Page 78 of Revenge is a Witch

Sebastian’s smirk returns, and he leans in a little closer, his voice low. “Just promise me you won’t blow me up by accident.”

I roll my eyes, poking him with the tip of my wand. “As long as you don’t give me a reason to.”

“Deal.” He steps back, crossing his arms again. “Alright, what’s next on your spell-testing list?”

I think for a moment, considering my options. “How aboutGlacies Vinculum? A freezing chain spell. Perfect for immobilizing someone mid-fight.”

Sebastian raises an eyebrow. “And that’s... different from the light chains how?”

“Different material, different effect.” I shrug. “The light chains just bind. The ice chains freeze, making it harder to break free. Plus, they’re less predictable.”

I point my wand at another cracked pillar, murmuring the incantation under my breath. “Glacies Vinculum!” Frost-covered chains burst from the ground, wrapping tightly around the pillar and covering it in a thick layer of ice. The temperature around us drops, a faint mist forming as the ice spreads.

Sebastian steps back, looking impressed. “Alright, I can see why Kyla might be in trouble.”

I lower my wand, satisfied with the result. “She’s definitely going to have a hard time dodging this.”

“Good,” he says, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. “But don’t forget—she’s going to be pulling out all the stops tomorrow. You can’t afford to hold back.”

I nod, my mind already racing with strategies. “I won’t. I’m ready.”

“Good.” He steps closer again, his eyes dark and serious. “Because I want to see you win. And I want her to pay for everything she’s done.”

I meet his gaze, my grip tightening on my wand. “She will.” For a moment, we stand there in the abandoned courtyard, the air heavy with the weight of what’s to come. Then, with a flick of my wrist, I dispel the ice chains and take a deep breath.

“Alright,” I say, tucking my wand into my waistband. “That’s enough practice for today. Let’s go find Derek and figure out our next move.”

Sebastian nods, his smirk returning. “Lead the way, witch.”

An Invitation

Iflick my wand down, dispelling the last bit of magic that had been surging between Sebastian and me. His arm had nearly been severed, and though the thought of almost maiming my vampire boyfriend made me feel queasy, he seemed far less concerned. After a quick bite for sustenance—and to help him heal faster—Sebastian was back to his cocky self, lounging against the courtyard’s crumbling stone wall like nothing had happened.

But I can’t stop the gnawing worry in my chest. Derek’s been radio silent since he left to deal with his parents. Usually, he’s quick with updates, especially when it comes to something this serious. I glance at my phone again, willing it to buzz with a message from him, but there’s nothing.

“I don’t like this,” I mutter, my fingers tightening around the phone. “It’s been too long. I need to go check on him.”

Sebastian pushes off the wall and walks over, his sharp eyes narrowing in on me. “You want me to go with you?”

I glance up at him, my brow raising. “You? Go with me... tohisplace?” I let out a chuckle, shaking my head. “Pretty sure you don’t want to go waltzing into the wolf den. That’s practically begging for trouble.”

But instead of flinching or backing off, Sebastian just smirks, crossing his arms over his chest. “You really don’t get it, do you?”

I blink, caught off guard by the shift in his tone. “Get what?”

Sebastian steps closer, his voice lowering slightly. “I’m not just some vampire who happens to be dating you. Derek and I—we’re both your mates. Fated, bound. That’s a connection that goes deeper than just us being into you.” He tilts his head, a knowing look crossing his face. “Which means... I’m going to be around for a long time. And so is he. If we’re going to be in this for the long haul, we’ll be dealing with each other’s families sooner or later.”

I blink again, trying to process what he’s saying. “So, you’re telling me... you’re okay walking into a pack of wolf shifters?”

Sebastian shrugs, his smirk growing. “They can’t deny a mate bond. Especially not one as strong as this. Wolf shifters have a certain... respect when it comes to stuff like that. If they care about Derek, they’re not going to hurt me just because I’m a vampire.”

I cross my arms, still not entirely convinced. “You’re seriously telling me you’re not worried about walking into a house full of wolves? Even if they’re okay with the mate bond, it’s got to be... weird, right?”

“Sure, it’s weird,” Sebastian admits, his smirk turning into more of a smile. “But I can handle weird. Besides, we’ve got something stronger than whatever supernatural politics might come into play.” His hand reaches out, gently brushing a lock of hair behind my ear. “We’ve got each other. And if that means I’ve got to deal with Derek’s family, so be it.”

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. “You really are something, you know that?”

He winks. “I try.”

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