Page 35 of Howling for Cupcakes

Mari’s voice was steady despite the fear in her eyes. “But we need to stop Victor himself, or he’ll just keep controlling more people, sending them after me.”

Arden nodded, his jaw clenched. “We need magical help. Luna and Celeste might know a way to strip Victor of his ability to control others.”

They called in the two witches, explaining the situation. Luna and Celeste listened intently, their expressions darkening as the details were laid out.

“There are ways to sever his connection to his thralls,” Luna said, her voice low and serious. “Spells to block his magic, to break his hold. We’ll look into it and find the most effective method.”

Celeste laid a comforting hand on Mari’s shoulder. “We’ll do everything we can to stop him, Mari. Every witch in Whispering Pines has your back, girl.”

NINETEEN

The fading light of dusk painted the streets of Whispering Pines in a soft golden glow as Mari locked the main door to Divine Escapes. Her heart raced with anticipation and a touch of fear, the rapid beat pulsing in her ears. Tonight, they would put their meticulously crafted plan into action and catch Victor’s henchmen once and for all.

She turned to face the group gathered inside—her friends and allies in this fight. Arden stood tall and confident, his broad shoulders squared and his piercing green eyes filled with unwavering determination. Daisy Bloom, with her vibrant pink hair and colorful glasses perched on her nose, offered a reassuring smile that lit up her face. Ivy Sullivan, Tabitha Greer, Thorne Grimshaw, Vincent Shaw, Gideon Frost, and Luna Nightshade all looked ready to play their parts, their expressions a mix of resolve and excitement.

“All right, everyone,” Arden said, his deep voice commanding attention as he clapped his hands together. “Let’s go over the plan one more time. Thorne, Gideon, and Vincent, you’re in charge of setting up the physical traps around Mari’s property.”

Thorne nodded, his muscular arms crossed over his broad chest, the sleeves of his flannel shirt straining against his biceps. “We’ve got a combination of traditional and mechanical methods. Those bastards won’t know what hit ‘em.”

“Luna and Tabitha,” Arden continued, his gaze shifting to the two witches, “you’ll be setting up the magical wards and surveillance spells. We need to know the moment they set foot on the property.”

Luna’s violet eyes glinted with determination, her black hair shimmering under the bakery’s warm lights. “They won’t be able to take a step without us knowing. Our wards will be so strong, they’ll practically glow in the dark.”

Tabitha chimed in, her blonde curls bouncing as she spoke, her voice laced with excitement. “And if they try to escape, our spells will make sure they can’t get far. It’ll be like they’re stuck in magical quicksand.”

“Daisy and Ivy, you’re our public relations team. Keep the townsfolk informed without causing panic.”

Daisy grinned, her laughter like tinkling bells as she looped her arm through Ivy’s. “Leave it to us, sugar. We’ll have everyone calm and focused in no time. Ivy’s brewing up some special tea as we speak.”

Ivy nodded, her green eyes sparkling. “Infused with just a touch of soothing chamomile, lavender, and a secret ingredient.”

Mari felt a surge of affection for her friends, their unwavering support giving her the strength to face the challenges ahead. She marveled at how far she’d come since her arrival in Whispering Pines, from a timid divorcee to a confident witch ready to take on her demons.

As the group dispersed to their positions, Arden walked Mari home and locked them both inside the house. Finally alone in the living room, Arden placed his arms around her. “Are you ready for this?” His voice was gentle, his eyes searching her face for any sign of hesitation.

She took a deep breath, letting his presence soothe her frayed nerves. The scent of his cologne, a mix of sandalwood and citrus, enveloped her like a comforting blanket. “As ready as I’ll ever be. I just want this to be over, to finally be free of Victor’s grip.”

He cupped her cheek. “I know, Mari. And it will be. I promise I’ll protect you, no matter what. You’re not alone in this, not anymore.”

Mari leaned into his touch, drawing comfort from his words and the solid warmth of his body. They set up the dining room table near the window, turning down the lights to create the illusion of a quiet evening together. She couldn’t help but imagine a future where this wasn’t just a ruse, where she and Arden could enjoy peaceful nights without the looming threat of Victor and his minions.

As night fell, a sense of eerie calm settled over Whispering Pines. The streets were deserted, the only sound the occasional rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Mari’s heart raced as she watched the shadows, her eyes straining for any sign of movement. Suddenly, Luna’s wards flared to life, a shimmering barrier of light encasing Mari’s property. Arden sent a text for everyone to be ready, his body tense and poised for action.

The men under Victor’s control crept toward Mari’s property, their dark clothing blending with the night. They moved with a predatory grace, unaware they were walking into a carefully laid trap. The first henchman triggered one of Thorne’s traps, a startled yelp escaping his lips as he found himself caught in a net rigged to a tree. The ropes tightened around his struggling form, his curses filling the air.

“One down,” Arden whispered, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. “Good work, Thorne.”

Thorne grunted in response, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Told ya they wouldn’t know what hit ‘em.”

Another man stumbled into Vincent’s concealed pit, lined with soft but binding materials. He groaned in frustration, his arms flailing as he tried to free himself from the sticky substance.

“Ha!” Vincent exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with pride. “My patented Gnome Glue never fails.”

Luna and Gideon’s spells burst to life, bathing the intruders in a bright, disorienting light. The men stumbled, their hands shielding their eyes as their dark magic fizzled and died under the powerful enchantments.

“Take that, you scoundrels,” Gideon called out, his voice filled with uncharacteristic glee. “The light of justice shines upon you!”

Daisy and Ivy worked their own brand of magic. Illusionary creatures conjured by Daisy darted around the men, their ethereal forms casting eerie shadows on the ground. The intruders swatted at the apparitions, their confusion mounting as they tried to distinguish reality from illusion.

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