Page 60 of The Accidental Witch

Robbie gasped for air, trying to crawl to him, but it wouldn’t have mattered. He was seeking justice for his mother’s cruel death.

Before he took one final thwack, Greer leaned in and looked her in the eye, his chest heaving, his jaw tight. “And this is for what you did to my life!”

With one slice he severed her head, toppling it to the ground, where it went rolling like a scaly tumbleweed.

For a brief moment, as Robbie gathered Hervé to her side with her throbbing hand and tried to move her legs, there was silence. Sweet peace.

Right before Gwinnifer’s head exploded into a million pieces—but it wasn’t with the gore Robbie expected.

No, sparkling swirls of colored smoke erupted…purple, blue, gold, green, zipping throughout the village until it came back around, circling Greer.

As it settled over him, dusted every part of his body, Robbie gasped.

Magic. She smelled it.

It was magic. All forms of magic.

“Ohhh,” she whispered as the magic took various shapes, turning into people. Pulling Greer to them, they hugged him close as hushed whispers became clearer words.

“Greer. Sweet boy. We’re so glad you’re home…” someone softly said.

“Welcome back, Greer. It’s been too long,” another voice whispered.

Robbie sat on the ground, trying to catch her breath, looking at the debris littering every square inch of Moonfall as these people, men, women alike, hugged Greer.

Had that just happened?

Yes. That had just happened. Like a scene from a movie, Roberta Tisdale, meek-adjacent, uncomplaining optimist, had helped slay the dragon…er,witch.

Whoa.

Nina was the first to haul her upward, wrapping her arms around her and swinging her in a circle. “Holy fucking balls of titanium!” she crowed. “You did it, kiddo! You fucking did that!”

She wanted to wrap her arms around Nina and bask in her approval, because, who didn’t? But she was so weak, her limbs like noodles, her hand aching, all she could do was smile feebly and whisper, “Thanks…”

Marty, Wanda and Darnell were right behind Nina, helping to hold her up. “Who’s the baddest witch in the land?” Wanda cooed, wiping the hair from Robbie’s eyes.

“That would be you, Miss,” Tottington praised, his suit torn, his hair mussed.

Robbie couldn’t help but think he’d fall to the ground in a crumpled heap of dismay if he could see himself, but she cupped his cheek. “You okay?”

“Right as rain, Miss. No worse for the wear.”

Darnell dropped a kiss on her cheek. “You’re really somethin’, kiddo. Proud of ya.”

“But it wasn’t me. It was Greer and Hervé, too,” she managed, clinging to Hervé. “Where did he get the sword?”

“Gary,” Marty said on a chuckle, using her wrist to wipe the water from her face. “It’stheGary. Greer’s mother’s broom.”

Robbie began to laugh. Of course it was Gary. Brooms weren’t just for sweeping the floor.

Greer approached them, his eyes bright and warm, the women who’d appeared following behind him. He didn’t say anything. Instead, he pulled her from Nina’s arms into his, holding her tight.

Robbie sighed, nestling against him, forgetting all about her previous misgivings and logic.

Tipping her chin up with his index finger, he said, “You were fucking amazing, Robbie.Amazing.”

“Hah,” she murmured. “Listen here, Paul Bunyan, I had help.” Then she quieted for a second before she looked into his eyes. “Are you okay?”

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