Page 73 of Potions & Prejudice
“Georgie!” I yelled. “Whatever you’re doing, stop right now.”
I caught a peek of thick black hair up ahead, right next to the river. Far too close to it.
I skidded to a halt as Georgie came into view. She knelt down by a fallen log, half of it hanging out over the river. She was trying to move it, but other logs lay on top of the opposite end, still on land. A small firefox was pinned underneath the log, and every time it breathed, spurts of fire shot from its mouth.
“Georgie, move away from the river.” She was perched right on the edge of the ground. One wrong move, and she would tumble into the current and be carried away.
“No,” she said. “Not until I free this firefox.”
The creature yowled from where it was stuck. Edgar whimpered from where he hung in the air, gaze shifting between me and Georgie.
“I understand you want to save it, but is it really worth your life?” I asked.
She didn’t answer, continuing to pull with all her might at the log. I sighed. I didn’t want to have to give ultimatums, but Georgie left me no choice.
“Fine,” I said. “If you won’t move, then I’ll have to come get you.”
She whipped around, fire in her eyes. “Don’t you dare.”
“You’re not exactly leaving me a choice,” I said.
She set her jaw. “Well it seems we’re at an impasse because I’m not budging. And if you try to grab me, I’ll fight you.”
“Well, there is a third solution. Your brother could always help you,” Edgar suggested.
I shot him a withering glare, and he hunched his shoulders.
“Would you?” In an instant, Georgie’s tone had gone from livid to hopeful. “Would you help me save it?”
“Georgie,” I said with a soft voice. “It’s likely injured. Its mother is gone. It won’t survive even if you do save it. I’m not sure it’s worth risking our safety.”
“We can take it to Arcane Creatures Emporium,” she said. “That’s what Mr. Thorne does. He helps animals, rehabilitates them, sends them back out into the wild or makes them suitable for adoption. This firefox has a chance. No one should just be left behind, left alone because everyone abandoned them.” She swallowed thickly.
I thought about Elspeth, how she’d said she bonded with her sisters by doing things they liked. Maybe this could be my chance to connect with Georgie.
I rolled up my sleeves. “Okay.” I strode forward and crouched next to her.
The whoosh of wings sounded behind us, Edgar landing on the ground. “Aw, he’s so cute and little.” The firefox sneezed, and a stream of fire shot out at Edgar. He yelped and ducked.
“You do know you’re fire resistant, right?” I asked.
“Oh.” Edgar straightened. “I forgot.”
I shook my head and studied the log.
“Can we lift it at the same time?” Georgie asked.
“Actually.” I stroked my chin. “I think I could use my magic to lift the log.”
I’d created a similar spell years ago. This one would have to be slightly altered, but it could work. I offered my hand to Georgie, and she took it as I hauled her to her feet.
I murmured the spell, adjusting the words in my head as I went. As I spoke, the log began to tremble and shake. The baby firefox squealed, itseyes squeezing shut. Georgie ran to it and petted its head right as the log lifted into the air.
“Georgie,” I yelled as the log lifted and knocked her back. Straight into the river.
“No,” I yelled, lunging forward to grab my sister.
An orange blur raced past me, and I realized it was Edgar. He flapped his wings and dove down, clutching onto the back of Georgie’s shirt. I gaped.
