Page 37 of Wicked Witch

“I’ve always had an inkling, Astor, and they are harmless. Let’s help Wynter out with this curse, then we can figure out our next steps.”

He leaves the room and I grab my phone. I need to find a flight back to Texas for tonight. I am not staying here in this crazy place. I was turned into a toad! They are not harmless.

ARSEN

I watch as she sits in the middle of the yard meditating. Cirrus is ripping off the wallpaper in the living room, but I know he’s watching her too.

“How is she expected to remove century old magic?” I ask, because though I am internally freaking out, this is exciting.

“According to Mumsie, she is expected to tap into Mother Earth’s magic and force out what’s preventing her land from prospering. Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but we will see what…”

A loud explosion happens outside and a film of smoke fills the spot where Wynter just was.

We rushed outside to make sure she’s okay, but we shouldn’t have bothered.

“Mumsie!” Rus screams, racing over to Wynter’s mom who is pissed off and on fire.

“I told you that forcing magic into the ground wouldn’t work,” Wynter says, with a sigh, placing her hands on her hips.

“Yes, yes,” Wynter’s mom says, waving her hand and distinguishing the flames. Her hair is a bit singed, but otherwise she looks perfectly fine.

“What happened?” I ask.

“She’s fine. I placed a protection bubble around her before she tried her foolishness.”

Wynter looks tired. I wish I could comfort her, but I don’t think we are at that point yet. I may still love her, but she hasn’t seen me in years.

“Forgive me, for wanting to help. I see I’m no longer needed here with my foolishness.” With a few mumbled words and a puff of smoke, Wynter’s mom is gone.

“Ugh, she is such a child,” Wynter groans, and Rus laughs, pulling her into his arms, and kissing the side of her head.

I wish I could do that.

I must have scowled because Wynter places her hand on my arm, giving it a small squeeze.

“I’m sorry about my mother, Sin. She’s always been the overdramatic type. Being High Priestess has gotten to her head over the years, but I can assure you that she will keep her promise. You and Astor will be protected by the coven.”

“Why is it illegal for me to know that you’re a witch?”

I’ve been curious about why she’s stayed hidden. There are people all over who claim to have powers. Why is that allowed?

“It’s more for our protection than yours. Too many people have been betrayed. Used. My father died because someone he trusted told the wrong person. They tortured him and used his powers for greed.”

“Well, spicecake, I will never use you,” Rus mumbles, and Wyn rolls her eyes.

“Yeah, yeah, okay break time is over. Let’s get back to work. Where is Astor?”

Looking around, I realize he’s not here.

Wynter stops in the yard and begins to speak to the air.

“He left? What wolves? Are you kidding me?!” she shouts, then takes off towards the center of town.

Jumping over the scorched mark, I follow her.

“Wynter, what’s wrong? Who are you talking to?”

Rus laughs, and places his hand in the air. A young man starts to appear and I halt. “Shit, you’re a ghost!”

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