Page 33 of Witch Queens: Tales from Oz

“I could use my magic,” I ventured.

Lucy turned to me in horror, “Do you want the flowers to grow into giants that eat the people?”

My face fell, “You don’t know that would happen, Lucy.”

“Something bad would happen, Indy. Something bad always happens.”

Scarecrow pulled me against his chest and I immediately felt more centered.

“What do you think I should do?” I asked him.

His hands didn’t leave my sides as he leaned down and spoke into my ear, “Your magic comes from your heart, Indy. It is a part of you. Instead of trying to fight with it, perhaps you should trust yourself more.”

Trust me? Was he kidding? I was a walking catastrophe.

His sexy, rumbling laugh caused goose bumps to appear on my arms—damn him.

“Scarecrow, I do trust myself.” I tried to sound confident, haughty even.

He laughed, “Neither you nor Lucy, trusts your magic. You are downright afraid of it. But Indy, this is a time that you need something drastic, and your magic, that’s drastic.”

My lips pinched, “This could be a tremendous mistake.”

He nodded, “Could be.”

“I could set the whole place on fire,” I warned.

Those dark eyes lit with amusement, “Undoubtedly.”

I wanted to be the person that he thought I could be, but I was damn scared.

“Why do you believe in me?” I whispered.

Scarecrow’s face softened, “Because I see how incredible you are.”

Plagued with doubt, I turned back towards to fields.

“Don’t let go of me,” I asked softly.

His hands on my waist tightened, “Never.”

I closed my eyes and felt the power beneath my skin. I thought about what Scarecrow said. My magic came from my heart. Chanting the spell underneath my voice, I allowed it to grow inside of me. It flitted and swirled about. And for the first time, while casting, I felt entirely grounded, by Scarecrow’s presence.

When I opened my eyes, my hands were glowing, and I raised my palms outward as I watched my magic pour out of them to race across the poppy fields. It sprinkled through the air like pixie dust.

And then to my utter surprise, I saw one of the sleeping victims start to wake.

Lucy let out a shriek, “You bloody well did something right! I am so proud of you!”

I had no idea the Munchkin was so intense. The next thing I knew, she had me around the thighs, lifting me in the air.

I would have gone over the other side had Scarecrow not caught me.

“That’s enough celebrating for now,” his eyes were full of humor. “You two are lethal together.”

Lucy grinned, “Thank you, Sir!”

Sir?

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