Page 79 of Blood Match

“So why would it work now?”

“Because…” Gran pauses. “I think things are…different.”

Very different. Like now, I might actually have a scrap of magic to work with.

Still, I feel a flutter of excitement in my chest. “Do you really think it could help?”

Gran smiles warmly. “I do. These are some of the most powerful witches I know. If anyone can help unlock your potential, it’s them.”

As Gran pulls out her phone to start making calls, I can’t help but feel a flutter of hope and nervousness. Part of me wonders if this will be enough, if it can match the rush of power I feel with Darick. But I push that thought aside, determined to give this a chance.

“Thank you, Gran,” I say softly. “I really appreciate you doing this for me.”

She pauses her dialing to squeeze my hand. “Of course, dear. We’re family. We look out for each other.”

Once we get back home, Gran explains to the others that we’re going to run a few errands together. Nobody questions it. I think they’re all just relieved to be able to rest after the rush of energy we just burned up.

Heading out of the house, I climb into Gran’s car, my stomach a knot of nerves and anticipation. As we drive through the darkening streets, I can’t help but wonder what this gathering of powerful witches will be like. Will they be able to unlock something in me that’s been dormant all these years? Maybe I won’t need the vampire at all.

“Where are we going, Gran?” I ask.

“The Hidden Oasis,” she replies, her eyes fixed on the road. “It’s Lysandra’s private sanctuary. The perfect place for a ritual like this.”

My heart skips a beat at the mention of Lysandra Starfire. She’s one of the most respected witches in our community, known for her mastery of healing magic and her deep connection with the universe.

We pull up to a nondescript building on the outskirts of town. As we approach the entrance, the air seems to shimmer, revealing a lush garden oasis hidden behind a veil of magic.

Lysandra herself greets us at the door, her serene features exuding an aura of calm and wisdom. “Welcome, Evelyn, Rowan. The others are waiting inside.”

As we step into a circular room, I freeze. Among the group of elder witches is Heath, Astra’s son. My old crush.

What is he doing here?

Heath gives me a small smile and a nod, and I quickly look away, focusing on the other witches in the room.

Gran clears her throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice,” she begins. “We’re here to perform a strengthening spell for my granddaughter, Rowan.”

I feel all eyes turn to me, and I shrink back. These are people I’ve known for years, but beneath their scrutiny, I’m uncomfortable.

“Rowan has been experiencing some…unusual magical occurrences lately,” Gran continues carefully. “We believe a strengthening ritual could help her harness and control these new abilities.”

Astra steps forward, studying me intently. “Rowan, how are the wards we placed in your dream world working for you?”

I feel a wave of discomfort wash over me because they had no effect on Darick at all. “They’re…working, I guess,” I mumble, avoiding her gaze.

Lysandra nods to Astra, then steps forward herself, her presence gentle but commanding. “Well, now, let’s begin the preparations.”

I watch in awe as the elder witches begin to prepare for the ritual. They move with practiced ease, arranging crystals and herbs in intricate patterns around me. The atmosphere grows rich with magic, tingling against my skin.

Lysandra takes the lead, her voice clear and melodious as she begins to chant. The others join in, their voices weaving together in a haunting harmony. I close my eyes, trying to open myself to whatever power they’re calling forth.

As the chanting intensifies, I feel a warmth spreading through my body. It’s different from the rush of energy I get with Darick – gentler but somehow deeper. For a moment, I think I can sense the magic flowing through me, connecting me to the earth beneath my feet and the stars above.

Then, as quickly as it began, the chanting stops. I open my eyes, blinking in the sudden quiet.

Lysandra approaches me, her expression thoughtful. “Well, Rowan, we’ve done what we can for now. It may take some time to see if the spell has had its full effect.”

I nod, trying to hide my disappointment. I’d hoped for something more…immediate. The way it is with the vampire magic. “Thank you all for trying,” I say, managing a small smile.

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