Page 9 of Blood Caged

Astra nods slowly. “I’ve had…dreams. Visions of shadows creeping closer. I believe Mia may be onto something.”

“What do you propose we do?” Aurora asks, her eyes filled with concern.

I take a deep breath. “We need to increase our protections. Perhaps set up additional wards around the town. And we should warn our community to be vigilant.”

Thaddeus shakes his head. “That might cause unnecessary panic. We don’t want to alarm people without concrete evidence.”

“But by then, it might be too late!” I argue, frustration building. “We can’t just sit back and wait for something to happen.”

Marina sighs. “Mia, I understand your concern, but we must be cautious. Rash actions could provoke the vampires if they truly are planning something.”

I look around the room, searching for support, but I’m met with hesitant gazes and furrowed brows. The reluctance to act is maddening.

I sit back in my chair, frustration simmering beneath my calm exterior. The meeting continues, but I can barely focus on the mundane topics now being discussed. My mind keeps circling back to the vampire threat and our lack of action.

Aurora brings up the upcoming Midsummer festival, detailing plans for decorations and refreshments. I nod along, offering a suggestion here and there, but my heart isn’t in it. How can we plan celebrations when danger might be lurking just around the corner?

“Mia, dear, what do you think about using your moon-glow enchantment on the lanterns?” Aurora’s voice cuts through my thoughts.

I blink, forcing a smile. “Oh, yes, that would be lovely. I’d be happy to help with that.”

The conversation drifts to other matters – a dispute between two local witches over a shared garden plot, the need for volunteers at the community center, updates on various ongoing magical research projects. It all feels so trivial compared to the looming threat I sense.

As the meeting winds down, I can’t shake the feeling that we’ve accomplished nothing of real importance. The other coven members gather their things, chatting amiably about the upcoming festival and their plans for the week.

“Well, I think that covers everything,” Thaddeus announces, standing up. “Unless anyone has anything else to add?”

I open my mouth, ready to make one last plea about the vampire situation, but the words die on my lips. What’s the point? They’ve made it clear they’re not ready to act.

“No, nothing else,” I say instead, my voice tight.

As we file out of Aurora’s cottage, exchanging pleasantries and goodbyes, I feel a heaviness settle in my chest. Nothing has been resolved. We’re no more prepared for whatever’s coming than we were before the meeting.

I leave the cottage, my mind swirling with unresolved concerns. The sun has dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the street as I head toward where I’ve parked my car. My unease grows with each step.

A ward will help…

“Better safe than sorry,” I mutter to myself, glancing around to ensure I’m alone. We witches still prefer to hide our magic.

I take a deep breath, centering myself. With practiced movements, I begin to weave a protection spell around me. My fingers trace intricate patterns in the air, leaving trails of soft, silvery light.

“By the power of earth and sky,” I whisper, feeling the magic build within me, “shield me from harm, let danger pass me by.”

The spell settles over me like a second skin, warm and comforting. It’s not foolproof, but it should offer some protection against minor threats.

I quicken my pace, eager to reach my car and shake off the lingering unease from the meeting. The protection spell hums around me, a comforting presence in the growing twilight. But as I round the corner, my heart leaps into my throat.

“Witch…”

The word seems to hang in the air as if it were just uttered moments ago. Suddenly, dark figures emerge from the shadows, surrounding me in an instant. Dread hits me as all my recent fears come to pass.

Vampires!

There’s no mistaking the pallor of their skin and the otherworldly glow of their eyes. Fangs flash in the glow of the street lamps.

I raise my hands, magic crackling at my fingertips, ready to defend myself. But there are so many of them.

“What do you want?” I demand, my voice steady despite the fear coursing through me.

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