Page 10 of Of Poison & Pumpkins
“Elias Thoren.”
“That’s me. Be right back.”
A man whistles a catcall as Elias walks towards the front. I feel my skin flush warm and I want to run into the shadows of the alleyway to hide, but I’m fixated on the stone in Elias’s hand. What magic will he pick?
I lean forward as the leader brings the microphone to his mouth. “We have a new spell, ladies and gentlemen. It’s stronger than usual, with the restriction of a single use. Elias Thoren, owner of the new Peculiar Pumpkins shop, has chosen to successfully fulfill someone else’s wish. He will choose who. It cannot be granted if it involves breaking a law or injuring someone. Do you, the people, allow this new spell to be activated?”
Per custom, a cheer erupts, followed by one snarky ‘Boo,’ which seems to be the same voice as whoever cat-called him earlier.
“You have been granted permission, Elias. Good luck.”
Elias meets my eye. I hope he knows what he’s doing requesting that monthly spell. I hold my breath as he joins my side again. Why couldn’t he go stand with his brother? Or by the food truck?
“How’d I do?” he asks earnestly. “First Ceremony in a new city is always a bit nerve-racking.”
From the corner of my eye, I see his hands trembling. Wait. He’s sweating … at midnight.
“Are you actually anxious?” I gape, turning towards him.
There’s no way this man is afraid of anything, let alone of being center stage. He could charm anyone in a public debate or be the type to receive a thousand bouquets if he performed in a play. And any speech he’d recite would roll off his tongue like a slippery lollipop. So, why can he suddenly not look me in the eye?
“Um, Elias? You’re shaking.”
“Only a little.”
“What’s something you’re afraid of?” Elias asks randomly.
“Is that the first question you ask all your dates?”
“Aha! You admit this is a date.” His smile takes up half his face and I want to zip it shut.
“Fine, I’ll humor you. I’m afraid of the dark.”
“Liar.” He swallows. “Come on, I need a real one. Pretty please.”
I groan and rub my temple, then whisper, “What are you doing to me?”
“Hmm?”
“Agh, you’re the actual worst… I’m terrified that my family will randomly show up for a visit without warning me.”
He nods, no judgment lurking in the depths of his gaze. “Well, I’m afraid of disappointing others … to the point of paralysis. Do you think my spell was a mistake?”
The genuine sincerity and concern in his tone zaps through me, alerting me to run far away. All I can do is shrug. Why is he telling me this? Why are we talking at all? Why is he standing by me? Elias belongs near someone hyperactive and smiley, like Jessica over there, or the lady who owns the tattoo parlor. This whole night is backwards. I should sneak home before my life contorts until it’s unrecognizable. The risk of staying feels too high, the air practically crackling with a sharp intensity.
“Do I have permission to use my spell on you?” Elias asks, with eyes wider than a puppy begging for a treat.
“What? No!” I step back, needing to flee, to go home and pretend Elias never bulldozed into my life.
CHAPTER FOUR
Elias
The coppery scent and sight of blood aren’t bad, but I despise the sticky texture against my palm. Thankfully, a volunteer has already wrapped my hand.
Tonight is when us Fuzers are most powerful. My own spell is already begging to be released to fulfill someone’s greatest wish. Like a phantom voice in my head, it’s prodding at my skull repeating, ‘use me, use me, use me.’
I turn to ask Rynn if she wants to go grab a taco and skip the rest of the Ceremony, but she’s gone. I spin in a circle, scanning the crowd for a view of purple hair.
