Wedding Bells and Midnight Spells

by Sarina Dorie

  The closer I inched to the door, the more blinding the pain became. I couldn’t move. I could barely breathe through my sobs. Lucifer padded by, flicking his tail at me. He lifted his nose as though he thought I was stupid.

  Was this a curse from the Raven Queen? The Princess of Lies and Truth? The latter Fae was supposed to be under house arrest in her father’s castle, awaiting the verdict of her parents for her crimes. But that didn’t mean one of them couldn’t have done remote magic. By the time I came to this conclusion, I was too weak and far too pained to reach for the amulet Elric had given me. Even if I had been able to summon him, I wasn’t certain it was worth the cost. I only had one favor left, and then my soul would belong to him.

  The pain was so great, it was difficult not to wish to call him, though.

  The door creaked open and footsteps thudded against the wooden floor. Lucifer darted under the bed.

  “Clarissa?” Thatch said, the deep rumble of his voice hinting at urgency. “What happened?”

  He touched a hand to my head, the gesture tender. Carefully he rolled me over, cradling the back of my head in his palm so that I stared up at him. I tried to answer, but my words came out a moan. His brows drew together as he gazed at me. Crouching beside me, he unbuttoned the bottom of my shirt. It took me a second to realize he thought the red stain on my blouse was blood. He sighed in relief when he saw it wasn’t.

  My limbs were heavy. It took too much effort to move. His gaze swept over the bag on the floor beside me. He scanned the room, his expression shifting momentarily from surprise to anger to sorrow as his took in the sight of the broken flower pot and crimson stain on the bathroom floor.

  “You were planning on leaving? Without me?” The gray gloom of his eyes was filled with hurt.

  My paralysis must have been caused by him. I loathed his sneaky attempts to “protect” me from myself. My voice came out a croak. “You did this to me, didn’t you? With magic?”

  He helped me sit up. “I bound you to your word. I can see if I hadn’t, you would have broken it.”

  “It isn’t fair. I need to help her,” I said. “They might be hurting her.”

  “I told you she’s safe. She will remain safe until the end of the school year.”

  “Maybe, but you’re also a liar.” Every word was a struggle as I fought to fight the spell.

  There were so many times he had lied to me in the past in order to manipulate me into doing what he wanted. For all I knew, he was doing it again.

  “I am a liar. What does that make you?” He scooped me up and carried me to the bed.

  My muscles were weak enough that I couldn’t sit up, so I lay there like a rag doll. He finished unbuttoning my stained blouse and tossed it on the floor. Silently he covered me with blankets.

  It took tremendous effort to will myself to speak. “I wouldn’t have broken my word if you had agreed to help me save her.”

  He took my hand in his and massaged my palm. “I did agree to help you, and I intend to keep my word. But you aren’t ready yet.”

  Some of the stiffness of my limbs left me as he massaged my arm. He moved on to the next hand.

  I stared into the calm mask of his face. “You’ll never say I’m ready.”

  One corner of his mouth lifted up into a sardonic smile. “If I had my way, I would keep you from the Raven Queen forever. But I know I can’t keep you from this. That is why, against my better judgment, I agreed to help you. But you must be able to protect yourself from her influence. You still need to learn more defensive magic to safeguard your affinity from being used against you.” He leaned down and kissed my forehead.

  The gesture was affectionate, meant to be loving, but so much resentment boiled inside me I couldn’t appreciate it.

  “She needs me now. The flower was a sign. I saw a vision.” Flowers were her familiars, and she had gifted me with that orchid. The blood had to be an omen.

  “Perhaps. Or perhaps you saw a manifestation of your fears. Would it provide you with relief if I divined the present using my art?”

  How could I believe anything he said? He would do anything to keep me out of the Raven Court.

  “Shall we ask Pro Ro to divine your mum’s health, then?” he asked.

  “Maybe.” Or I would try on my own.

  He placed a hand on my diaphragm, just below my bra. Some of the tightness in my chest dissipated. As he massaged, I no longer felt the sensation of a fish hook luring me into a magical trap. He was using touch magic to undo his spell.

  My magic. Just as he’d used my magic to bind me to the spell. I was tired of people using my magic against me. Like Julian. Like Derrick. And him.

  I clenched and unclenched my fists, motion returning to me. I tried to shove him away.

  “Remember to use words, not violence, Ms. Lawrence,” Thatch said with a smile.

  If it hadn’t been for him, I’d have left by now. “Stop touching me. I can cure myself.”

  He dipped his head in acquiescence. “Go ahead. Let’s see it.”

  I reached into the well of magic inside me, uncorking the red light swirling in my core. I embraced the essence of cozy thoughts and tactile sensations of pleasure so that I could increase my magic. I pushed that feeling into my limbs. The air smelled of roses as I burned through the binding spell he’d cast over me.

  He’d just taught me how to undo the oath I’d made. A wicked little part of me enjoyed knowing I could use this skill against him if he manipulated me into making an oath for him again.

  “I need you to teach me faster,” I said. “Use that competency potion you made when you took me dancing.”

  He wet his lips, thinking it over. “In four weeks it will be summer vacation. Students will be gone. You’ll have more time to focus on your magic. If we should go now and the Raven Queen keeps you, it would be a shame if this school had to replace the arts and crafts teacher for the last weeks of school.”

  I suspected that was his pitiful attempt at a joke.

  “No. I want you to make that potion and start teaching me now. Every night.” The summer would be too late.

  “It takes two weeks to brew that potion. In that time, will you remain patient? Or are you going to try to leave again?”

  A lot could happen in two weeks. My mom could die in that time. Even in the best scenario, two weeks to brew his potion meant I’d only have another two weeks after that to use the competency potion to increase my skills.

  Still, it was better than nothing.

  “I’ll be patient,” I said.

  From the way he frowned, I suspected he knew I was lying.

  END OF EXCERPT

  For the rest of the novel, go to Sarina Dorie’s website for information about the next book in the series:

  https://sarinadorie.com/writing/novels/wombys-school-for-wayward-witches

  If you enjoyed this not-so-cozy witch mystery in the Womby’s School for Wayward Witches Series, please leave a review at the online retailer where you purchased this collection. You might also enjoy free short stories published by the author on her website: http://sarinadorie.com/writing/short-stories.

  Readers can hear updates about current writing projects and news about upcoming novels and free short stories as they become available by signing up for Sarina Dorie’s newsletter at:

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  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I want to thank my fans for their enthusiasm reading my novels. My Street Team/Arc Team has done a great job telling me when you find typos, pointing out formatting errors, leaving reviews, and purchasing books from Amazon so that you can help my ranking. Downloading books from
Amazon also helps you become a verified reviewer and Amazon is more likely to show your review—and not delete it later. I also have many people on my team who review on Goodreads and Book Bub, post on social media, and tell their friends. I am thrilled to have so many fans!

  For those who have filled out my Google form, it has helped me become more organized so that I don’t have to search my emails to find all the wonderful things you have done to support the creation of my novels; I have them all stored in the same place. I wanted to send a shout-out to the people listed below who have filled out my Google form. I know there are more people out there who are fans who have contacted me in the past, but the people listed below are the readers who used the form. I also know there were times some of my readers have told me other books they’ve reviewed, but it wasn’t necessarily on the form, so I wanted to say one giant THANK YOU for everything I didn’t list below. For those who filled out the form after I included it in the back of this book, I also wanted to say thank you, even if you are not named.

  After hearing some people’s comments and thinking it over, I decided to only use first names and last initials to keep identities confidential in the list below.

  A BIG SHOUT OUT TO:

  Mom, thank you for being my number one fan of all time. You encouraged me when I was six while I was writing and illustrating my own picture books, kept encouraging me in middle school, and read my stories and novels in high school. I have kept writing because of your nurturing, enthusiasm, and your brutal honesty that has helped me improve my writing. I probably wanted to be a writer because of the respect you showed for literature. You read me bedtime stories, our house was always full of books, and you let me watch Romancing the Stone over and over as a kid.

  Janet S., thank you for posting a review for Cackles and Cauldrons on Goodreads and Bookbub. I think you have reviewed many other books, even if it wasn’t recorded on my form. I appreciate all you have done.

  Sherri C. L., thank you for posting a review for Cackles and Cauldrons on Goodreads and other social media. I appreciate that you downloaded copies of Reading, Writing and Necromancy and Spell It Out for Me from Amazon.

  Cathy S., you are a superstar! You posted reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub for the books 1-8 in the Womby’s Series. Thank you!

  Jennifer W., thank you for posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads for Reading, Writing and Necromancy and Budget Cuts for the Dark Arts and Crafts. I appreciate that you downloaded one of my books from Amazon this month.

  Patricia G., thank you for downloading and posting reviews for the first eleven books in the series on Amazon. That’s a lot of reading and writing!

  Jeannie M., thank you for talking your friends’ ears off about my novels. I appreciate you reading, downloading, and reviewing Books 1-8. You had some great suggestions for Womby’s merchandise that I am going to look into for the future!

  Kris T., thank you for posting on social media and downloading Books 1-11. Purchasing and download books helps with author ranking and visibility.

  Donna F., thank you for downloading and reviewing Hex and the City from Amazon! By downloading, it helps you become a verified reviewer.

  Linda C., first, I have to mention the typos you found. That is useful so I don’t embarrass myself. Second, I want to thank you for downloading and posting on Amazon for Hex and the City and downloading Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells and Cackles and Cauldrons.

  Norma A. S., thank you for purchasing and posting reviews of Cackles and Cauldrons on Amazon! By downloading, it helps you become a verified reviewer.

  Valerie L. L., thank you for purchasing and posting reviews on Books 1-12. You have done a lot of reading and writing! All of that helps the right readers find me.

  Donna J., thank you for posting reviews on Books 1-10. Honest reviews help readers know what to expect. I am so happy that you are willing to talk about my books.

  Stephanie, thank you for posting on social media and downloading Books 1-12. I think it is great you mention which book you are reading in your Facebook feed!

  Heather P., thank you for posting reviews on social media, Goodreads, and Amazon on Books 1-5. I think it is great you mention which book you are reading in your Facebook feed.

  Vicki G., thank you for purchasing my books. I appreciate the reviews you have posted on social media, Goodreads, and Amazon for Books 1-12. You are amazing!

  Sandra Van D., thank you for sharing Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells: Book 1 with your friends and letting them know you are enjoying my books. I appreciate that you have purchased Hexes and Exes: Book 5, Reading, Writing and Necromancy: Book 6, and Budget Cuts for the Dark Arts and Crafts: Book 7 so that your reviews will show up on Amazon.

  Dave M., thank you for sending me typos. You always find some good ones. I appreciate it you have posted honest reviews of Cackles and Cauldrons: Book 12, Hex and the City: Book 13 even though it is outside your comfort zone. The more ratings a book has, the easier it is for people to find it. Thank you for purchasing and downloading books 1-11 from Amazon.

  Jodi S., thank you for purchasing my books from Amazon and posting reviews of Books 1-13. I love it that you are sharing my books in your Facebook feed. You are a superstar!

  Sheree K., thank you for posting reviews for Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells: Book 1, Hex-Ed: Book 2 and purchasing Books 1-10 from Amazon. I am glad you are enjoying my books.

  Lynn E., I am so fortunate to have you on my team! Thank you for purchasing and reviewing Books 1-13 on Amazon, leaving reviews on Goodreads, and copying reviews to Facebook so more people can see them. I have found the comments and the typos you have caught to be useful. Sometimes I can’t believe what I don’t catch even after multiple proofreads.

  Michelle F., thank you for posting recent reviews of Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells: Book 1. I appreciate you purchasing Books 1-9 from Amazon.

  Brenda P., thank you for recently posting a review of Hex Crimes: Book 10 on Amazon, Bookbub, and Goodreads. Although you get ARCs of the books, I appreciate you have purchased Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells: Book 1, Witches Gone Wicked: Book 3, Hex Crimes: Book 10, and Of Curse You Will: Book 11. Did I understand that you are posting reviews on Reddit too? Thank you!

  Holly, thank you for recently posting a review of Hex Crimes: Book 10. I appreciate that you have purchased Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells: Book 1, Hex-Ed: Book 2, Hexes and Exes: Book 5, and Reading, Writing and Necromancy: Book 6. I appreciate the corrections and typos you have sent me as well!

  Michelle R., thank you for posting reviews for Hex and the City: Book 13 recently. I appreciate you purchasing Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells: Book 1, Reading, Writing and Necromancy: Book 6, My Crazy Hex-Boyfriend: Book 8, and Spell It Out for Me: Book 9 recently from Amazon. I’m also grateful for you having a review ready for release—and sending me those pesky typos when you find them. Your timing is always great!

  Christa E., thank you for recently posting a review of Cackles and Cauldrons: Book 12 on Amazon and purchasing Books 1-12. Honest reviews are always welcome! I am so glad you are willing to read and review.

  Diane K., thank you for recently posting a review and purchasing Books 1-12 from Amazon. I love that you are mentioning which book you are reading on Facebook. It is the enthusiasm of readers like you who help spread the word about my books.

  Tonya G., thank you for posting reviews on Goodreads and Amazon for Books 1-12 and recently purchasing Spell It Out for Me: Book 9 and My Crazy Hex-Boyfriend: Book 8 from Amazon. When I am having a tough day at work, it thrills me to go to Amazon and seeing what readers are saying.

  Barbara H., thank you for recently reviewing Hex and the City: Book 13, posting on social media and putting my books on your Goodreads TBR list. Thank you for recently purchasing Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells: Book 1, Witches Gone Wicked: Book 3, My Crazy Hex-Boyfriend: Book 8, Of Curse You Will: Book 11, and Cackles and Cauldrons: Book 12. I think you were one of the first fans
to ever contact me and tell me how much you enjoyed my books.

  Anne, thank you for recently posting reviews of Books 1-12 from Amazon. I appreciate that you have purchased Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells: Book 1, Hex-Ed: Book 2, Witches Gone Wicked: Book 3, Reading, Writing and Necromancy: Book 6, My Crazy Hex-Boyfriend: Book 8, and Hex and the City: Book 13. You are an author’s dream come true. I feel blessed that you are sharing your enthusiasm for my books.

  E. Steidle, thank you for your recent review of Hex and the City: Book 13 on Amazon and Goodreads. I appreciate your purchases of Books 1-10 from Amazon so that your reviews count as verified purchases.

  Emma Q., I appreciate your purchases of Books 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7 from Amazon so that your reviews count as verified purchases. Thank you for pointing out my typos so that future people reading my books don’t realize how rusty my Spanish is and that I can’t spell. The formatting errors you pointed out were also useful. I would never have known otherwise!

  Jim B., thank you for being my first reader after I finish with the copy editor’s edits. You find all the mistakes that get through those initial reads and all the mistakes I make while editing my edits. You give me things to think about and catch mistakes I didn’t even realize I was making.

  Night Writers, I am so fortunate I have a writing critique group that tolerates my many submissions, gives me honest feedback, and listens to me complain about my publishing frustrations.

  Daryll Lynne E., I am so thankful you are willing to not just critique my manuscript, but that you want to read the books in their entirety when I only submit sections to our critique group. You are a valuable critique partner and friend, not only because of your enthusiasm when I do something well, but your honesty in telling me what I did wrong, and your willingness to brainstorm with me to help me improve the manuscripts while they are in the rough draft stage. I am flattered that you told me you needed a book to read during the weekend to relax, and you selected one of my published books—a book you had already critiqued months before! Not only did you choose me over Harry Potter, which I have to say is something earthshattering since I know you, but also you somehow have the strength and willpower not to call me up and complain about the changes I didn’t make that our critique group suggested. I know I am not capable of such superhuman feats. I don’t know how I will ever be able to show you my thanks. Truly, I don’t think inviting you over for sugar-free, chocolate-avocado-and-coconut pudding are enough.