Page 50 of A Bolt of Magic

“Be careful, brother,” Xander adds, his voice softer now. “We can’t afford to lose you again…not when we’ve just found you. Or to have valuable information leaked to Snow.”

I nod, understanding the fear beneath his words. We’ve all lost too much already. I wonder if we will ever be able to right the wrongs.

We have to try.

For now, I have to respect my friends and keep a clear head where McColl is concerned. I am certain they are wrong. Hopefully, they will see that in time.

McColl is my friend…not my enemy.

I only wish I wasn’t so damned attracted to her. It would certainly make things easier.

15

McColl

I cut a piece of roast chicken and put it in my mouth. It tastes delicious. I only wish that my stomach wasn’t so tied in knots.

The only sounds around the table are of cutlery against crockery. Or of a glass being put down.

I know this stilted silence is all because of me.

It’s clear that Xander and Thesha – particularly his wife – do not trust me. I suppose it was to be expected. I am a witch. We are not welcomed outside of the Regana Mountains, just like we don’t welcome others. I’m not sure why I expected it to be any different just because Kian and I have struck up an understanding…a friendship of sorts.

Kian has been decidedly quiet since returning from his conversation with Thesha and Xander. Since then, there have been quiet whispers between them. Kian is caught in between.

I swallow down the tender chicken, taking a sip of my water to clear my dry throat. It’s nerves.

“So…um…Maya…” I attempt a smile. “Do you think you’re having a boy or a girl?” I glance over at Orion, who keeps his eyes on his food.

“I have absolutely no idea.” She shakes her head, smiling wistfully. “It’s going to be a surprise. Orion and I don’t mind either way. Isn’t that right, darling?”

Orion makes a noise of agreement around his food.

We sit in silence for a while. I concentrate on my food, trying hard to enjoy it despite the growing tension.

I hate this.

“So, McColl,” Maya says, shifting in her chair and placing a protective hand over her swollen belly, “what is your favorite color?” She lifts her brows like she’s truly interested.

It’s the second or third such question she’s asked me. I know she’s trying to make conversation, just like I am, too. I’m grateful and throw her a smile.

“It has to be yellow, for the sun. I pray to the goddess for a day when it shines again.”

I catch Thesha rolling her eyes but ignore it.

“I agree.” Kyrie nods, cutting a slice off her chicken breast. “The moon, too. Oh, how I long to see the stars.”

“That would be amazing,” Maya adds, taking a drink of her water.

“I heard that the land sickness has not affected Witch Mountain, where you live. Is that true?” Thesha asks in a way that is almost accusing. She stabs her fork into a piece of chicken.

I nod. “We use magic to keep the sickness at bay; the haze above, too.”

“So, you’re not affected like we are?” she asks, taking a sip of her wine.

“Not in the same way, no, but we are affected…all of us are affected, Thesha. Make no mistake about that. Even the fae.” Itake a bite of my roast potato, tasting nothing. I may as well be eating dirt at this point. It’s the first time Thesha has spoken since the three of them returned.

“More wine, anyone?” Kyrie asks, holding up the bottle. I am grateful for the change of subject. She seems to be trying to keep the peace as well, and I’m grateful to her, too.

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