Page 30 of Witch's Fate

He put his right hand to it and glanced at Sofia. She nodded.

It swung open easily and they stepped through. A narrow street opened up before them, lined on both sides by shops and bars that looked far older than the mortal ones just outside. Mytheans had been here far longer, after all.

“Like freaking Diagon Alley,” Sofia muttered.

“What?”

“Nothing. I think we should find someone that you cantalkto.”

“It’s getting dark. The pubs should be filling up. Let’s find one. We can ask around.”

“All right.”

They set off down the street. Brick and wooden buildings rose three stories high on either side, pressed cheek by jowl. Shops and bars sat on the bottom levels and Sofia guessed the apartments were on top. It was the most magical place she’d seen outside of her own village. Like a northern version of her home—Mytheans allowed to use magic in the streets and walk around freely even if they couldn’t pass for human. Outside of places like this, Mytheans were supposed to keep a low profile.

Within protected spaces, they went wild. Even more so than in her own village. A trio of fae with lavender skin and gossamer wings walked in front of them. Some sort of demon with large horns and blue skin strode down the other side of the street, his huge shoulders hung with two great swords that crossed over his back.

The chimney of a narrow wooden building to her left belched pink smoke. The brick storefront next to that was painted with ancient runes. A seer worked within, from the look of them. A black cat streaked across the cobblestone road, its fur sparkling like dark diamonds.

Kitty hissed.

“I know, Kitty. What a show-off,” Sofia said. “But if you like, I can make you a glittery purple.”

Kitty looked up thoughtfully, then shook her little head once and continued on.

Noticeably absent were magic shops, though Sofia wasn’t surprised. The Salem Coven wouldn’t be the sort to sell their magic. But otherwise, there were restaurants, clothing shops, and weapons retailers. A potions store had the most elaborate front window Sofia had ever seen. Gleaming bottles full of jewel-tone liquid lined the shelves in artful array. Smoke snaked around their bases.

There were no cars. Many Mytheans could aetherwalk, so there was no need. For others, they’d just have to make do, no doubt. Sofia couldn’t see anyone successfully driving out of the alley.

“What do you think of this place?” Malcolm stopped before a quiet storefront that sold fantastical furniture. He nodded toward a set of stairs that led down from the street and through an arch.

“The Cauldron Bar.” The sign hung above the archway. A little emblem of a witch flying on a broom was etched onto it. Only the witch was flying backward, facing the broom bristles. “The demon at the shop said that not all witches here are part of the Salem Coven. Maybe we can find some others in there who can tell us what we need to know?”

“My thoughts exactly.” Malcolm started down the stairs.

Sofia followed, marveling at the breadth of his shoulders. He moved so smoothly for such a big man. Quiet and elegant.

They reached the bottom. Kitty hissed. Sofia squinted down the narrow, stone-paved passage. The brick walls werestudded with yellow gas lamps and Malcolm’s head brushed the narrow ceiling. At the far end, a wooden door beckoned.

“These witches are freaking creepy,” Sofia said.

“Stay behind me.” Malcolm started down the alleyway.

Sofia bristled. She could take care of herself, damn it. No one talked to her that way. She was the Protector of Bruxa’s Eye.

But then, if there was a hit coming, perhaps she should let him take it.

She should definitely let him take it.

Suddenly, the floor dropped out from under her. She screamed as she fell. Pain streaked through her legs as she crashed to the ground. Kitty’s smoky form floated beside her. Heart racing, she looked around. Dim light illuminated a stone-walled room. Dungeon, more like.

She glanced up to see that the ceiling above her was normal. No hole through to the street upstairs. It began to shimmer, then opened up to the street above. Malcolm jumped down into the room, landing gracefully beside her.

He leaned down to help her. “Are you all—”

The door crashed open. Malcolm surged upright and moved to stand between her and the door. She scrambled to her feet, wincing at the pain in her leg. But it was already a bit better. She drew her wand from the aether.

“What ‘ave we here?” The burly blue demon that she’d seen walking down the street entered.

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