Page 20 of Sorcia's Heart
“What about spells?”Jane asked, her voice steady despite the faint movement of her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve.“Is there anything we can use to protect ourselves?”
“Yes,” Sorcia replied, her tone sharpening with authority.“But we need to find the demon before we can use them.”She waved her hand over the table, the crystal orb spinning faster in response.Its glow intensified, white and blue strands of magic spiraling outward like shimmering threads of energy.“Here’s the spell to capture the demon, but you’ll need to be within fifty feet for it to work effectively.”
Zelda, Jane, and Bethany extended their hands, their palms glowing softly as the magic from the crystal orb flowed into them.The light splintered and coalesced, the warmth of the spell surging through their hands—a stark contrast to the cold, malevolent threat of the demon they were preparing to face.
“Send this spell to all your witches,” Sorcia instructed, her voice resolute and unyielding.“Tell them to start searching immediately.This isn’t something we can delay.A demon is a witch’s worst enemy, and we need to act now.”
The three women nodded, their combined energy radiating determination despite the undercurrent of nervous tension flickering in their expressions.They rose in unison, the scrape of chairs against the polished floor the only sound in the room.Without a word, each exited through separate doors that sealed behind them with a faint shimmer, as though the room itself acknowledged their resolve.
For a moment, Sorcia remained seated, her gaze fixed on the still-spinning crystal orb.Its glow was steadier now, less frenetic, as though reflecting the clarity of their purpose.She could feel the echoes of her council’s shared power lingering in the air, a quiet but potent reminder of their unity.
For the first time that day, as she stared into the orb, a small spark of hope flickered within her.It wasn’t much, but it was enough.
Chapter 9
Sorciaremainedseatedatthe table, her posture stiff and her jaw tight, painfully aware of Marcus beside her.To his credit, he’d stayed silent during the meeting, and she grudgingly appreciated it.He hadn’t tried to take over, like so many other male witches would have.
“So…!”he started, breaking the silence with an infuriatingly casual tone.
“Yes,” Sorcia cut in quickly, trying to steer the conversation.“I understand that your presence here is very…” She floundered for the right word, her annoyance bubbling just below the surface.“Helpful,” she finally finished, the word tasting bitter on her tongue.
Marcus chuckled, his blue eyes glinting with amusement.“Helpful,” he repeated, as if tasting the word himself.“That’s an interesting choice, considering you still think I cheated on you two years ago.”
Before she could retort, the crystal ball at the center of the table sparked sharply, sending tiny arcs of shimmering energy through the air.The sudden flash connected both her and Marcus, a faint crackle of magic humming as it danced between them.
Sorcia flinched, her eyes darting to the orb.“What the—”
“Seems like your crystal ball has an opinion,” Marcus said, leaning back in his chair with an easy smirk.
She glared at the orb as if it had personally betrayed her.The shimmering sparks faded, leaving the ball glowing a soft pink.
“Anyway,” she said, turning back to Marcus, her tone brisk.“Thank you for your help, but I think you should consider working with one of the other witches.Bethany or Zelda could use your support in their searches.”
The crystal ball flared angrily, its glow shifting to a fiery red as it sent off sharp, erratic pulses of light.
Marcus raised an eyebrow, gesturing toward the orb.“Well, that’s subtle.”
Sorcia crossed her arms and glared at the crystal.“Stop it.”
The orb pulsed defiantly, a quick staccato of pink and red flashes that felt more like a tantrum than a response.
Marcus laughed, low and rich.“I think your crystal ball is playing matchmaker, Sorcia.”
“That’s ridiculous,” she snapped, though her cheeks betrayed her with a faint blush.
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.“Is it?It’s pretty clear that your crystal has excellent taste in matchmaking.Maybe it even knows the truth—something you’re still unwilling to admit.”
“What truth?”she asked, her voice sharper than intended.
Marcus’s gaze softened, his smirk fading into something more serious.“That I didn’t betray you.That I never would.And maybe,” he added, his tone gentle but insistent, “that you’re still holding onto more than just anger.”
Before she could respond, the crystal ball flared again, the glow brightening as if to underscore his words.
Sorcia shoved back from the table and stood, refusing to acknowledge either the orb’s antics or the truth in Marcus’s statement.“We’re wasting time,” she said briskly, heading toward the door.
Marcus followed, his steps measured and unhurried.“Sure,” he said, his voice laced with humor.“Let’s call it that.”
She tore her gaze away, desperate for something else to focus on, and her eyes landed on the crystal ball.It had shifted to a soft red.A warm,passionatered.
