Page 55 of Wedded Witch

He smirks without taking his eyes off the road. “Something like that. I’ve got a good ear for engines.”

Sol nudges me with his shoulder. “It’s one of his many talents. He’s the mechanic of the pack.”

I raise an eyebrow at that. “Mechanic, huh? Handy skill to have.”

Ri chuckles. “Keeps us out of trouble, at least.”

I lean back against the seat, relaxing a little as we drive. The guys might be shifters with their own mysteries, but at least they’re practical. And right now, I need practical.

I need help breaking this curse, and if that means accepting their protection—and their truck—then I’ll take it.

But in the back of my mind, there’s still the lingering fear that time is running out. If I don’t find the answer soon, it won’t just be me who’s doomed—it’ll be the entire Galdur line. And maybe even the world.

We drive towards the deserted town, the surrounding forest growing more familiar as we approach. I glance out the window, trying to focus on what I need to do next, but it’s hard with Ri and Sol so close beside me, and Kel’s presence hovering just behind.

It’s comforting. But overwhelming too.

Ri pulls the truck to a stop on the edge of town, parking just beyond where the main road dissolves into dense trees and winding paths. The forest looms ahead, wild and tangled, the faint smell of pine filling the air as I glance nervously out the window.

“We’ll go on foot from here,” Ri says, turning the engine off. He unbuckles his seatbelt and looks to Sol. “Go check for any signs of danger before we head in.”

Without a word, Sol hops out of the truck. I watch as he disappears into the trees, his figure swallowed by the shadows within seconds. My stomach twists with unease, but I can’t helpbut to marvel at how easily they all seem to navigate this world, like it’s second nature to them.

A few minutes later, Sol comes trotting back, not in his human form, but as the shaggy dog I’d seen before. His paws are silent on the forest floor as he emerges from the treeline, and the sight sends a shiver down my spine.

He barks once, a low sound that Ri seems to understand perfectly.

“Clear,” Ri says with a nod, opening his door. “Let’s move.”

We climb out of the truck, Ri helping me down with an ease that makes my knees go weak, and the weight of the woods presses in on me the moment my feet hit the ground.

There’s something about these trees that feels different—alive, maybe even aware. It’s as if they’re watching us, waiting for something to happen.

“Stay close,” Ri orders, taking the lead as we begin making our way through the woods. Sol trots beside me, his fur brushing against my leg every now and then, a constant presence that feels strangely reassuring, despite the eerie atmosphere.

Kel walks on my other side, his easy going demeanour doing little to mask the tension rolling off him. “Where have you explored so far in town?” he asks, his tone casual, though I can sense the deeper concern underneath.

I keep my gaze ahead, stepping over a fallen branch as we continue deeper into the woods. “The woods, mostly. I... I went to the High Priestess’s house too.”

Kel raises an eyebrow, glancing down at me. “Not exactly the friendliest place to start.”

“I didn’t exactly have much of a choice,” I mutter. “I figured it was likely to be the best place to learn something about the curse.”

“And was it?”

I shake my head, frustration bubbling up. “No. I was…scared off by…something or someone.” My fingers tighten around the strap of my bag.

“I was hoping to find more answers, but I’ve found nothing yet. Guess I’m not cut out to be a detective.”

Kel hums in thought, his gaze scanning the trees ahead as we walk.

“You’ve been searching in the right places. But I’m surprised you haven’t checked out your family’s old home yet.”

I frown, confused. “I don’t even know where that is.”

Kel glances over at Ri, and the two of them exchange a look before Kel speaks again, his voice softer this time.

“The Galdur family’s ancestral home is one of the oldest buildings in Spells Hollow. It’s practically a landmark.”

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