Page 44 of Hexes and Exes

“That’s not important.” Selene glares down at him.

Lucida is watching the proceedings, observing. Her eyes search the room for something.

Why do they want the grimoires back anyway? Because they’re afraid the coven will know exactly why the Briar Witch cursed us all? It’s a tragic story, but for the majority of the coven it doesn’t matter. The people affected by her curse are the most powerful families. Besides the six founding families, there are maybe another half dozen others impacted by the curse. The rest of the witches in this town never have to worry about darkness taking over their soul, or being forgotten, or feeling pain from a simple hand on your arm. The grimoire might make a nice bedtime story for them, but I highly doubt they care. So why does the council?

“You took the books.” My father sneers.

“Prove it.” The words are out of my mouth before I consider if it’s worth the fight.

My father stands so fast, his chair topples back. “You ungrateful little shit. You think you’re better than this coven.” His shadows snap out, reaching for me like grasping fingers.

Lucida waves a hand and the shadows morph into flower petals that float to the ground. “They are relics of our town’s history. They are important to the coven, and we would like tosee them returned. If you happen to know who might have them, spread the word. There will be no repercussions for bringing them back.”

Outrage erupts from the others. Lucida holds up her hand, her power stirring up the wind. Lucida has death magic, which, ironically, can both give and take life, but nothing is without consequence to her magic. The petals on the ground curl up and decompose, turning to dust as I watch.

“There have been many wrongs in our covens’ past. We have the opportunity to begin anew. To set aside old differences and reinvigorate our magic. The Luminara coven is our chance to do better. We have a fresh slate and that is extended to all the witches in our coven.” Lucida stands and turns away from the table while the others grumble unhappily. Selene glares so hard at her back that she could be aiming a hex at Lucida.

Ambrose bows and starts ushering the rest of us out the door. I step beside Ava and she raises her brows high, but doesn’t say anything. We’re nearly out the front door when Lucida calls out my name.

“Bram, if you have a moment, please.” She shuts the door of the auditorium behind her. My friends all freeze at the front door, their eyes darting between me and Lucida.

“Go on. I’ll just be a minute.”

“How are the plans coming for the party?” Lucida asks, looking genuinely interested. “I really want our covens to come together. This is important.”

“Ava and I have been working diligently.”

Lucida’s eyes drift over to the room where the rest of the council is likely arguing with each other. The door slams open and Ivan storms out of the coven house without even glancing in our direction. Lucida waits for the door to close behind him before she responds.

“I really believe this is a chance for a new start. We can do things differently than they've been done in the past.”

I search her face for a hint at what this is about.

“I know this sounds pompous, but I think your mother would be very proud of you.”

“You knew my mother?” Surprise has the question coming out more severe than I intend.

“She was a good friend.” Lucida’s eyes are bright as a sad smile fleetingly crosses her face.

“I didn’t know that.”

Lucida lays her hand on my arm. “I’ll have to tell you some stories sometime.” She flinches, and there’s a brief hint of pain that flashes across her face. Except when she looks up at me again, there’s a serene look already in its place. Maybe I imagined it.

She glances back at the auditorium, where the muffled sound of arguing can’t be contained. “Perhaps not today, though. Keep up the good work with the planning. I know this event will be transformative for our coven.” With that, she turns and walks away, her skirt floating behind her. I almost ask her to stay and tell me the stories now, but something tugs deep in my chest and panic fills me.

I’m out the door without another thought.

21

AVA

“Are you sure you don’t want a ride?” my brother asks, but I’m not paying attention. I’m watching the door of the coven house, waiting for Bram to come out. He’s in there talking with Lucida. When I walked outside, his aura was dark once again. Even more so than it was when we first entered the auditorium. I know it’s his curse, but I hate to see it. All that negative energy, the loathing and disgust aimed at us from the coven council, I watched as he soaked it all in. Stellan turns and looks over his shoulder, following my gaze.

“What are you doing, Ava? That much darkness equals nothing but pain.”

I glare at my brother. “It’s his curse.”

Stellan means well, but he doesn’t know Bram. I can’t help but defend him from my brother's cautious words.

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