Page 43 of Wicked Witch

“No, Cirry, told us not to touch the upstairs or bedrooms.”

I walk over to a stainless steel fridge and open the doors. There is no food inside.

“Conjuring snacks is one thing, but food can be tricky. It’s better if you all make a shopping run.”

“Quick, save me!” Rus shouts, running into the kitchen and hiding underneath the table.

Wynter follows him, and her dark hair is a tangled mess. Her cheeks are red, and she’s muttering about stupid Fae.

“Cirrus, just take your whipping like a damn man and we can move on from this childish game,” she mutters, waving her hand.

Rus is yanked out from under the table from an imaginary hand and he grips the leg of the table.

“If you break anything in this room I am never helping you again, Cirry,” Nan huffs, then moves to the stove and stirs something bubbling in a huge black pot.

“How old are you? I mean seriously. I don’t think I know, but again… You are acting like a toddler!” Wyn shouts, and I can see her getting more worked up.

“He’s centuries old, but has the body of a twenty-eight-year-old, dear,” Nan answers her, then lifts the pot.

“Okay, hopefully this works. Wynter, love, I’m going to need your help. Come.”

She walks out the new kitchen door with the pot, and we follow.

“Okay, I need you to focus on the bad energy. Cirry, get out here and start making holes.”

Rus comes outside, wearing a huge silicone bubble suit. He looks ridiculous, but as he lays on the ground and presses a button, spikes appear and stab the dirt.

Rolling around like he’s on fire or being attacked by bees, he pokes hundreds of holes into the ground.

When he’s satisfied, he sits up and the suit disappears.

“Well that’s one way I suppose,” Nan laughs and places the pot on the ground.

Rus, his brother and mom, all take hands and Nan joins them.

Wynter is still focusing with her eyes closed as I watch the Fae lift the floral-scented goop out of the pot and fling it into the holes, using magic.

Rus’ purple eyes are glowing, and I wish I could record this for Astor. It’s really cool.

Closing their eyes, they begin a chant getting louder each time. After maybe three minutes they stop.

“Did it work?” I ask, breaking the silence.

“No, but it helped.”

Grass begins to grow all around, but the place where the Willow tree rested is still blackened dirt.

Wynter sighs and walks over to Nan. “I’m sorry, poppet, but I can’t do anymore. You will have to break the curse together with your men,” she whispers, then places her open palm onto Wyns’ stomach.

“I will be back in a few days for your exam. A baby. Ahhh. A blessing in the middle of this curse is still a blessing.”

Pulling her into a quick hug, they separate, and Rus makes a portal for his family.

His brother steps closer to him and they bump fists. “Next time I want the full mortal experience. Not some ghost town,” he says before winking and leaving with his mom and nan.

After they leave, Wynter walks over to me. “Are you doing okay? I know this is a huge shock. I think I might be in denial right now.”

“You’re pregnant, Wynter. I’m a little surprised, but I mean… You’re a witch. Rus is a Fae. Things will never be normal between us.”

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