Page 81 of Summertime Hexy
Sal doesn’t miss it.
She steps closer, dropping her voice. “You ever think about going bigger?”
I frown. “Define ‘bigger.’”
“Traveling show. We’re down two acts. You’d headline easy. Real magic—raw magic—is rare.You wouldn’t just be a witch in the woods. You’d be alegend.”
I should feel flattered.
Part of meis.
But another part—deep and still and stupidly loyal—just thinks about the Grove.
About the dirt under my nails and Derek’s voice pulling me back.
About Milo sneaking honey charms into my jacket and the stupid flicker lights over the cabins and Thorn handing me grimoires like I won’t accidentally set them on fire.
I think abouthome.
And I realize, I’m already exactly where I’m supposed to be.
“I appreciate it,” I say softly, “but I’ve got my own circus already.”
Sal lifts an elegant brow. “That so?”
“Yep. Less glam. More monster patrol and emotional baggage.”
She laughs. “Well, if you ever change your mind—our tents are yours.”
I nod. Take the rose stick. Leave the spotlight behind.
The woods are quiet when I get back.
The kind of quiet that feels earned, not empty. Crickets hum low. The wind rustles the trees like it’s telling them secrets. Somewhere, a wisp blinks once and fades.
I follow the candlelit trail back to camp. Past the Grove. Past the rune stones still humming faintly. Up the ridge path, until I see it—his cabin. His shadow in the doorway, arms crossed, leaning like he’s been waiting for me since I left.
He doesn’t speak as I walk up the steps.
He just watches me.
And I can’t stop the smile that curls.
“You gonna growl at me for disappearing?” I ask.
“I was considering it,” Derek says. “Or sulking. Maybe brooding by firelight.”
“That’s your usual Tuesday night anyway.”
His mouth twitches. “You went to the circus.”
I nod, stepping closer. “Sal offered me a place.”
He stiffens, just a little. “And?”
“I said no.”
Silence.
