The Witch's Thief Read Online Free PDF

remained fixed on the fire, wondering in what ways she had changed, too. Her looks hadn’t changed greatly. Julia’s face remained much as the younger version he remembered, although her eyes differed. They looked older, serious. Her youthful exuberance had vanished. Things had happened to her, changed her, matured her in ways he was certain he didn’t wish to know. Had he done that to her? The vibrant life he had seen in her eyes was now dulled with...pain?
    He looked away from her. He’d go mad if he kept up this line of thought. Although he could blame himself for many things, he’d hoped Julia had managed to forget him as he promised to forget her.
    And because he was used to the lies he told himself, his hungry gaze turned back to her, devouring the sight of her. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed her. The urge to reach for her, to take her and cradle her in his arms nearly overpowered him.
    “Julia, my sweet, would you be a dear and run to my rooms to fetch my shawl? This vulgar snowstorm has the chill in this room going right through to my bones. We’ll have Parker see to the fire. It’s starting to die down,” Petunia said.
    Julia nodded. “Of course, ma’am.” She obligingly stood, offered a brief curtsy and left the room. Basil couldn’t help but note the look of relief in her face as she darted passed him toward the door. He resisted the urge to reach for her arm. He wanted nothing more than to gather her into his embrace so he could give her a proper kiss.
    He still couldn’t believe it.
    Julia.
    How was it he returned to find her living in his very home? Where was her husband? And the myriad of children he imagined she’d have by now? Although it pained him to think so, she should have her own household by now.
    Aunt Petunia leaned over toward his chair, shaking him from his thoughts. She grasped his hand and squeezed tightly.
    “I have missed you, my boy.”
    Basil smiled. His throat tightened at the tender emotion in Aunt Petunia’s chubby face. He caressed her weathered hand, the affection he felt for his aunt warming him.
    “I never imagined you would stay away for so long.”
    “Nor did I.”
    “And with hardly a word? Basil, did they not have mirrors where you were?”
    “In fact, Auntie, they did not.” Basil released her hand and she sat comfortably back in her seat. “I’ve spent a goodly amount of time in wilderness virtually untouched by civilized man. Mirror communication was out of the question. I couldn’t even post a letter. I hoped you wouldn’t worry over much as I did promise to return.”
    “I assumed it would be a bit earlier than this.”
    Basil nodded, glancing to the door. How long did it take to retrieve an old woman’s shawl? Turning back to his aunt, Basil tried to focus on her instead of the woman who had gone upstairs.
    “And did you find what you were looking for?”
    “No.”
    “Care to tell me the reason you hid away within the jungles?”
    “I’ve explained in my few letters. I’m following Father’s footsteps. Searching the world for special spells and practices to record in the grimoires.”
    “Your father’s spellbooks might be the excuse for leaving England, but not the reason.”
    “That’s the only reason, Auntie,” Basil said. He turned back to face the fire and hoped his tired face did not reveal the lie. She was too perceptive by far. He prayed she’d not see the odd shudder course through him, nor the way his hand trembled on occasion. He clenched his fist when he felt one coming on, hoping to hide it from her. He wondered briefly how long he could manage to keep it all a secret. Especially with his foolish travels through the mirror. He knew better than to attempt it. Reed had tried to talk him out of it. But the urgency in his aunt’s letters compelled him. It was not only his sisters that worried him.
    “Where is Sage? Why has he not done anything to assist with Lillian and Melora’s troubles?”
    “Your brother’s