Page 49 of Witch Way to the Diapers

Fia’s heart sank, but Luna was right. She nodded grimly. “Tell me what to do.”

As Luna quickly explained the complex spell, Brooke’s attacks grew more frenzied. “You can’t take this from me!” she screamed, hurling bolts of raw magic in every direction. “I won’t go back to being nothing! I deserve to be a mother!”

“Now, Sayer!” Luna shouted suddenly.

The massive lion sprang into action, coordinating with the other shifters and witches. They moved in perfect synchronization, weaving a complex web of magic that began to close in around Brooke.

Drawing upon every reserve of magical energy she possessed, Fia chanted the words of the binding spell Luna had taught her. The ley lines beneath her feet pulsed in response, lending their ancient power to her magic.

Brooke’s defenses crumbled under the combined assault. The magical net tightened, glowing runes appearing on her skin as the binding spell took hold.

“No!” Brooke wailed, her voice breaking. “Please, you don’t understand. I just wanted a child of my own. Is that so wrong?”

For a moment, Fia hesitated, her sister’s pain piercing through her resolve. But then she remembered Vienna’s tears, the fear in her eyes, and she steeled herself.

“I’m sorry, Brooke,” Fia said softly. “But this isn’t the way. You’ve gone too far.”

With a final push of magic, Fia completed the spell. Brooke let out an agonized scream as her magic was ripped away, leaving her collapsed on the ground, sobbing.

For a moment, silence reigned. Then Vienna’s bubble popped, and the toddler fell safely into Fia’s waiting arms.

“It’s okay, sweetheart,” Fia murmured, cradling Vienna close. “You’re safe now. You did so well with your bubble.”

Vienna sniffled, burying her face in Fia’s neck. “Bubba,” she mumbled, her little body shaking with leftover adrenaline.

A warm presence appeared at Fia’s side, and she looked up to see Sayer, back in his human form and – surprisingly – fully clothed.

“A little trick I picked up,” Luna said with a wink, noticing Fia’s confused glance. “Saves on the awkward post-shift moments.”

Sayer wrapped his arms around Fia and Vienna, his solid presence a balm to Fia’s frayed nerves. “You were incredible,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple.

As the adrenaline of the fight began to fade, Fia became aware of the gathering crowd. The entire town seemed to have turned out, their faces a mix of concern and relief.

Cedric Fernwood, the mayor, stepped forward, his golden eyes glinting with barely contained dragon fire. “Well,” he said, his gaze falling on the bound and defeated Brooke, “I believe we have some matters to discuss.”

Luna nodded gravely. “Indeed. Brooke’s actions cannot go unpunished, but neither can we ignore the pain that drove her to this point.” She turned to Fia, her violet eyes gentle. “What are your thoughts, my dear?”

Fia looked down at her sister, huddled on the ground, all fight gone out of her. She remembered the little girl who used to braid her hair, who cried when Fia left for college, who had slowly been poisoned by their parents’ toxic expectations.

“She needs help,” Fia said softly. “Real help, not just punishment.”

Cedric nodded approvingly. “A wise decision. We’ll ensure she receives the care she needs while also protecting the town and young Vienna.”

As the townspeople began to disperse, discussing plans and next steps, Fia leaned into Sayer’s embrace. Vienna had fallen asleep, exhausted by the ordeal.

“What happens now?” Fia asked, her voice small in the aftermath of such a monumental confrontation.

Sayer’s arms tightened around her. “Now,” he said, his voice full of love and certainty, “we go home. We put Vienna to bed, and we start healing. Together.”

Fia nodded. Home. It was still a new concept, but one that filled her with warmth. Home wasn’t just a place anymore – it was Sayer, and Vienna, and this entire quirky, magical town that had embraced them so completely.

As they made their way back through the forest, the ley lines pulsing gently beneath their feet, Fia felt a sense of peace settle over her. The road ahead wouldn’t be easy – there were still custody battles to face, a sister to help heal, and a life to build. But for the first time in a long time, Fia felt truly, completely certain.

She was exactly where she was meant to be.

As they prepared to leave the clearing, Brooke’s broken voice reached them. “I just wanted to be a mother,” she whispered. “Is that so wrong?”

Fia turned back, her heart heavy. “No, Brooke. Wanting to be a mother isn’t wrong. But the way you went about it was. I hope someday you’ll understand that.”

---