Page 3 of Crown of Envy

I shifted uneasily, my heart pounding as the seconds ticked by with agonizing slowness. The air in the room felt heavy, weighed down by the collective worry and tension. I glanced at Justice, seeking reassurance, but found only a mirror of my concern etched on his face.

The creak of the door startled me, and I whirled, my breath catching in my throat as Lisa entered the room, her bag clutched in her hands. The determination in her eyes gave me a flicker of hope, but I still knew Maggie’s life hung in the balance, and time was running out.

Sean came in with a steaming cup of water. “I have what you asked for, Lisa.”

Damon lifted an eyebrow. “What is this, some kind of witch’s tea party?”

Lisa shot him a sharp look as she took the cup. “If you want to help, stay quiet and let me work.”

Staying quiet was never one of Damon’s strengths. He glanced at Sean, who lingered in the doorway. “Sean, why don’t you grab some crumpets while you’re at it? Can’t have a proper tea party without them.”

I glared at my brother. “Damon, you’re not helping.”

Lisa ignored us, setting the cup down and pulling various herbs from her bag.

Garrick watched her uneasily. “What are those?”

She crushed them into the cup of hot water and stirred. The room filled with a soothing aroma, a stark contrast to the tension.

Damon moved closer, watching Lisa with an intrigued expression. “You sure this witchy brew is gonna do the trick?”

Lisa didn’t answer as she closed her eyes and moved her hand. Her voice changed and became almost sing-song.

“By the moon’s light and the earth’s grace,

Restore this form to its rightful place.

From darkness deep, bring forth the dawn,

Let her awaken with the coming morn.”

Damon edged away. “Well, that’s not something you see every day. If she starts floating or her eyes go black, I’m outta here.”

I shot him a look, half exasperated, half amused. “Damon, stop.”

Damon smirked and shrugged. “Hey, just saying. I’ve seen my fair share of spells go sideways.”

Garrick glanced at him with concern and irritation. “If you’re scared, Damon…” He tilted his head. “Go for a walk.”

Damon stepped closer, squaring his shoulders. “I’m not scared. I’m cautious. There’s a difference. Besides, somebody’s gotta keep an eye on all this witchy business. The last ones we met gave me the willies.”

His tone piqued my interest. I frowned, wanting to hear what they’d found while I was gone, but this wasn’t the time. Only Maggie mattered right now.

Damon shot a glance at Lisa, then looked at Garrick. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll keep my commentary to a minimum.”

Throughout the exchange, Lisa kept singing the same chant. She slipped her arm underneath Maggie’s neck.

Garrick watched her like a panther ready to pounce.

Lisa held the cup to Maggie’s lips. “Drink.”

The liquid swirled in the cup by itself, and the smell of fresh herbs filled the room, almost as if it was filled with wildflowers.

A soft glow enveloped Maggie, and she started to stir. Garrick broke into a smile. I almost thought I saw tears in his eyes.

Damon’s smirk faded into a serious expression as Maggie’s eyes fluttered open.

Well, I’ll be damned,” he muttered with genuine relief. “Looks like it worked.”

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