Page 63 of Secrets & Spells
“Yeah, but I’m not complaining—I’m just happy it’s not a migraine this time. Jared and I are supposed to check out the festival tonight.”
“Ooh, a date night?” She shimmies her shoulders.
“Yeah. We’ll get dressed up and go to the closing dance in the town square, but I want him to have the chance to check out the games and food stalls before then.” Despite the extra work the festival creates at the shop, it’s my favourite time of year, and I can’t wait to share it with Jared.
Chapter 25
Jared
Once I’ve wrapped things up at The Chronicle for the day, I go home to get ready for my date with Selene. After a quick shower I change into jeans and the forest-green henley I know she likes me in, then throw on my boots and leather jacket before I head out.
After hearing so much about the festival since moving here, I’ve been looking forward to seeing what all the fuss is about. Plus, I’ll take any excuse to spend time with my mate.My mate. It should sound strange, but the term feels right all the way down to my bones whenever I think of Selene. She explained we’re not technically bonded yet—we have to claim each other first—but neither of us is in a rush to take that next step. We’re happy enough to enjoy growing our connection in what Huxley and Garret have referred to as ‘the human way’ for the time being.
We’re supposed to meet by the decked-out gazebo in the town square. The town council has gone all out on the decorations and, seeing as I’m a little early, I take the time to really take everything in. Since starting therapy with Mohinder, I’ve become more comfortable with crowds to the point whereI found myself looking forward to enjoying the festival with Selene more than I was worrying about coping with the chaos.
The square was already set up when I went to work this morning, but now it’s dark the transformation is even more impressive. Carved pumpkin lanterns line every pathway and the steps up to the gazebo. When the fire fae from the decorating committee who I interviewed for the paper told me this was the plan, my immediate response was to question the idea—it seemed like a fire hazard. The fae burst out laughing and then, realising I was serious, explained that the flames in each lantern are magically contained and every pumpkin is warded so no over-eager human tourists—or excitable supes—can accidentally knock them over.
Strands of autumn leaves, which the town’s human visitors will assume are lifelike garlands rather than the real thing infused with earth magic, wind around every lamppost and street sign. An assortment of food stalls fills the air with mouthwatering aromas, and colourful stands and tents with games you’d expect to see at a human fairground but with a Halloween twist take up the rest of the space.
A snicker escapes me as I watch my prim and proper vampire colleague Emmaline turn her nose up at a take on the beanbag toss. Instead of throwing little bags into round holes, people are aiming rubber stakes into heart-shaped openings, surrounded by cartoon vampires baring their fangs.
I’m almost at the gazebo when a prickling sensation starts at the back of my neck. Something’s not right. Cocking my head I focus on my magic, trying to get a read on what it’s trying to warn me about. An excited shriek breaks my concentration. There are too many people here and, while I’ve been surprising everyone with how well I’ve done getting to grips with my now fully unlocked powers, I’m still too inexperienced to cope in such a busy environment. Plus, the more magic I use, the more Istruggle to control my shift—not something I can risk happening in front of all these humans.
A growing sense of unease builds in my gut. I’ll have to do this the old-fashioned way—by relying on my instincts. An insistent buzzing starts up just beneath my skin like ants swarming over spilled honey. Whatever my magic’s trying to tell me, there’s no time to waste. I turn slowly on the spot until the buzzing intensifies, then stride off in that direction.
I’m led away from the vibrant town square, down one side street, then another. The buzzing intensifies to the point I feel like my flesh might slide from my bones, and I find myself at the mouth of an alley. The nearest streetlamp is out, darkness looming before me.
Everything in me screams danger. I should have stopped to get help, but now that I’m here whatever it is my magic’s latched onto it won’t let me leave. Cautiously, I step forward. There’s something down there, behind one of the industrial-sized dustbins. I squint but still can’t make out any details, only a dark shape on the ground.
My breaths come in short, sharp pants as I edge closer. My foot catches on something and I topple to the ground, my eyes squeezing closed in anticipation of pain. I only just manage to throw my hands out to break my fall, the rough pavement shredding the soft skin of my palms. Taking a steadying breath, I listen out for any sign there’s someone else here. Met with only silence, my anxiety releases its death-grip on my muscles. I open my eyes.
A horrified scream tears from my throat as I come face to face with lifeless blue eyes. I scramble backwards, swivelling my head, searching for the danger. But all I see is the woman with pale blonde hair lying on the ground in front of me. This close, I’m able to make out her black jeans and boots and realise it must have been her foot I tripped over.
Something soft tickles the back of my hand, and I jerk it back. What was that? I pat the floor until I find it. A black feather. Time stands still as I look at the woman again, forcing my frantic mind to take in more details. Her hair isn’t pale blonde. It’s white. Bright fucking white, and her face is frozen in an eternal scream.
Vomit burns its way up my throat, and I stagger away from her, falling to my knees and throwing up closer to the opening of the alleyway. Cold sweat breaks out all over my body.He’s here. How is The Raven here? I should call someone. I pull my phone out of my jeans pocket, but my trembling hands lose their grip and it clatters to the pavement.
Unable to stop myself, I look back at the woman. She looks terrified. Is that what I looked like when he had me? Or did I not look right? Is that why he let me go? Why did I get to walk away? I don’t deserve to live any more than this woman. My glasses fog, and I realise I’m crying.
Rocking back and forth, I do everything possible to stifle the sobs wracking my chest. He’ll hear me. I have to be quiet, or he’ll hear me. Staring into her vacant blue eyes, I sink into the furthest corner of my mind. If I disappear, he won’t be able to find me.
Chapter 26
Selene
Something’s not right. Not once in the month he’s been in town has Jared ever been late for anything. I check my phone again, but there’s no message or missed call from him.
My view of the beautifully decorated town square warps with the familiar black spots that precede my visions.
Jared. He’s leaving the town square. His gait is stiff, and he keeps glancing from side to side like he’s expecting something to leap out at him. My head throbs, but I hold onto the vision. I need to see where he went. There.
My eyes snap open, and I rush off in the direction I saw Jared go. Pulling my phone out while I dart around the festival crowds, I dial Garrett’s number.
“Who is it?” Garrett’s deep voice rumbles—he gave me his number the night of the Devil’s Brew incident in case I needed his help with Jared, but he doesn’t have my number saved.
“Garrett, it’s Selene. Jared’s in trouble.”
“What happened?”
