Page 107 of Spellbound & Speechless
ASPEN
We haven’t seen the corrupt witch in the daytime, so it feels safe to meet in the bar in the morning. Her powers should be at their weakest now.
But honestly, what do we know? Our grimoire gave us some information, but it didn’t answer this question. We still don’t know enough. Either way, we can’t keep coming up with excuses. No more delays. It’s time.
Everyone is here—my sisters, Ozan, and even Mac’s mother, dear Edith. Only one person is missing. Mac isn’t ready to be around Ozan or even my sisters, and I can’t say I blame him.
Joining a family only to feel like an outsider, likehe’sthe problem, is bound to make someone want to keep their distance.
“Well.” Juniper slams down the grimoire and flips through the pages. “I guess we should get started.”
“Wait a minute.” Ozan’s eyes narrow. “Where’s Mac?”
I tilt my head to the side and lift my brows, fixing himwith a look of disbelief. “Did you expect him to come? He’s still waiting for an apology fromsomeone.”
Mac hasn’t asked for an apology, butI’mwaiting for Ozan to say sorry. It may not be enough to bridge the gap, but it’s certainly a start.
Edith snorts but says nothing else. She is far better at remaining impartial than I am.
Silence passes through the room for several long moments as Ozan and I stare at each other. I’m half expecting Juniper to have to nudge Ozan out the door. To my surprise, he goes on his own.
Ozan’s head hangs as he walks through the room. “Right, right… I’ll be back,” he mumbles.
Hopefully, he won’t return alone.
The tension in the room fades when Ozan leaves, and I step closer to Juniper, my expression softening. “Are you all right?”
She nods. “The scratches were harmless, and a healing potion removed the scars. Ozan was worried that… well…” It doesn’t appear she can finish the thought.
“That the scratches would corrupt you?”
She nods. “We did some research, and that doesn’t seem to be the case. Corruption is more complicated.”
“It probably still hurt like a bitch,” Laurel says.
“Indeed.” Juniper clears her throat. “We need Ozan’s help, you know. He’s the only one who can cast a spell like this.”
“I know.” I lift a shoulder. “And Iwanthis help, I do, but none of this would be possible without Mac. Blaming him isn’t the right move.”
“He isn’t to blame,” Juniper says. “We all know that. There is onlyoneperson to blame, and soon, she will return to where she belongs.”
“That’s the spirit!” Maple scurries out of the kitchen and sets down a tray of fresh pumpkin scones. “Now, everyone, eat up. We can’t plot the demise of our enemies on an empty stomach!”
MAC
Ozan’s heavy footsteps always give him away.
I sigh and stretch out my fingers, prepared for whatever is coming.
Part of my new life, of no longer living like a lone wolf, means accepting moments likethese. That doesn’t mean I have to like it. It would have been easier to show up at the meeting and act like nothing happened, but my ego wouldn’t let me.
I’m expecting Ozan’s ego to act up again, too—for him to tell me to stop being sensitive and get back to work. That doesn’t seem to be the case. There’s a sheepish look on his face, and he smells… like sour guilt?
“Well… this is awkward,” he says.
“I know. You made it that way.” I stand up and cross my arms, waiting for him to say more.
“Look.” He meets my gaze with a calm expression. “I know you understand why I overreacted. When is the last time you saw me yell at anyone like that?”
