Since Theodore was staying right on the edge of town, Felix drove us there. It was a quiet ride, but I was already used to this type of quiet with Felix. After years together, it was normal and expected.

When we finally arrived, I was surprised that the place was a small, ordinary-looking house stuck right in the middle of a neighborhood. Theo could walk anywhere in town from here, and it was inconspicuous.

“Did you think we wouldn’t find a good place to keep him hidden? We don’t want Warwick getting to him after all,” Felix said as we got out of the car. Theo greeted us at the door.

“Azalea, Felix, to what do I owe the pleasure?” he asked, looking calm.

“Hello, Theo. I had something I wanted to discuss with you. Would you mind if we came in?” I greeted him.

“Certainly,” he said. He led us inside and down a front hall to a small living room.

“Felix, I do hope you and Lacey are getting along well,” he said as he sat in the puffy armchair. I took a seat on the small couch while Felix stood next to me. He nodded his ascent, and I laughed.

“He is very excited for the pup,” I told Theo. I looked up at Felix and thought I saw just the hint of a blush on his cheeks.

“I am sure it is exhilarating,” Theodore said. “So, what did you need to come all the way out here to speak with me about?”

I dug in my bag to retrieve the watch box. “I was about to call when Lyssa came in, so I apologize if we are interrupting in any way,” I started. “I recently came into possession of an item that I believe has been enchanted by a witch. I was wondering if you possibly knew anything about it.”

I opened the box and showed him the watch. He leaned forward, and I stretched my arm out to give him the box. He examined the watch for a moment.

“There is an inscription on the back and a note in the bottom of the box, under the watch seat,” I told him. He removed the watch, examining its back then moving onto the note.

“Hmmm,” he said. I anxiously waited for him to say something.

“So, do you have any ideas?” I asked.

“I am afraid not. I have seen items like this before, though,” he said. “It was definitely spelled by the witch. My best guess is that the required incantation would bring the user onto some equal footing to whoever their opposition may be.”

“But what does that mean? How could it make you equal?” I asked.

“I could not comment on that specifically. I would hazard to say that would depend on the intent for the creation of the watch,” he explained.

“Do you know how I might find any of this out?” I asked, hoping he would tell me I needed a witch. That was what Robert had said in the bank.

“I suggest finding a witch. It may be near impossible to find the one that did the spell, but a good witch may be able to decipher the magic on the item. Do you know where it came from?”

“I got it from Mr. Greyback, the inn’s former owner. I was given it in his will,” I explained.

“Ah, well then tracking down this watch’s origins may be impossible. You should get in contact with a witch that may be willing to help you,” he said. He handed me back the watch.

“I thought you might say that,” I told him. “You wouldn’t happen to know any?”

Theo laughed. “I know I have proven to be a bit resourceful, but no, I do not know any witches. I am afraid they are far rarer of an occurrence than Werewolves and Vampires.”

I deflated a little. I had no other ideas about how to find a witch. While I was interested in knowing how this watch worked, I very much wanted to try to contact Warwick.

“Ahem,” Felix cleared his throat. “Luna?”

“Yes?” I said, turning to him, trying to think about my next steps.

“I may know a witch that could assist,” he said. I went rigid and stared at my bodyguard in confusion.

“How?” I asked. Felix wasn’t one for many words or unnecessary details, but I felt this warranted a little explanation on his part. He had been with B***d Eclipse and me for close to a decade now. When did he interact with a witch, especially if they were hard to come across?

“My first mate was a witch,” he explained. “I still have contact information for a few of her colleagues.”

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really?” I asked. He nodded in response. “Do you think any would be willing to come meet with me?”

“I can make a call,” he said.

“Felix, I would greatly appreciate that,” I said. He pointed to the box in my hands. I held it up, and he took it from me. He opened it and pulled out his cellphone. He took a picture of the watch and quickly typed something into his phone.

He handed me back the watch, and I gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you, Felix.”

“Well, Luna,” Theo said. “I am sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance.”

I stood as well. “That’s alright, Theo. I had to check all my possibilities. I hope things are okay for you here.”

“Yes,” he said, smiling despondently. “I presume it is a better place to spend the last of my days. I’d rather be here and comfortable than running from those that know of my cooperation with you.”Content rights belong to .

“Wait,” I said. “What do you mean?”

Theo laughed. “You must have realized. All my kinship will perish when your mate kills my Sire as he intends to do. If you cut the head off the snake, the body will die.”

“I didn’t realize. Theodore, there must be some way I can help you!” Without his assistance, Damien could have died, and we wouldn’t have an almost completely trained vampire killing army ready to wage war.

“I appreciate the sentiment, dear girl, but I reckon I have lived enough life. If I am going to go, at least I helped stop some evil in the world,” he said. His smile didn’t reach his eyes.

“Theodore…” I whispered in disbelief.

“I do appreciate your concern,” he said. “I am at peace with this decision, or I would not have offered your mate my help. Please, do not fret over a too old vampire like me.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded my head. “Alright,” I said.

“It’s probably time for you to get back to your pack. Thank you for the visit, and I hope you are able to track down a witch to help you with that watch.” Theo held out his hand for me to shake. I took it and pulled him into a hug.

Felix and I left, heading back to the packhouse. Again, silence filled the car, but now there was a heaviness in the air. I was worried about Theo and how ending Warwick would end his life as well. I could tell something was on Felix’s mind, but I could not guess about what.