Page 87 of Curses and Cauldrons

Knowing that the coven used to be one instead of two, I wonder if that’s the case. When the covens split, did they crack the altar in half, and each side got a piece?

Selene is standing behind the newly repaired altar, and next to her is Lucida Ash, the leader of the Tenebris coven. Where Selene is a skeletal collection of bones, Lucida is all hips and curves. Her bronze skin shines with vitality, and her dark eyes sparkle as she watches all the witches enter the clearing.

The Lumen Coven Council and what I suspect is the Tenebris Coven Council stand behind the two leaders. My parents and Camille are off to the side, glaring at the crowd and looking down their noses at everyone. None of them so much as glance in our direction.

“Anyone else feel like we’re walking into a trap?” Ambrose sounds so cheerful; it’s like he’s hoping for a fight.

“At least one of you has their head on straight.” Agatha Fitzsimons shuffles forward with her cane in one hand and her other wrapped around Morty Woodroot’s arm. Fitz has on an ankle-length puffy coat that all but hides her identity. Morty, on the other hand, is wearing a fuzzy faux fur jacket with a hood that makes him look like a lion. His pants are shiny pleather, and his knee-high boots match.

My mouth falls open. I’ve never seen him at any coven event.

“Shut your mouth, girl, you look like a marionette,” Fitz says, and I snap my mouth closed.

“What are you doing here? I didn’t think coven gatherings were worth your time?” Roman boldly asks. I elbow his side, and he gives me an amused look.

“We heard a very interesting rumor.” Morty looks over the crowd, his eyes narrowing as he looks at the altar. He turns his assessing gaze to me and Roman. “What have you two done?”

“What? Me?” I point to myself, and Penelope snorts next to me.

Morty winks at her and drops his gaze to my hand, which is clasped in Roman’s. His eyebrow lifts, but he doesn’t say anything else. I don’t have to look to know it’s the hand with the twin vines on my ring finger.

I’ve been researching the marks that showed up without warning, only to find vague references to a magical bond between two fated loves. While curiosity has me wanting to keep digging, it’s been more important to look into the Briar Witch’s curse and how we can help our friends. Both my curse and Roman’s have disappeared. We know it has something to do with the bond, but no more than that.

“Sisters, brothers, friends.” Selene’s voice cuts through the air. The sun is just on the horizon, about to disappear for the night.

“On this shortest day of the year, we are gathered together in this new sacred place to look ahead. Just as the days will grow longer once again, our two covens have decided to grow as well.”

Faint murmurs ripple through the crowd. Lucida holds up a hand, and the whispers fade to silence.

“Once, a long time ago, a decision was made for the Luminara coven to split into two, creating the Lumen and Tenebris covens. Our leaders thought it the best way to preserve our traditions and ensure the successful passing of magic from one generation to the next.”

My brow creases. Lucida is saying a whole lot and nothing at the same time. We know from Briar’s grimoire that the covens split because of the curse. They wanted to keep the information about the curse secret and split up because of it. Lucida is making it sound like it was something noble.

“As we grow and learn, so must we change. That is why our two covens are joining into one. We will once again bethe Luminara coven, and together, I know we will only become stronger.”

The distasteful looks on the faces of the council tell me that not everyone is on board with this decision. The buzz in the crowd of gathered witches doesn’t sound all that happy, either.

“Why bother?” Penelope asks, her gaze locked on our mother.

I shake my head. “I don’t know, but I doubt it’s good.”

Lucida and Selene clasp their hands together and raise them to the sky. “Together, we will be stronger than ever before.”

There’s a smattering of applause, but furious whispers practically drown the sound out.

“Go, enjoy your solstice and we’ll see you in the new year.” Selene and Lucida drop their hands and back away from the altar. The crowd mills around uncertainly, before people slowly start to leave the clearing.

“Should we go celebrate our monumental joining with a few drinks for the adults and a mocktail for our young friend.” Ambrose pulls on one of the ears on my little sister’s hat before doing the same to the fluffy ball on the top of Piper’s hat. Piper’s cheeks turn pink as she lowers her head.

I’m just about to agree, when I spot my mother approaching Selene. The sun has set and the remaining light in the sky is quickly fading. I watch as the two of them go back and forth, my mother gesturing wildly as Selene stays calm. She shakes her head and I catch the words “not yet” as she turns from my mother and walks away.

I’m about to tell Roman what I just saw, when I spot Anastasia Lexington moving through the crowd. My magic burns in my chest. Roman frowns at me and links our fingers together. The longer we have this bond, the more of a life it takes on. Some days, I swear I feel Roman’s emotions. Right now, he’slooking at me like the rage lighting me up inside is radiating through our connection.

“What is it?” Roman murmurs before leaning down and brushing a kiss along my jaw. My eyes close and I suck in a breath. I will never get over the casual way he touches me. To others, it might not be anything extraordinary, but I will never take this man for granted.

“I want her to suffer,” I say through gritted teeth. Roman follows my gaze and a low rumbling sound vibrates in his chest as he pulls me into a hug.

“I have a feeling the Maiden, Mother, and Crone aren’t done with her yet.” Roman pauses, his hold tightening around me. Anastasia is talking to his parents. They look incredibly cozy. “What the fuck is that about?”

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