Page 103 of Upside Down Magic

Thisthing wasEvilwith a capitalE.Ittried to pull at my power, the layer of paint all but shifting under my skin like white ooze.

Liliancrouched on the other side of the vase.

“Justone small spell,” she said softly but sternly.

Alexgave me two thumbs up. “Yougot this, boss.”

“Doit, do it!”Aprilchanted encouragingly.

Huttoncrossed his arms and scowled. “Doyour job, witch.”

“Yeah, hurry up,Avery,”Dorseybarked. “I’mpeckish.”

Rufusgrowled at her and came to sit by my side.IwishedIcould pet him, butIdidn’t want to lose contact with the vase.

Mygaze metDru’s.Shesmiled at me in that sly way of hers. “GottamakeGrandmaproud, right?”

Yes.Shewas so right.

Iwould do this, andGrandmawouldbe proud, wherever she was.

Closingmy eyes,Iconcentrated on my intention.

Letmagic’snatureprevailoverdisruptivespells.

Therewas an inaudibleclickin the atmosphere, and the air in the room suddenly felt a hundred times lighter.

“Wow,” someone whispered in awe.

“Goodjob,”Liliansaid.

Rufusnudged my shoulder.

Iopened my eyes and smiled atDru. “Weshould inviteNormanto theChristmasevent.”

“Christmasevent?”Normanasked.

“Whatabout me?”Wyattdemanded. “Iasked first!”

Huttontook a menacing step forward. “Herevent, her choice.”

Aww.Itried to say something but a sudden lethargy took over my muscles.

“Yo, is that the police?”

Blueand red lights flashed against the ceiling and the top of the walls.

“Oh, oh,”Normanexclaimed. “Iforgot to call them off!”

“Hah.Youall owe me twenty,”Susysaid.

Dorseybooked it for the back door.

“Sheesh, the old lady is fast,”Alexwhispered in awe.

“Yup,”Isaid, then passed out.

WhenInext opened my eyes,Ifound myself in my room, on my bed, with someone caressing my hair.

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