Page 70 of Shadow Witch

Paige stabbed at a few noodles in her pasta salad. “You’re really into this.”

“Oh, I am, I am. I really hope you win tonight because I’m really loving the maid of honor role. Thanks, Paige. I am so honored you picked me.”

“Let’s just hope your time in the sun isn’t cut short,” Paige said as worry consumed her again. After the shower, she had one final battle. It would decide whether or not she’d have the chance to marry…someone. They wouldn’t know the groom’s identity until after the final challenge the following day.

“Here’s to hoping because I’ve got a killer bachelorette party planned.”

“Can’t wait, little man,” Drucinda said. “I’ve got to hop back and forth between parties tonight, but I am looking forward to the shower. You’re going to love my gift.”

Paige wrinkled her nose as she eyed Drucinda, wondering what the woman considered an awesome gift.

She wasn’t certain she wanted to find out. As they finished their lunch, Dewey buzzed into the air. “Time for the shower!”

He slapped his paws together and rubbed them as he grinned.

“Yeah, let me just run to the ladies’ room and meet you there.”

“Sure thing, Paige. We’ll be in the small ballroom just around the corner.”

Paige rose and nodded before she strode from the room. She sucked in a deep breath as she pushed into the large bathroom. With its muted lights and dark woods, it created a warm environment, so different from the castle’s cold halls.

Her features pinched as tears stung her eyes. In the quiet moment of solitude, her world came crashing down. She sank onto the stool in front of the makeup mirror and covered her face with her hands.

The events of the past few days coupled with the frantic search for her mother had taken a toll. She hoped she had the strength for what remained…including the wedding. Guilt coursed through her as she lifted her face to stare at her red-rimmed eyes.

“You’re such a user, Paige Turner.”

“Oops, I think you forgot a letter,” Ivy said as she emerged from the water closet and eyed Paige in the mirror.

Paige wrinkled her nose, her lips forming a deep frown.

“I think you meant…you’re such a loser, Paige Turner.”

“Shut up, Ivy,” she shot back.

“Ohh, how stinging…not. You really are a loser, Turner. You’re not going to win. I hope you enjoy your shower because it’s the last bride event you’ll have. After I wipe the floor with you in the Duel of Shared Memories, you can slink back into the abyss you came from.” Ivy slicked on some lip gloss before she puckered into the mirror.

“Yeah, well, don’t be so sure of yourself. Because Devon and I have a lot of memories. Memories that are very…awesome and romantic. He’s so romantic, it’s ridiculous. Sometimes I have to say, ‘Down, boy.’”

“Uh, I highly doubt that.”

“I don’t. Because I lived it. So many romantic moments.” Paige set her jaw as she stared at the woman.

“Really? Name one.”

Paige narrowed her eyes, her mind going blank. “No, I’m not. I’m saving them all for the challenge. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a bridal shower to attend with my wonderful friends who are all pulling for me and Devon because we’re such an awesome couple.”

A derisive laugh escaped Ivy’s lips. “Keep telling yourself that, darling. Someone may actually believe it. Not me, though. I’ll be a princess soon. And you’ll be…well…dead.”

Paige whipped the door open at the last statement and stormed out. “Idiot,” she murmured as she stomped down the hall toward the small ballroom.

Guests chattered inside as they munched on snacks. Dewey flitted from table to table, checking on guests before he buzzed to the gift table and shifted a few boxes. “Paige! There you are. Good, good. Come over and sit right here in the guest of honor chair and we’ll get started.”

Paige shuffled in and eased into the chair as Dewey slid a sash over her emblazoned with the words BRIDE-TO-BE.

Heat rose in her cheeks as all eyes turned to her and a hush came over the crowd.

“Ladies, ladies, it’s time to get started. I’m your host, Dewey, Paige’s maid of honor. And I’m thrilled to be here to help celebrate this wonderful woman on the eve of her wedding.”

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