Page 61 of Snow's Charming
I clenched my palms to assure my calm tone as I addressed this woman, who I truly believed was Jackie. She must have put a spell on my new friends. It was the only logical explanation.
“I believe the lady has spoken. Time for you to leave, Jennifer—is it?”
Beck placed a palm on the woman’s shoulder and guided her out of the club.
I let out a sigh of relief as I watch her exit the doors, but there was bile erupting in the pit of my stomach in anticipation of what would come next. Jackie wouldn’t show her face unless she thought she had the upper hand. Clearly, she’d gotten her mojo back. I had to get to Sylus to strategize.
Another twinge bubbled in my core, but this one was more about our wedding night. With this mess, I didn’t have to worry about being with him tonight, and somehow that was comforting to my nerves, but not enough.
“Ladies, do you mind if we head to Delta Blue? I need to see Sylus and tell him Jackie is here.”
Ara’s brows furrowed.
“I don’t follow, Sesi. What are you talking about?”
“That wasn’t Jennifer—it was Jackie. I can’t explain it—it must be some kind of spell she did. But we have to get to Sylus. I’ve got to tell him about all of this.”
“Sesi, I’d know if she was Jackie. Every spell has a magical residue that I can pick up on.” Ara said as she patted Sesi’s upper arm.
I pulled my hand back and raised my eyebrows at her.
“Ara, I’m not crazy—I swear!”
“And she’s not saying that, Sesi,” Mimisaid as her eyes darted between the two of us. “This is clearly something else—right, Ara?”
Ara gave me a small smile.
“Of course, it’s definitely something else, but what—I’m not sure yet. The only way there couldn’t be a magical residue is if a god performed the spell. I can only see a witch’s magical fingerprint.”
“So that’s it then! She must be working with a god! Let’s get to the second club and let everyone know!”
I bolted out of my seat, determined to tell Sylus everything, so much so that I didn’t realize I was out on Main Street without the girls. I was just about to head back inside when I saw Jackie in my face.
“I don’t know what you did, but I’m going to find out. Whatever it is, you won’t get away with it, Jackie.”
Her face contorted into her signature sinister smirk, and just like that, I felt like that helpless kid caught in her web of torture. My shoulders lowered, my legs shook, and my stomach dropped. It was clear no matter what I said to her; she thought she had the upper hand, which sent a hard chill up my spine.
“Oh, I will get away with it. It’s just too bad you spoiled my plans and came out of the club earlier than I’d hoped. I wanted to gloat while Sylus didn’t believe you.” She said as she shrugged her shoulder. “But no matter. The best part of my plan is about to get underway.”
She snapped her fingers, and the club vanished and a dank, cave-like cell took its place. I blinked twice because I couldn’t believe it. She shouldn’t have herpowers. Raine bound them, after all. She appeared on the other side of the bars, and I darted after her.
“By the look in your eyes, you are surprised I have my powers back.”
“You bitch!”
She clicked her tongue and folded her arms across her shoulders before responding. “Silly girl, I’m a witch and I’ll be a more powerful one soon, thanks to you and your friends.”
I reached for her, but all I caught was air. The bars were in my way, preventing me from making contact. Frustrated, I slumped over the bars with my entire body to extend my hand, which was inches from her neck. I wasn’t sure what I’d do to her once my hand connected with her, but that didn’t stop me from trying.
Suddenly, a searing pain came over me as the smell of charcoal filled my nostrils. I pulled up my sleeve, and my skin was bubbling. The bars must have some kind of spell on them.
“I laced the cell with quicksilver and wolfsbane. I wouldn’t touch the bars often, well, unless you want mercury poisoning. Now it’s time to put a couple of your friends in a permanent time out with you!”
She cackled before leaving me alone in my dank surroundings. I leaned against the far corner of the cave wall and sank to the ground. Hugging my knees to my chest, I sucked in a weary breath.
She beat me. Jackie beat me. Again.
I truly wasn’t born to be happy. I let out a sigh as ahorrible thought hit me. Happiness was a cruelty she dangled in front of me. From time to time while I grew up, she watched me fall apart as her entertainment. I’d never be happy as long as she was alive. I shook my head to rid myself of the evil thought.
