Page 68 of Hex and the Kitty

She turned to see Celeste crossing the square, auburn hair glowing like copper in the early light. Beside her walked Ivy, her arms laden with herb-filled sachets that released fragrant protection magic with each step.

“You’re both up early,” Molly called back, smiling at her friends.

Ivy raised her bundles. “Protection spells wait for no witch. Especially not today.”

Molly pulled her cardigan tighter, a memory of Gus’s venomous glare flashing through her mind.

“We should head to the community center,” Celeste suggested, breaking through Molly’s dark thoughts. “The others are gathering to layer protective wards.”

The three witches walked through town, past shopfronts decorated with silver and blue bunting. Outside Phantasm Pharmacy, Daisy arranged a window display of protection amulets, her bright pink hair visible from half a block away.

“Selling safety with style,” Daisy announced when she spotted them. “I’ll join you at the center in an hour.”

The community center’s grand hall buzzed with activity. Volunteers draped midnight-blue fabric along the walls while others arranged tables around a gleaming wooden dance floor. Above, star-shaped lanterns hung from the vaulted ceiling, mimicking the night sky.

Ellie waved from across the room where she tested perception charms on the decorations. Tabitha knelt by the entrance, inscribing protection sigils into the threshold. In the center of the empty dance floor stood Sera, eyes closed, face serene as she conducted order magic through the space.

“Perfect timing,” Ellie called. “We need your truth magic, Molly.”

For the next hour, Molly moved methodically around the hall, weaving spells of clarity and truth into the decorations. Her magic specialized in revealing deception—a skill particularly valuable tonight. As she worked, her fingertips left faint golden traces that faded into the fabric, now enchanted to resist manipulation.

“Anyone else worried about what Gus might try?” Tabitha asked during a brief break, her voice low.

Molly nodded, grateful someone had voiced the concern lodged in her throat. “He made threats about the ball specifically.”

“That’s why we’re preparing,” Sera replied, her usual composure unruffled. “Multiple layers of protection from different magical disciplines. He won’t break through.”

Molly hoped Sera’s confidence proved justified. As she resumed her spellwork, she pictured Warrick’s face from last night—his golden eyes intense with emotion as he’d confessed his love in her kitchen. The memory reinforced her determination to protect tonight’s celebration.

By mid-morning, Molly needed to return to the bakery. Her Fire & Spice cupcakes required hours of precise magical infusion. She bid farewell to her friends, promising to see them later.

“One moment,” Ellie called, hurrying over with a small blue vial. “Beauty boost for tonight. Just add three drops to your bathwater.”

“I wasn’t planning anything elaborate?—“

“Trust me,” Ellie interrupted with a knowing smile. “Tonight’s special.”

FIFTY-THREE

The bakery kitchen welcomed Molly with familiar comfort—gleaming countertops, the faint scent of vanilla lingering in the air, soft morning light streaming through windows. She tied on her favorite apron, embroidered with tiny baking utensils that occasionally animated when she hummed while working.

The Fire & Spice cupcakes represented weeks of recipe development. She’d begun experimenting after watching Warrick rush into the smoke-monster-filled bakery, risking himself to protect her from those cursed things. His bravery had inspired both the flavor profile and the protective enchantment.

Molly gathered ingredients with practiced precision: cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and a whisper of chili. The base cake needed to carry enough heat to activate the magic without overwhelming the palate. She sifted flour, channeling patience into each motion.

As she worked, her thoughts drifted to the journey that had brought her and Warrick together. From their collision at the social to fake dating to something profoundly real. How strange that what began as a scheme to stop matchmaking had blossomed into genuine connection.

“Cinnamon for protection,” she murmured, measuring the spice into her bowl. “Star anise for clarity.”

Each ingredient carried magical properties that would enhance the spell. But the true power came from her intent—her deep-seated desire to protect those she cared about. And somewhere along their chaotic path, Warrick Shaw had become someone she cared for deeply.

The realization no longer startled her as it once might have. Last night, sitting at the kitchen table, something fundamental had shifted when he’d spoken those words: “I love you, Molly Hues.”

No man had ever looked at her that way before—as though she were both miracle and anchor. His confession had unlocked something within her, a capacity for trust she’d forgotten she possessed.

Molly poured batter into cupcake tins, her hands steady despite the emotional current running beneath her skin. For years, she’d poured her heart into her bakery, into community events, into helping others glimpse their futures through her enchanted pastries. Always giving, rarely receiving. But Warrick gave back—his protection, his respect, his vulnerability.

As the cupcakes baked, filling the kitchen with spicy warmth, Molly prepared golden frosting that shimmered like embers. This would carry the most powerful aspect of her spell—temporary heat resistance. She whispered incantations over the bowl, channeling protection magic from her core.

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