Page 27 of Witch's Promise

Gabe followed the butler down the winding hallway, his mind still buzzing with questions about the mysterious sealed room. As they approached a set of imposing double doors, the butler paused, turning to face Gabe with an expression of polite detachment.

"Mrs. Wisteria's office, sir," he announced, rapping his knuckles against the polished wood in three sharp knocks. "Madam, Mr. Gabriel Reed to see you."

A muffled voice from within granted permission, and the butler stepped aside, gesturing for Gabe to enter. Taking a deep breath to steel his nerves, Gabe pushed open the door and stepped into the lion's den.

The office was exactly what Gabe would have expected from the matriarch of an old magical family – all dark wood paneling, leather-bound books, and antique furniture that probably cost more than his entire apartment. But it was the woman behind the massive mahogany desk that truly commanded his attention.

Caroline Wisteria looked like she'd been through hell. Her once-impeccable dress was rumpled, as if she'd slept in it, and dark circles ringed her eyes like bruises. She glanced up as Gabe entered, recognition flashing across her face.

"Mr. Reed," she said, her voice hoarse but still carrying an edge of authority. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"

Gabe hesitated, thrown off balance by Caroline's appearance. This wasn't the put-together, intimidating woman he'd been preparing himself to face. This was someone who looked like she was barely holding it together.

"Please, have a seat," Caroline said, gesturing to one of the leather armchairs in front of her desk. It wasn't a request.

Gabe sank into the chair, his mind racing. He'd come here with a plan, with carefully prepared questions and arguments. But faced with this unexpected version of Caroline Wisteria, he found himself at a loss.

Gabe cleared his throat. "I wanted to discuss some concerns about recent events in the magical community. Specifically, some disturbances that have affected both our covens."

It was a weak opening, and Gabe knew it. But he needed time to recalibrate, to figure out how to approach this situation.

Caroline's eyes narrowed slightly. “I see. And what concerns, exactly, bring you to my home unannounced?"

Gabe took a deep breath, deciding to take a risk. "Mrs. Wisteria, I'm here about Jessy. I was hoping you might have some information about her whereabouts."

The reaction was not what Gabe expected. Instead of concern or worry, Caroline's face went blank, almost bored. "Jessy is an adult, Mr. Reed. She's free to come and go as she pleases. I'm sure wherever she is, she's fine."

Gabe blinked, caught off guard by the complete lack of maternal concern. Something was very wrong here. He'd seen Jessy and Caroline together at coven gatherings before – they'd always seemed close, loving even. This cold dismissal didn't fit at all.

"With all due respect, Mrs. Wisteria," Gabe pressed, leaning forward slightly, “You didn’t even notice that she’s not around your coven?”

A flicker of something – anxiety? guilt? – passed across Caroline's face, so quickly Gabe almost missed it. But when she spoke, her voice was ice cold. "I don't see how my daughter's comings and goings are any of your business, Mr. Reed. If that's all you came here for, I'm afraid you've wasted your time."

Gabe felt his frustration rising. This wasn't going at all how he'd planned. He needed answers, dammit, not this wall of indifference.

"Mrs. Wisteria," he said, fighting to keep his voice level, "I'm not trying to pry. But Jessy's disappearance could be related to the larger threats our covens are facing. If you know anything – anything at all – that could help us find her-"

"Enough!" Caroline snapped, slamming her hand down on the desk. The sharp crack made Gabe jump. "I've told you, I don't know where Jessy is, nor do I particularly care. She's made her choices, and they are no longer my concern. Now, if you have nothing else to discuss, I suggest you leave."

Gabe stared at her, a cold feeling settling in his gut. This wasn't just a mother being dismissive. There was real anger there, real hurt. Whatever had happened to here was throwing Caroline off.

"I'm sorry," Gabe said, softening his tone. "I can see this is a sensitive subject. But Mrs. Wisteria, Jessy could be in real danger. If there's anything you can tell me that might help-"

He never got to finish the sentence. Caroline's eyes flashed with fury, and suddenly the air in the room felt charged, crackling with magical energy.

"Get out," Caroline hissed, her voice barely above a whisper but carrying the weight of a shout. "Get out of my house, now."

Before Gabe could react, he felt the wards of the house surge to life. An invisible force slammed into him, lifting him out of the chair and propelling him towards the door. He hit the hallway hard, stumbling to keep his feet as the office door slammed shut behind him.

"Well, shit," Gabe muttered, straightening his clothes. That could have gone better.

As he caught his breath, Gabe's eyes were drawn once again to that mysterious sealed door. Now that he was closer, hecould feel the wrongness emanating from it even more strongly. Dark magic pulsed behind that innocuous-looking wood, setting Gabe's teeth on edge.

Without really thinking about it, Gabe found himself moving towards the door. His hand was halfway to the knob when a throat cleared behind him.

"I'm afraid that area is off-limits, Mr. Reed," the butler's crisp voice cut through Gabe's concentration. "If you've concluded your business with Mrs. Wisteria, I'll show you out."

Gabe turned, fighting down a wave of frustration. He was so close to something. He could feel it. But pushing his luck now would only get him magically ejected from the entire property.

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