Page 26 of Spellbound & Speechless
The polish knocks over as I stand, pink pigment spilling onto the weathered wooden floor.
“Reveal yourself!” My voice shakes.
The energy in the room trembles, and slowly, a creature creeps from a shadow in the room. No, not a creature, but a person—a witch. The corrupt witch from the bar.
This time, I don’t scream at the sight of her expired face. The sound catches in the back of my throat, but I won’t let it break free. This witch cannot have my fear. Not again.
She isn’t here for me. My family is powerful, but I am useless. Laurel has raw, untapped magic that has yet to be defined. Juniper has the hands of a potion maker—charmed hands that can create and channel energy with little effort. Rowan carries celestial magic, one of the most ancient practices, only known to a few living witches. Maple may be a simple kitchen witch, but even she is more useful than I am.
“How did you get in here?” I ask.
She tilts her head to the side. “Through the front door, of course.”
Goddess.Did I forget to lock it? That’s just like me. As hopeless as ever.
I lift my chin higher. “And what do you want with me?”
The dark veins in her forehead pulse as stolen magic ripples through her body. “Can’t you put the pieces together?”
I shake my head.
“Too dense for even that, I see.” She steps closer. Her clawed nails run along my cheeks, scraping my soft skin.
I whimper.
“You carry the magic of beauty, youth, and charm. That is what a witch like me needs.” She leans closer.
The rot of stolen magic hits my nostrils. I recoil from her touch. “How do you know stealing my magic won’t make you uglier? That’s how it’s worked for you so far, right?”
Sheisugly. I’m not the type to call anyone ugly, but a witch who steals magic and life is ugly inside and out. Robbing the magic of a paranormal being is the same as stealing someone’s soul. My magic connects me to my goddess, and this witch threatens to rip it apart, to steal the gift of beauty Aphrodite gave me.
The corrupt witch smiles a slow, evil smile. “That is a risk I am willing to take. You see, not everyone elevates beauty as you do. There are more important things, and far more powerful ways to use your gifts. You are afraid to use them, aren’t you?”
My breaths come out in pants as I back away, desperate to get far from her grasping fingers. “You’re lying. You want to use me to trap my sisters.”
I can’t let that happen, but I can’t do anything about it. All I can do is run, and I do, flying through the house as fast as I can.
“Help!” I yell, hoping to be loud enough that the neighbors can hear.
She blocks the front door, but if I can reach the attic… to the kitchen… somewhere with magical supplies.
I can live through this. I can save my sisters. I have to try.
Chapter 11
Mac
I clapmy hands over my ears. It’s as if she’s in my head. The screams. The cries.
Help! Help! Someone help!
She isn’t here. Why can I hear her like she’s right next to me? Maybe it’s a witch trick, but it doesn’t matter. Aspen needs me.
It’s late in the evening. Bodies densely pack the bar, but none of them are hers. I can’t smell her. My wolf claws at my mind as if he’s trying to escape. My skin ripples. A growl builds in the back of my throat.
I should stop. Ask Juniper.
No. That’s not an option. My wolf roars. Somewhere, Aspen is screaming for my help, and I will fucking tear apart the thing that is making her cry.
