Page 79 of Revenge is a Witch

There’s a part of me that’s still a little unsure, but his words settle something deep inside me. The idea that this strange, complicated relationship we’ve built has roots that go deeper than I realized—it makes me feel... grounded. Safe. Like no matter what happens, the three of us are in this together.

I take a deep breath and glance back at my phone one last time. “Alright,” I say, finally making a decision. “Let’s go check on Derek.”

Sebastian and I walk down the quiet street, the kind of suburban cul-de-sac that looks like it belongs in a postcard, with kids playing in the front yards and adults lounging on their porches. No fences here, just wide-open spaces that scream “friendly neighborhood.” The kind where everyone knows your business before you even know it yourself. I get a few waves and nods from the neighbors as we stroll by, and I return them with my bestdon’t mind mesmile, glancing over at Sebastian who’s probably regretting every life choice that led him to this wolf-infested street.

“You look like you’re about to be fed to the wolves. Literally,” I tease, nudging him with my elbow.

He raises an eyebrow, lips twitching into that familiar smirk. “I didn’t realize this little hometown came with a welcoming committee.”

“They’re just being polite.” I shrug, tossing my hair over my shoulder. “But you, on the other hand... you might need to watch your back.”

Sebastian chuckles, low and smooth. “Noted.”

We finally stop in front of Derek’s house—a cozy, typical suburban home with a wide porch and a yard scattered with toys that have been left out like tiny landmines. I shoot Sebastian a reassuring smile, even though he’s probably regretting his decision to come along. I give the door a solid knock, then turn to him, grinning. “Relax. It’ll be fine.”

He narrows his eyes at me like he doesn’t believe a single word, but before he can retort, the door swings open, revealing the cutest little of a girl I’ve ever seen. Derek’s little sister, Phoebe, beams up at me with her gap-toothed smile, her eyes lighting up like Christmas morning.

“Zaria!” she squeals, throwing her arms up in the air.

I can’t help but laugh as I scoop her up, swinging her around like we’re at some amusement park. She giggles wildly, holding on tight as I twirl her. “Hey, Phoebe! You’ve been causing trouble while I was gone?”

“Maybe!” she says, giggling even louder.

Just as I set her back down, Derek walks into the room, his arms crossed and a faux serious expression on his face. “Zaria, what did I tell you about being friendly with the gremlin? You’re encouraging her.”

Phoebe sticks her tongue out at him, and I roll my eyes, giving Derek a once-over. “Please, you know she’s the best part of this house.”

“I heard that,” Derek grumbles, but his lips twitch into a smile. “Everything’s fine, by the way. Just got caught up with the parental lecture, which I’m sure you can imagine is a blast.”

“Yeah, well, I hadn’t heard from you in a while, so I thought I’d better check in. You know, just in case you were being held hostage by your mom.”

Before Derek can respond, Phoebe tugs on my arm, her face full of mischief. She leans in close, whispering in the way thatonly five-year-olds think is subtle. “I put Derek’s phone in the freezer. In a jug of water. So he’d stop checking it.”

I burst out laughing, covering my mouth with my hand. Sebastian’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise as he stifles his own laughter, and Derek looks downright murderous—but in a brotherly way. “Phoebe!”

“What?” she says innocently, blinking up at him with those wide eyes.

Derek sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, that explains why I didn’t hear anything from you.”

“Yeah, blame the Gremlin,” I say, still giggling. “That’s one way to make sure you’re not glued to your phone.”

Derek gives me a long-suffering look. “Oh, she’s going to pay for that later.”

Sebastian finally speaks up, muttering, “Instant regrets,” under his breath, but there’s a playful smirk tugging at his lips. Derek shoots him a sideways glance, clearly not in the mood for vampire sass.

“Oh, don’t worry, Derek,” I say with a grin. “He’s already regretting coming here. Isn’t that right, Seb?”

Sebastian just leans back against the doorframe, his arms crossed casually. “Let’s just say walking into the wolf’s den wasn’t at the top of my bucket list.”

Derek smirks. “Smart man.”

Phoebe, apparently done with the conversation, darts off, leaving the three of us standing in the doorway, and I take the chance to ask, “Seriously though, everything okay?”

“Yeah,” Derek says, his expression softening. “Just... family stuff. You know how it is.”

I nod, glancing between him and Sebastian. “Alright. But next time, give me a heads-up if your phone is about to be submerged.”

Derek chuckles. “Deal.”

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