Page 141 of Shadow Witch

“Don’t forget behind the ears,” Dewey said.

Paige let her furry shoulders slump. “Why does this happen to me every time? You’re supposed to be an expert at potions or whatever, and every single time, something gets messed up.”

“It must be your weird blood. Your mom has it, too.”

Paige’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of her mother. “How is she? Is she awake?”

“Nope. I told you, she’s in a Twilight Trance. Drucinda has been searching for answers on it, but not easy cures.”

“Why would there be,” Paige said with a sigh. “Well, at least she doesn’t have to see me in feline form. But…can I see her?”

“Sure. You’re completely healed.” He wrinkled his nose. “You may have to get used to walking on those jointed back legs, but…”

“Jointed…” She pushed the covers down further to stare at her cat-like legs. “Oh no.”

“On the upside, you’ll be an explosive runner, and a pretty good jumper for the time being.”

“A fact that you may need,” Drucinda said as she strode into the room. “Hello, Purrrrrrfect Paige.”

Paige shook her head at the greeting. “Just rub it in, why don’t you?”

“Sorry, I find it a little too humorous. The good news is…you’re alive. And so is Reed. The bad news is… she’s dying. And we’re going to need to pool all our resources to save her.”

Paige sucked in a breath as she faced the words. After being separated for all those years, she’d finally found her mother, only to learn that the woman was dying, and she may not have a chance to get to know her at all.

“I’ll do whatever it takes,” she answered with a firm nod.

“As will I.” Drucinda’s fingers curled into fists. “And to bring whoever did this to her to justice.”

“I’d like to see her,” Paige said as she got used to the feel of her new legs, dangling them over the side of the bed.

“First, there’s someone who’d like to see you,” Drucinda answered.

Devon stuck his head into the room with a grin. “Hey, Paige.”

Her eyes went wide. “Devon!”

A thwack from behind startled her, and she whipped around to find a long black tail poking in the air. Her jaw dropped open. “Is–Is that mine?”

“Yep. And, ah, just a little caution,” Dewey murmured as he floated closer, “tails can be a dead giveaway on emotion, so…you know, just…watch yourself.”

She glanced at it, desperately trying to stop it from moving. Devon strode close to her with a grin. “How are you feeling?”

“Furry…ah, fine, I mean,” she answered.

“I think you look cute. I mean…I miss the old Paige, but the new Paige is…also nice.” He reached out to scratch the top of her head.

“Aw, she likes it,” Dewey said with a chuckle.

Paige twisted to find her tail wriggling in the air. With a sigh, she shook her head. “Stop doing that and help me stand up. I don’t know how these legs are going to work.”

“Sure.” Devon reached for her hands, now more like paws, and clamped onto them as she slowly rose.

She balanced herself before she shifted her weight from side to side. “Hmm, not too bad. I thought it would be much harder than this.”

Devon started to pull his hands away when she latched onto them. “Ouch, watch your claws.”

“Oops, sorry,” she said, her tail flicking with irritation. “I’m still getting used to this.”

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