Between Light and Dark by Elissa Wilds

its earthtoned decor, shag rug, and wood floor.
    "Our coven, Hidden Circle, holds spiritual retreats here
several times during the year. Usually for the Sabbats, but
sometimes we also hold special, focused gatherings for things
like learning alternative healing modalities," Fiona told her.
    Laurell glanced up from her perusal of the room. "Sabbats ... that's a pagan thing, right? Some sort of seasonal
celebration?"
    "You know something about paganism?" Fiona raised an
eyebrow as though she doubted such a thing.
    "I took a class on paganism in grad school. I'm no expert,
but I've learned a few things," Laurell told her.
    Fiona shrugged, clearly unimpressed. "Too bad. I was
hoping training you would be easier."
    Laurell frowned. "Exactly what are you training me in?"
    Fiona looked at her as though she were dim-witted.
"Witchcraft, of course."
    Laurell didn't know how to respond. She set her bags on
the floor. "I don't understand."
    "This isn't easy for me either. I've never had to train a
natural witch before. And obviously, I've never done it under such pressure. I hope you're ready to work hard, because
I'm not going to go easy on you."
    Laurell stared at her. The antagonism was just too much.
"Someone tried to kill me tonight. Strangely enough, it's making it hard for me to follow you right now." If she'd expected this admission to gain sympathy from Fiona, the attempt failed miserably.

    Fiona's expression was blank. "We can talk tomorrow.
Meals are in the main house. Breakfast is at eight A.M.
sharp. Don't be late. I'm not here to be your personal servant, and I'll be cleaning up by eight forty-five, whether
you've eaten or not." And with that, Fiona stomped out the
door and slammed it shut behind her.
    Laurell sat on the bed. Nope, definitely no sympathy to
be had here. What the heck had she done to make Fiona
dislike her?
    Suddenly she felt more alone than she ever had in her
life. There was no point trying to escape again, even if it
was as easy to cut a hole in the magical force field around
the place as Wayne had said. It was one thing to risk her
own life, but she wasn't going to be responsible for endangering other people. And according to Axiom and Wayne,
that's exactly what she'd be doing.
    She sighed. Now that she'd seen the Umbrae up close
and experienced their power, she was no longer so certain
she was willing to risk her own life.
    At least she had a soft bed, and for the first time in days,
some privacy.
    Axiom took one last sip of coffee and set his cup in the sink,
surprised at how much effort that small movement took.
    "What are we going to do about Laurell?" Wayne's voice,
tinged with concern, echoed through the all-but-empty
kitchen of the main house. Fiona had explained earlier that
the rest of the coveners were in bed. It was almost three in
the morning. She had poured both Wayne and Axiom a cup
of coffee before heading to bed herself. It was eerily quiet.
    Axiom shuffled back over to the table and sat across from his friend. "I do not believe she will try to escape
again. For all her bravado in the car, she was very frightened tonight."

    "Hopefully she gets it now," Wayne murmured.
    "I think she does." Axiom stretched, tilting his head to
each side. "Not that I expect her to be any less difficult to
deal with."
    Wayne chuckled. "'Difficult' is a nice way to put it."
    Axiom shrugged. "I am hopeful she will soften with
time."
    Wayne tugged his cowboy hat lower on his head. "It would
sure make it easier to make love to her. I wouldn't wanna try
to force that woman to do anything."
    Axiom frowned. "I will not force her. In fact, I plan to focus on engaging her in friendship. If I can gain her trust, it
will make the mission go more smoothly for all of us."
    Wayne nodded. "No doubt, but, ahh"-he shook his
head-"good luck with that."
    Wayne's words rang true, but Axiom brushed them away.
She will come around. She has to, he thought. "This body is
almost depleted. I