Page 6 of My Hexed Honeymoon

“If you’re done,” Helena says in a syrupy sweet tone that very much insists I be.

I definitely am once I catch Riven making eyes at me. Honestly, given the option, I’d choose the charming vampire over the asshole werewolf at my side.

The mere thought causes my skin to prickle, the buzz of unseen magic reminding me I’m bound to another. Seriously, fuck this day and every single thing about it.

At my nod, we finish introductions, which is how I find out Nissa, the werewolf with deep bronze skin and ebony dreads adorned with golden cuffs, is Diego’s beta. His number two is pregnant, wearing a pale purple dress that highlights her baby bump, and a murderous scowl on her face.

Is it possible she’s even grouchier than my groom?

Affecting a compliant, listening expression, I begin to disassociate to keep myself as safe as I can be given the dire situation. I’ve gotten rather good at tuning out while functioning in autopilot.

Supernatural resurgence…

Unknown forces at play, yada, yada, yada.

An enormous dude I assume is a werewolf stands back several yards from our circle like a silent sentinel, his long red hair, beard, and braids making him look more like a Viking warrior. Even wearing a tweed suit, vest, and a gold pocket watch, and is that a hawk perched on his shoulder?

But then I hear it—the Hollow—and my attention snaps back into focus.

I always thought the realm that swallowed people whole was just an urban legend—a story told around campfires to keep young witches obedient and scare us into practicing harder.

“One of your sisters hid a powerful object there that belongs to us, years before most of you were born,” Riven says with a little bite in their voice, anger glinting as they grit their teeth. “We’ve been trying to get it back for half a century, but now we’re facing a threat only it can help us defeat.”

Even if the Hollow exists outside of myth, it’s known as a place between realms, where everything is darkness and the laws of nature completely unravel. Time doesn’t exist, and yet somehow lasts forever. If the isolation doesn’t break you, your own fears will rise up and slowly drive you mad.

Unless the nightmare creatures get to you first.

“Which brings us to her,” Helena says, and fuck me, her gaze alights on me as she says it. “Our oracle tells us the power to enter the realm has finally been awakened, andshe’s the only one who can reach it.”

CHAPTER FOUR

Gotta be honest,I don’t understand half of what Helena just said.

Something about it prickles my skin and shrinks down my world to the here and now, though.

Oracle.

Power’s finally been awakened.

She’sthe only one who can reach it.

And byshe, she meantme. The impotent witch and massive disappointment, only good for being married off and bringing forth an heir withactualpower.

But as Helena’s amber eyes lock onto mine, a strange tugging sensation ripples beneath my skin, and the golden threads of the universe blink brighter into existence.

My mother’s jaw locks, razor sharp, her accusation slicing through the silence. “All this time you’ve been pretending to be so powerless.”

Oh, for Hecate’s sake, instead of being relieved I have more uses she can exploit, she’s mad?

I’m the one who was locked in closets, told fear would eventually unlock my magic. I read a grimoire for three days andtwo nights, no sleep, no food, no breaks. And in the end, she was furious I dared to pass out before I mastered any spells.

“I have no idea what she’s talking about, Mother,” I say, my voice slightly scratchy from disuse. “You’re finding this out at the same time as I am.”

Beside me, eyes the color of the darkest, most bitter espresso narrow on me in suspicion. Perfect. My groom’s taking my mom’s side, so guess who’s sleeping on the couch tonight? Fingers crossed he doesn’t shed.

I don’t even know if we have a couch or a bed or what the house even looks like.

For a moment, I feel hopelessly lost and alone, but that’s nothing new.

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