Page 29 of Through the Wicked Wood

“Whatever happened to you, Enchantress…” Eviey’s voice goes distant for a moment before continuing. “Whatever hardship you were forced to endure, the tragedy I’m sure you went through that brought you here, I hope you know what a blessing you are to us. It’s not every day we meet an Enchantress such as yourself.” My brows knit together as confusion splays across my face. What is it that they think I can do? First Agnes and now this.

Parting my mouth I intend to ask her what she means, but I flounder to find the right words. I don’t know what these people expect of me. It may be that they think I possess a useful kind of magick and can help them in some way. How disappointed they will be to know the magick I possess is absolutely nothing at all. Or is it that they think I have yet to obtain any? It could be possible they’re holding out hope for when I retrieve the Stones.

Another disappointment.

But the way she and Letty gaze at me with such admiration makes me keep my thoughts and the truth to myself. Let them think the latter. That I have yet to complete my Ceremony. No good will come from the realization that a magickless Enchantress is after the Stones.

Clapping her hands loudly together, Letty’s sudden cheeriness makes me startle in my seat. “Now,” she exclaims, standing from her stool. “Enough serious talk. We’re merely glad to have you here Elora.” She clasps her hands together at her chest as a beaming smile spreads across her face.

I let out a small laugh. “I’m happy to be here. It’s my pleasure to help with anything for the celebration tonight.” I hope the change in subject will be enough to break their gaze away.

“Ah, yes.” Eviey draws out the phrase. “The full moon celebration is a wonderous time indeed.” She drags her eyes from the top of my sweat matted braid to the toes of my dirt caked boots. Her face splits into a wild and wicked grin. “And what exactly do you plan to wear tonight, my child?”

Chapter 16

Elora

I struggle to breathe as Letty and Eviey tighten the laces on my dress.

Eviey explained earlier that the people of Loxley celebrate the full moon just as the rest of Teravie does.

Every month, a beautiful feast is laid under the moon, thanks is given to Mother Gaia for all she provides. Music and dancing are essential, though, my stomach churns at the thought. Never been much of a dancer. It’s not so much the act of dancing itself, but the attention. I despise any activity that would land too many eyes on me at once.

Letty happened to have a particular dress close enough to my size, and I gladly slipped out of my dirt covered clothes into it. The gown is a stunning ivory with a thin, gold trim. Stitched wildflowers in deep magentas, vibrant blues, indigos, and yellows adorn the bodice. The corset cinches at my waist, giving the illusion of a much larger bust than I actually have. While the neckline scoops low, leaving my entire chest on display, and the sleeves fit snugly on my arms but widen at my elbows, hanging loosely at my fingertips. The rest of the ivory fabric flows delicately from my hips down to the floor in a soft cascade. It’s truly beautiful and I insisted several times that it was too much. To which Letty replied with a scoff, “Nonsense. For you Enchantress, it is barely enough.”

With Eviey’s help, we detangle my hair after I took what felt like the most luxurious bath since living in the castle in Valebridge. The steaming water mixed with various herbs from the garden were nearly enough to lull me to sleep. Eviey has pinned one side of my hair back, leaving the rest falling down my back in blonde waves. Plucking a pink wildflower from her garden, Letty stops to tuck it behind my ear.

The three of us balance the food dishes from earlier; a rather large quantity of blackberry cobblers, carrot and potato stew, and a few other cooked green vegetables from the garden. Taking a slight turn to the main road, a small gasp escapes me as I take in Loxley as dusk begins to settle over the town. The small stone cottages that frame each side of the dirt road have been decorated in an abundance of varying foliage.

Beautiful wildflowers sit atop the windowsills and porches in huge, overflowing bundles. Lavender, daisies, and buttercups bring a beautiful brightness of color to the green ivy that naturally grows up the sides of the homes. White pillared candles line the road on either side, each one flickering to illuminate the path towards the center of the small town. My mouth gapes at the lit plumes. There must be hundreds of them and miraculously, each one remains lit. Letty notices my gaze, chuckling softly as she gently grabs me by the elbow.

“We may not be Mother blessed with Enchantress magick,” she whispers, “but we have a few tricks up these old sleeves.”

In the center of the road there’s a row of large wooden tables, the same tables I realize were used at the market yesterday. On top of each table sits stunning piles of pink and yellow flowers in varying glass jars and vases with candelabras at the center, each full of long, tapered candles. I’m dazzled as I watch the flames flicker softly in the late summer breeze, the soft pulse of magick in the air sends a chill down my spine, and my throat aches from the cry I refuse to let out.

It reminds me of her.

It reminds me of home.

Following Letty and Eviey as they head toward one of the tables, we set down our offerings of food and my eyes drift again over the town. It is beautiful. So very beautiful.

“I’m going to go check on Marian and see if she needs help with the bread.” Eviey excuses herself and turns to head across the street.

The children of Loxley busy themselves with a game of make believe. Running around the tables, playing with their wooden swords and bows. The sound of their laughter brings me back to our first night here and how it felt when I saw so many happy people gathered around the fire. My heart sinks at the memories their sounds bring up. The memories of my own childhood.

“Let’s play a game,” Cade insisted, pacing back and forth in the dimly lit library. Even at fifteen, he had too much energy for his own good. Always pacing, running, playing, fighting.

“I am tired of games,” I said, flipping through another book I’d pulled from the shelf. Reading was the only pastime I preferred, but the look in Cade’s hazel eyes, I could never say no. “Fine,” I replied, tossing the book down. He pulled me to my feet, his blonde hair cut too short from his newly begun military training. “But no poker. This time,” I laughed, squeezing tight to his hand, “I get to choose the game.”

Before I can get too lost in my train of thought, a familiar voice catches my attention at the furthest end of the table.

Sorin.

He is dressed in his usual black pants and a loose-fitting black linen shirt, the laces unraveled slightly, revealing his tan chest underneath. Silver rings adorn each of his fingers now, more than the one he typically wears on his index finger. I surprise myself that I’ve noticed such a small detail, but I ignore it and watch as he sips casually from his chalice.

I recognize the man he chats with, Ulric, I believe. They appear comfortable next to each other, though I’ve yet to meet anyone who isn’t comfortable or pleased to be in Sorin’s presence. His wavy dark hair is swept back on the top, the sides cropped fairly short. His stubble accentuates his sharp jaw and full lips, and in the glow of the late evening sun, he is magnificent.

I don’t realize how long I’m staring until his eyes lock with mine from across the tables. Dipping his chin in my direction, I scramble to find focus elsewhere. Anywhere. I catch his body out of my peripherals and heat blooms across my cheeks and neck as he saunters toward me. Biting the inside of my cheek, I prepare myself for the unavoidable. I hardly knew how to be around him before, and now that he’s seen me at my most vulnerable, his presence is overwhelming.

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