Page 12 of A Silenced Midlife

"Concerning is one word for it," I added. Magical mishaps seemed to be sprouting up like weeds.

Then, as if shedding an invisible cloak, both Charles and Joseph's appearances shifted subtly but unmistakably. Their already pleasant features smoothed out into something almost ethereal, unearthly attractiveness that didn't seem to fit in our small town.

"Wow." I leaned toward Ava, keeping my voice low. "What's with these founding fathers looking like models?"

One of the men, Joseph, I think, overheard. "It's a nephilim thing," he said without a hint of humor. "We're all beautiful."

Ava snorted a laugh, and despite myself, I joined in. It was just so blunt, so matter-of-fact.

"Something funny?" Mayor Brown asked, his brows knitting together as he looked from us to the stony-faced founders.

"No, sorry," Ava said smoothly, though her lips twitched with the remnants of her amusement.

"Right," I said, eager to get back on track. "Anyway, about the spell and the incidents, we've had three. Three incidents of magic exposure," I said, meeting Mayor Brown's concerned gaze. "Besides the statues, we had a problem at a PTO meeting, a problem at a local bed and breakfast, and Ava's home was filled with human locals this morning when we performed the silencing spell."

Ava stared at me. “I assumed that was due to the spell going wrong.”

I shrugged. “I don’t think so. We did the spell the exact same way the second time.” I snapped my fingers at the mayor. “The human townspeople are gagged with magic, by the way.”

"Good. And yes, I had heard about the other incidents," he murmured, tapping a pen against his desk. "Quite the pattern. We'll need to take precautions."

"Absolutely," Ava agreed. "We just thought you should know."

"Appreciated." Mayor Brown nodded, his eyes flicking to the silent founders before returning to us. "Keep me informed, please."

"Will do," I replied, weighing the room. It was time to leave. I tugged subtly on Ava's sleeve. Something about being in the presence of three nephilim made my skin crawl.

"Good day, gentlemen," Ava said with a nod to Charles and Joseph as we turned towards the door.

"Goodbye," I echoed, feeling their eyes on our backs until we stepped outside.

"Awkward much?" Ava muttered once we were clear of the building.

We both let out relieved chuckles as we headed toward the main street.

The sun warmed my skin again as we wandered, shop windows displaying everything from vintage clothes to artisanal soaps. Then, the murmur of voices caught my attention. A huddle of old ladies stood outside the bakery, their heads close together.

"Magic this, magic that," one scoffed. "What's next? Brooms flying down Main Street?"

"Shameless," another clucked, her nose wrinkled as if she'd smelled something foul.

"Hello ladies," I called out, putting on my most polite smile. They spun around, faces transforming instantly with smiles as sweet as the frosting on the bakery's cupcakes.

"Olivia, Ava," one greeted us warmly. "Lovely to see you girls out and about."

"Beautiful day for a bit of shopping, don't you think?" Ava chimed in, her gaze bright with mischief.

"Indeed it is," the woman replied. "Well, we must be going. Take care now."

"Bye-bye," I said, waving lightly.

As they shuffled away, Ava and I lost it. Laughter spilled out, uncontrollable, and we leaned on each other for support.

"Can you believe them?" Ava gasped between giggles.

"Sweet as sugar," I managed to say, shaking my head.

"Only when they're watching," she snickered.

---