edge of the fountain. “He’s not the Caretaker anymore, I am! The position is mine by right.” Naia could argue about magical homes all she wanted, but Yuki knew the truth.

Emily had used magic to erase Yuki. The thought made Yuki growl, and the wind swirled around her, flurries appearing around her.

“Look, Yuki, you need to settle down.” The glyphs along Naia’s ribcage glowed ominously and the pressure outside dropped. “There can only be one Caretaker and it isn’t you. Where is Mike?”

“The centaurs have him.”

“What centaurs?”

“The ones who live in the wardrobe.” Ice crystals formed on the stones, creeping up the side of the house now. It occurred to Yuki that the Mandragora’s vines were no longer there. Likely they had died before he could figure out how to care for it. “They’ve probably killed him by now if he’s lucky.”

Naia’s eyes flashed