Page 9 of Poison Sun

I don’t know where in Zermatt to find the book. I don’t even know where to start. And those eyes could belong to anyone.

I need more.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like I’m going to get it. At least, not right now. The universe is stubborn about what it chooses to share, and I’ve been doing this for long enough to know it’s not about to show me more.

I’m still staring angrily at the rock when the back of my neck prickles.

I’m being watched.

Every muscle in my body goes on high alert, and I jump to my feet, holding up my dagger and scanning the darkness.

The clearing is empty.

There’s no sound of footsteps. Just the whispering wind and the animals scurrying in the trees.

Still, I call on my fire magic, grounding myself.

If someone’s out there, then they’re messing with the wrong witch.

“Come out.” I rotate around, knees bent, heart pounding. “I know you’re there.”

The shadows remain still, holding their secrets close. But I know what I felt. I wasn’t imagining it.

I need to get out of here. Down to the town. Somewhere safe.

So, I tuck my dagger away and start down the path, toward the heart of Zermatt, staying extra alert along the way.

When I finally reach the main square, the sense of being followed is replaced by other, more pressing concerns. Because I need to find that book, and the owner of those fiery eyes, as soon as possible.

They’re here. Somewhere.

Maybe I can do another spell tomorrow for clarification. I doubt it’ll work, since my magic rarely shows me more than it initially wanted me to see, but it never hurts to try.

That’s what I’ll do. And if it doesn’t work, I’ll go to every store in this town, praying to stumble upon something that will light my way. I’ll knock on the doors of the people who live here if need be.

My thoughts are interrupted by the laughter and chatter of a group emerging from a restaurant. They look so happy. Their carefree lives are so different from the loneliness and secrecy of mine, and my chest hollows at the reminder of what I’m missing.

I have no allies here. No sisters. No coven. No one who loves me and has my back.

All I have are shadows, questions, and a pair of burning eyes that might be able to give me the answers I need.

I’m alone, and I hate it.

And so, with a heavy heart, I turn away from the square and head toward the hostel where I’m staying.

Tonight, I need rest.

Tomorrow, the quest for the book and the owner of those fiery eyes will continue. Because I’m going to find answers, no matter what.

The fate of the supernatural world—and the world as a whole—depends on it.

Morgan

Two nights.

That’s how long it’s been since seeing the vision of the book and those fiery eyes.

Two days and nights of relentless searching, and yet, nothing. Every lead turns cold, every hunch results in a dead end. It’s disheartening, to say the least.

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