Page 8 of Blood Caged

I settle at my desk, opening my laptop to tackle the pile of admin work for our family’s company. As I sort through invoices and vendor contracts, my mind wanders to thoughts of Rowan and Kara.

Being the eldest Blackwood sister has always felt like both a blessing and a burden. I love my sisters fiercely, but sometimes, the weight of responsibility is overwhelming. I’ve always tried to be the perfect witch, the ideal daughter, the protective oldersister. But moments like yesterday at the Jumping Bean remind me that I’m far from perfect.

I pause in my work, staring at the framed photo on my desk. It’s from last summer’s solstice celebration – the three of us, arms linked, laughing at some joke I can’t remember now. Rowan’s smile is a bit hesitant but genuine. I wonder when things started to change, when her insecurities about magic began to overshadow her natural warmth and creativity.

Kara’s always been the firecracker of the family, organized but quick to action and brimming with magical talent. I admire her drive, but I worry sometimes that she pushes herself too hard, trying to prove something to the world – or maybe to herself.

And then there’s me, caught in the middle, trying to bridge the gap between my sisters’ vastly different personalities and magical abilities. I’ve always felt it was my job to keep the peace, to be the voice of reason. But yesterday, I failed spectacularly at that.

I sigh, turning back to the spreadsheet in front of me. Numbers and dates blur together as I input data, my thoughts still circling around my family dynamics.

As I work, I make a mental note to plan some one-on-one time with each of my sisters. Maybe what we all need is a chance to connect without the pressure of family expectations or magical prowess hanging over our heads.

After a few hours of concentration, I decide to take a break from work and head out for lunch, texting my friend Lydia to meet me at Willow Creek Park. The fresh air might help clear my head, and Lydia’s always good for a laugh.

As I stroll through the park, I spot Lydia waving from a bench near the duck pond. Her bright smile is infectious, and I feel some of my worries start to melt away.

“Mia! Over here!” she calls, patting the spot next to her.

I settle onto the bench, breathing in the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers. “Thanks for meeting me on such short notice,” I say, pulling out a container of homemade pasta salad.

Lydia shrugs, unwrapping her sandwich. “Are you kidding? Any excuse to escape my cubicle is welcome. How’s the party planning going?”

As we chat about work and family, I find myself relaxing. Lydia’s a great listener, and it feels good to share my concerns about Rowan without judgment.

“I’m sure she’ll come around,” Lydia reassures me, squeezing my arm. “You Blackwood sisters are tough cookies.”

I’m about to respond when something catches my eye. A figure stands at the edge of the treeline, partially obscured by shadows. Even from this distance, I can feel their gaze fixed on me. Inadvertently, I shiver.

“Lydia,” I whisper, trying to keep my voice calm. “Don’t look now, but do you see someone watching us from over there?”

Lydia turns her head, scanning the area I indicated. “Where? I don’t see anyone.”

I blink, and suddenly, the figure is gone. No trace remains, as if they’d vanished into thin air.

“That’s…odd,” I mutter, frowning. “I could have sworn I saw someone.”

Lydia laughs, nudging my shoulder playfully. “Maybe all that party stress is making you see things. Or hey, maybe it was a ghost! Ooooh, spooky!”

I force a smile, but the uneasy feeling lingers. My instincts are rarely wrong, and something about that figure felt…off. Dangerous, even.

“Yeah, maybe you’re right,” I say, not wanting to worry Lydia. But I can’t shake the sensation of being watched, even as we finish our lunch and say our goodbyes.

My sense of foreboding lingers long after lunch and hangs over me as I prepare to attend a local Coven Conclave meeting.

I arrive at Aurora Greenleaf’s home, a charming cottage nestled in a lush garden. The scent of herbs and blooming flowers fills the air, instantly calming my nerves. As I approach the door, it swings open, revealing Aurora’s warm smile.

“Mia, dear! Come in, come in,” she ushers me inside. “The others are already here.”

I step into the cozy living room, nodding greetings to Marina Tidecaller, Astra Moonshadow, and Thaddeus Runeweaver. The atmosphere is tense despite Aurora’s attempts at hospitality.

“Now that we’re all here,” Thaddeus begins, his deep voice resonating in the small space, “let’s discuss the matter at hand. There’s been an increase in vampire activity in our area.”

I lean forward, my heart racing. “I’ve noticed it too. Just today, I felt like I was being watched in the park.”

Marina raises an eyebrow. “Are you certain it wasn’t just paranoia, dear?”

I bristle at her dismissive tone. “I trust my instincts, Marina. Something’s not right.”

---