Page 64 of For Dear Life

Marci steps back and opens the door further. I peer into the circular room. In the center, three girls sit around a white painted circle containing basic runes, and red candles in bronze sconces on the walls flicker to highlight their faces.

Not unexpected for a room beneath the academy’s witch house, but an odd place for a human. “Holly? Is this a coven?”

22

VIOLET

Although Holly’s link to Marci pointed at a witch’s influence, I’d discounted anything further. In my short time at Thornwood, I’ve watched witches and other students interact and there’s a definite ‘them and us’—almost a social faux pas to include humans in anything magical. Hence my suspicions why Marci befriended Holly and broke the unspoken rule.

But this? I don’t need any more persuasion and march into the low-ceilinged room then wrinkle my nose at the pungent herbal smell.

Three witches—Marci and two who she introduces as Nita and Zoe. I dart a look from girl to girl. I may’ve seen them around campus, but the blond and the dark-haired witches weren’t at the bowling alley or Kai’s party.

There’s plenty of magic energy humming around but also a dull aura similar to Holly’s after the breakup with Ollie, but harsher. Was Nita strong-armed into joining the committee too? Because something’s off about her. She’s picking at the edge of her academy blazer and the sad aura would interfere with any magic attempts.

“What’s this?” I ask. “Are you really organizing a dance, or are you a coven?”

“Both.” Holly wanders into the room and sits beside Nita before taking her hand and whispering something. Nita nods and sucks in a shaky breath.

“How are you in a coven, Holly? You’re human,” I say. Oh, please no... “Aren’t you?”

She nods. “Honorary human member.”

Zoe chuckles.

“Of a secret coven? Or is this a general meeting room for witches to practice magical homework?” Marci smiles at me. “I’m guessing the former if you’re semi-hidden in the basement and lie to everyone that this is a committee meeting.”

Marci nods. “Few people want to be involved with the committee.”

“Yeah, Marci’s known to be bossy,” puts in Zoe. “Unofficial head girl.”

I lock gazes with the girl who decided to treat me with rudeness and disdain last night, and all but accused me of the murders. “Why am I here?” I ask Marci. “You made public your evident dislike for me and your suspicion more so.”

Marci sits by the circle beside Nita. “I can’t be seen as a supporter, Violet.”

“Of me?”

“Yes. Nobody on campus should be seen to support you. No witch, anyway.”

I narrow my eyes. “And you want me to join your ‘committee’? A coven whose sole purpose is to use magic for frivolity? And other humans; vamps. Where is their involvement?”

“Marci has strict criteria for meetings and who joins us. Most choose not to be involved due to how overbearing she is,” says Zoe.

“Well. I’m not joining a coven, especially one led by someone who thinks they’re superior to me.” But my curiosity grows by the moment. Most irritating.

“We’ve some information to share with you,” says Marci. “Helpful information.”

“And what do you want in return?” Is this another Rowan quid pro quo situation? “I don’t share my magic.”

“Your help in finding the killer.” Nita’s voice is thick and wavering, a more extreme version of Holly when she lost Ollie.

Oh. Holly has told them about my investigations.

Tread carefully, Violet.

Nita attended the memorial but wasn’t one of the weeping girls. But still... “Were you one of Wesley’s girlfriends?” I ask. “A secret one, since the guy hated supes.”

She shakes her head and struggles to speak.

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