Page 35 of The Witch and The Blood Oath

“You can make portals now,” I said and crouched beside the firepit, which we had filled with enough wood to keep a fire going overnight. “But can you summon flames?”

Cadence sighed. “One day.”

“Don’t let her make you feel bad,” Walker chimed in from where he perched over the tent. “She’s just jealous, Cady-Cat.”

He smirked at me, and for the first time all day, things actually felt normal.

“Your brother’s right,” I said and sparked a flame to life in my hands. “Fire is awesome, but portals definitely win more style points.”

As I set the wood ablaze, Cadence shook her head.

“I’m not so sure about that,” she said and smiled.

Ryder emerged from the woods surrounding the campsite wearing a frown and the joggers I had thrown out in the woods after he shifted. Nudity didn’t bother werewolves, but I didn’t want him to traumatize Cady.

“Frey,” he said, “we’ve got company.”

My magic swelled in response. I hadn’t detected any other magic in the area upon arrival, but that could’ve changed.

“Where?” I asked.

I sensed something strange in the air—something that hadn’t been there before. Walker stood and drew closer to us. His magic crackled, but he wasn’t what I sensed. I wanted to take his hand to settle him, but I didn’t.

“Across the pond,” Ryder said and dipped his chin in that direction. “They’re in the woods over there. Something isn’t right with them.”

“Witches?” Walker asked.

Ryder shook his head. “I’m not surewhatthey are.”

I blanched. Ryder was well-versed in the supernatural community. I wanted to seek these strange creatures out, but I wasn’t sure if it was the best idea.

“Well,” Walker said, “now I’m really curious.”

“Yeah,” Cadence added. “Let’s go check it out.”

Walker crossed his arms. “Could you ever just be afraid of something?”

She grinned.

“Did they see you?” I asked Ryder.

“No,” he answered. “They were pretty…occupied.”

“Do you think they’re dangerous?” I asked. Ryder’s vague answers frustrated me.

He ran a hand through his dark hair. “I don’t know. I think someone else should check it out. They were saying some pretty strange things.”

“I’ll go,” Walker and I said at the same time.

I glanced at Cadence. “You’re not going to volunteer?”

She sighed. “I know when to pick my battles. Walker has his absolutely-not-face on.”

I laughed and walked into the woods. I was actually grateful for the chance to stretch my legs. Walker followed me, and I paused.

“I’ll be fine on my own,” I said.

“Doesn’t mean you should be on your own,” he said.

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