Page 1 of Cursed By the Love Witch

1

DARCEE

Lyrik and Quizton watch me closely from the other side of my wooden table.

The windows inside my dormitory are open, allowing a flower-scented spring breeze to float around the room. The fragrant air mixes with the herbal smell of an incense stick burning away atop my ceramic holder. Large pink and white candles flicker in the wind.

My large rose quartz is charging in my heart-shaped selenite bowl under the sun. A soft chime rings from my witch’s bells hanging from the door. The two first years across from me are eager—studying me with wide eyes as I let my powers free and intuition wander.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on the two of them. Individually assessing their movements and patterns, I learned what they liked, feared, and desired above all else. Both of them had contacted me, seeking my masterful matchmaking services. As the premier—and only—love witch at Axwyne School of Magic, I take my responsibility seriously.

Hence, thoroughly examining the pair allowed me to discern that they would be a perfect match. Lyrik is a free-spiritedkitchen witch with an affinity for potions, while Quizton is a logical spellcaster who can make a mean spell jar. One is a stickler for the rules, and the other is willing and wanting to bend them—a delicious combination.

Both twitch with nervous energy, stealing glances at the other. I take a deep breath, inhaling the floral scents around me and letting my power flow. Warmth slides thickly through my veins as golden light envelopes the world around me. I reach into my depths—the core of my being—and tug on the magic resting there. It is as familiar as my hand.

I watch as it casts its glow over the couple across from me. I glimpse the sparkling realm it shows me as my hands expertly flip through myEternal Lovetarot deck. I pause, shuffling and folding countless times, before doling out the cards in a love-spread arrangement. The two beings across from me hold their breath as I flip over the first card.

Its gold-foil face beams up at us. Lyrik lets out a delighted squeal and throws her arms around Quizton.

“I knew it,” the young witch sighs. “I knew it!”

Sliding my nails underneath the card, I hold it up so it glistens in the candlelight:the Loverstwinkle, the female and male nude bodies embracing while surrounded by various flowers and hearts.

“The deck has spoken,” I say, smiling softly. “I knew from the first moment you both came to me something was drawing you two together. Lyrik is outspoken and headstrong. While Quizton, you are quieter—thoughtful. A perfect compliment.The Loverscould not better indicate the affection and devotion you two share.”

A look of true love passes between the pair. Such affection makes a familiar ache grip my heart, but I push it away. A love witch with no lover to call her own—I’m such a cliché.

Quizton turns to me, their dark eyes sparkling, and drops a bag of coins on my table.

“We want to do it—take the potion.”

My smile deepens as I nod at the young couple.

“I thought the two of you might.” With a wave of my hand, a small container with a glass topper appears. “Made this one during the last new moon. It should be extra potent.”

I hand over the magenta liquid to Quizton, who clasps Lyrik’s hand in their own.

“Thank you, Darcee. You’re the best,” Lyrik says, leading her lover towards my door.

“Oh, I know,” I sigh dreamily, waving goodbye as they exit.

The smell of roses and lilacs dances in the air. I feel content—as I always do after bringing together a pair of lovers. Love is my favorite thing in the world, and while I may lack it in my personal life, bringing others together feels just as good. That’s why I can’t wait for graduation in three weeks.

Three weeks. That’s all that separates me and the future I’ve dreamed of for so long. My apothecary is in the next town over—the old building is small and has seen better days. However, as I snatch up the coins Quizton left for my services and count them, a grin curves my lips. I now have more than enough for the first month’s rent.

It won’t be easy, but as soon as I open the doors, I’ll have a long line of customers ready to find their true love.

After all, I’ve been bringing people together for the last five years since arriving to Axwyne. I reach for the piece of parchment atop my desk, the wax seal broken as I’ve already read over the letter a dozen times. Teal and Dryven were my first match I brought together. Teal came to me when I was still very new to my magic and was the receiver of my very first love reading.

My magic told me that a man would save Teal’s life, and that would be the one she would call her husband. Well, as fate would have it, two days later, in potions class, a misplaced eye of newt ended up in Teal’s cauldron, turning it explosive. She would’ve been grievously hurt had it not been for the quick thinking of Dryven, a bookish teaching assistant, who pulled her to safety just before the blast.

Teal never left his arms again, and they were married two summer solstices later. A few days ago, the letter they sent me contained a miniature portrait of the latest addition to their family, a little girl named Ever.

I hold the letter to my chest, letting the warmth thrumming through my veins intensify again. I justlovelove. As a love witch, it’s kind of my thing. I always have, even when my childhood was less than ideal. In those darkest moments, I would cling to the idea of love—that one day, things would be different, and I would find my own happily ever after.

Until that happens, I’m happy to provide it to others.

The birds outside my window are singing a happy melody. My heart feels full. Thanks to my intervention, another happy couple has been brought together, making this day perfect. A shrill bell ringing cuts through my serenity. All at once, my happy mood sours, and a cold sweat breaks out across my brow.

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