Page 51 of Cursed By the Love Witch

“Why the tears then, my dear?”

“Everything is just happening so fast—I?—”

“That is the nature of love, isn’t it? You would know better than anyone how all-consuming it can be. It’s the most powerful magic in the world.” Her smile turns wistful. “I don’t know why I’m even surprised. He was always so enamored with you.”

The blood in my veins freezes.

“What do you mean?”

Mistress Saege gives a delicate shrug.

“Bael was always asking after you—practically from the moment you arrived. Then, when you became my teaching assistant, he’d constantly pepper me with questions about you and your skill level. He was always impressed by your proficiency in divination and potion making.” Saege chuckles softly. “It’s why I suggested you enroll in his course—so he could finally experience you firsthand. Pretty good matchmaking on my part for a non-love witch, hmm?”

I would laugh along with her, but I feel unsteady. Traitorous hope rises within me no matter how hard I shove against it. I remind myself that curiosity and desire are not the same thing. Any interest he may have had in me before never prompted him to treat me with anything other than disdain.

Saege’s warm hand falls to my shoulder.

“You deserve to be happy, Darcee. Besides, you won’t be the first student-teacher relationship Axwyne has brought together.The Head Mistress and I met when I was a student, and we’ve been together for decades.”

I give her a watery smile.

“I hope our love is as everlasting as yours.”

Saege squeezes my shoulder before turning away.

I gaze down at the antidote brewing in my cauldron. The cracks in my heart deepen as I stare into it. I have to give him this if there is even the slightest chance of us having a future. We’ll find each other if we are truly meant to be. And if we aren’t well, I’ll be glad that I’m far enough away from him when the potion wears off, and I won’t see the fondness on his face twist into disgust.

Sticking to my plan should be easy enough. I’ll be gone before he even realizes what I’ve done.

22

THE HIGH WARLOCK

He holds her in his arms the morning of graduation.

Counting her deep breaths, he lets the feeling of her warm body soothe the frayed edges of his nerves. It has been agony waiting, but the pain was worth it. Keeping away from her had nearly been impossible. Now he knows he will never be apart from her again after tonight.

It’s what he’s wanted from the first moment he saw her at student orientation five years ago. The young woman with magenta eyes and round cheeks. He’d never felt so drawn to another in his life. Keeping close watch over her through the years had been delicious torture. For years, he’d scan his class list hoping to see her name, but their paths had no reason ever to cross.

And then, at the beginning of this semester, everything had come alive when he saw Darcella Thistle printed on the ledger for his introductory to necromancy course. From that first day, some part of him knew they would end up here—together like this. The fact that she also wants him is a revelation—one he will always cherish for the rest of their lives.

His restless soul reaches toward hers. When he is inside her tonight—claiming her as his mate—they will finally become one. Two halves will reunite with the sacred promise of forever. He loves her. The High Warlock has felt this way for a very long time. Seeing her with another at the equinox party snapped something inside of him.

He had wasted enough time, and if he didn’t act soon, he could lose her forever—something he would never forgive himself for doing.

Dawn breaks inside her small dorm. Most of her belongings are packed tightly into boxes. Wherever she goes, he will always follow. Today is when their life together begins.

The bare walls of her room glisten in the morning light. Inhaling the scent of her hair deeply, he presses a lingering kiss to her forehead.

“Tonight,” he vows in her ear.

She stirs slightly as he leaves her warm body but remains fast asleep. With one last lingering look, knowing she’ll finally be his tonight makes leaving her a bit easier. His magic flows through him, and he quickly transforms into a raven.

Leaping from the window, he flies directly towards the rising sun.

23

DARCEE

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