Witch Hunter Trilogy Box Set

by K. S. Marsden

  Lynette ignored her, turning down a private road, the twisting driveway shadowed by overgrown bushes and gnarled trees. It dissuaded the locals from investigating any further; and most of them had half-forgotten Thorne House even existed.

  The overhanging branches gave way, leading to the beautiful, old Georgian house. It had been built by the Thorne family in the 1800’s, but had been uninhabited for decades.

  Lynette and her small group of companions had spent the last two years making the house habitable and homely again. Two years since they’d found Sophie, and moved to the humdrum town of Keswick to watch over her. ‘A guard of honour’ Basil always said. He was always a little pompous, which was why Sophie tried to spend as little time as possible with him.

  Lynette pulled into the new garage that had just been built this summer, and they both made their way into the warmth of the kitchen.

  Lynette tied back her long, blonde hair, then wrapped a pinny around her slender waist. “OK smart arse, what’s the first thing you should do before starting any potion?”

  Sophie mirrored Lynette, and picked her own apron. “I should make sure the four elements are at hand, to give the potion strength and balance.” She rattled off, trying not to roll her eyes.

  Lynette had been drilling the basics into her for so long, Sophie didn’t think she could forget them, even if she wanted to. Sophie was already pulling out the candle and matches from the drawer, as Lynette watched on. A bowl of water and a potted plant, and she was ready.

  Sophie had argued against the necessity of such things when she first started her lessons, thinking it all a little cliché and magicky. Lynette had looked ready to throw a bowl at her head, and tersely explained that all myths and wiccan practices stemmed from fact.

  “Which herbs are the active ingredient in a memory-altering potion?” Lynette asked, after Sophie had all of her tools assembled.

  “Orchid, thistle, cinquefoil, anise and lilac can all be used to improve the memory. Any can be used to overdose and cause the brainwaves to reset.” Sophie answered, idly picking at her sleeve. “Thistle is the best bet for this area and time of year.”

  A few minutes later, and the concoction was bubbling happily away in the pewter pot.

  “How’s your mum?” Lynette asked while they waited.

  Sophie sighed, looking towards the grey, rain-streaked window. “Do we have to talk about that?”

  Lynette pursed her lips, gazing at the girl with bright eyes, free from wrinkles. She might only look a few years older than Sophie, but Sophie knew that she was actually old enough to be her grandmother. Or at the very least, an interfering older aunt. Which explained the maternal streak.

  “You shouldn’t keep shunning her.”

  Sophie rolled her eyes back to the blonde woman. “She’s the one that wants me to ignore my birthright, she wants to keep everything witch-related away from me.”

  “Oh Sophie, you’ll never get rid of us.” Lynette replied, as she refolded a tea-towel. “I know you won’t listen to me on this, but one day you’ll want your mum at your side. After all, everything she is doing is simply what she thinks is the best for you.”

  Sophie was glad to hear the crunch of tyres, marking an arrival that would halt this conversation. Her heart dropped when she realised who had come.

  Lynette offered her an apologetic glance, as the door opened and Basil swept in.

  Everything about Basil Effington-Smythe made Sophie’s skin crawl. She had to fight the desire to punch him in the face, every time he opened his odious mouth. It was unfortunate that Basil had a secure position with the witches’ council, and was effectively in charge of protecting Sophie, and preparing her for her duty.

  “Mrs Cutter, how are things proceeding?” Basil asked, skipping the pleasantries.

  “Very well.” Lynette answered.

  Basil’s gaze fixed on her, his disapproval emanating from him.

  “Sir.” Lynette reluctantly added.

  Basil turned to look at Sophie, his blue eyes watery and weak. She always found his gaze cool and impersonal, as though he was only looking at the title of the Shadow Witch, where Sophie was an unfortunate attachment.

  “Miss Murphy.”

  “Mr Effington-Smythe.” Sophie replied, equally cold.

  Basil chewed over her attitude, his thin lips pursed.

  “Preparations are going well for your birthday party this weekend.” Basil said, looking barely interested. “The witches’ council will attend, and we’ve received communication from foreign councils. It looks like it will be an impressive affair, I am bringing in extra security...”

  “And what of my present?” Sophie cut in, before Basil could regale them any more with his hard work and achievements. “Will you be delivering my power?”

  “Of course.” Basil declared, with a dismissive wave of his hand. “I am arranging for you to have further tutors, who can teach you more than herbwifery.”

  His cold gaze shifted to Lynette, and for a moment Sophie feared they would take away her steady friend and confidante.

  Sophie could sense Lynette’s frustration. The older woman had to bite her tongue, as Basil was her superior. Luckily, Sophie had no such issue to hold her back.

  “Lynette stays.” Sophie said, her voice wavering.

  “We’ll see.” Basil mused. “Her skills might be better used elsewhere.”

  “Lynette stays.” Sophie repeated, firmer this time.

  The male witch was stumped. He was so used to winning arguments, and getting his own way. Sophie could almost see the cogs turning, as Basil weighed up the pros and cons of losing this battle.

  “As you wish, Miss Murphy. Mrs Cutter makes such little contribution to the witches’ cause, I don’t think there’s any harm in her staying on at Thorne House, for a little longer.” Basil announced, as though it had been his idea all along.

  Sophie rolled her eyes at the casual insults Basil managed to throw in at every opportunity, but held her tongue; she was getting exactly what she wanted. It shouldn’t surprise her really, this weekend she would finally access her magic, and would be the most powerful witch in history. Perhaps it was his sense of survival that persuaded Basil to concede to her.

  *****

  Later that evening, Lynette stopped the car at the end of Sophie’s street, far enough away so they couldn’t be spotted from her house.

  Lynette turned the engine off and faced Sophie, a worried look on her face.

  “Are you inviting your mum to the party on Saturday?”

  “What? No!” Sophie unbuckled her seat belt. “She’s made it perfectly clear that she wants nothing to do with witches.”

  “Sophie… this is an important time for you, I think your mum would like to be a part of it.”

  “I’ll think about it.” Sophie said, unconvincingly. She knew that she’d do no such thing, and she wasn’t fooling Lynette either.

  Before Lynette could nag her any further, Sophie hurried to leave the car.

  It was a typical English autumn evening: dark, cold, and a threat of rain in the air. Sophie breathed it in, letting the chill run through her thin jacket. She always had to take a moment to calm herself and check her mental defences, before she went home.

  Home was such a warm word for the four walls that trapped Sophie with her non-witch mother. Their cottage was cute and traditional on the outside, but once inside, it was very modern. The décor was sleek and sharp lines. The only cosy touch was her mum’s favourite sofa, the tired, red couch added a little faded colour.

  Bev Murphy was currently curled up on the sofa, with a book and a tartan blanket on her lap. Her head snapped up at her daughter’s entrance. Sophie hated how alike they looked, with the same dark hair and striking eyes; the only difference the frown lines that were becoming a permanent feature on Bev’s otherwise youthful-looking face.

  “Sophie? Have you had a good day?” Her mum asked.

  “Yeah.” Sophie replied briefly, as she shrugged her coa
t off.

  “There’s dinner in the oven…”

  “I’m not hungry.” Sophie muttered, keeping her head down and heading to her room.

  “Sophie, I think-”

  Sophie slammed the door shut, cutting off the rest of that sentence.

  Chapter Two

  The next morning, Sophie got up early, hoping to miss her mum.

  Unfortunately, the older woman was up, dressed for a day at the office, sipping at her coffee in the kitchen. “Morning,” Bev greeted, with a forced lightness that fooled no one.

  “Morning.” Sophie echoed, as she got her breakfast, her eyes firmly fixed on the tiled floor.

  “I thought we could do something this weekend, for your birthday. Maybe go shopping, or out for dinner?” Her mum suggested. “You could invite some friends.”

  Friends? Sophie almost snorted at the idea. She didn’t have friends, she had nothing to do with the other students at school. Besides, the witches were more co-conspirators than chums.

  “I’ve got plans. I’m going out with my ‘friends’.” Sophie replied, forcing the full sentences out. “I’ll be late tonight, I’m doing a double kick-boxing session.”

  “Maybe you could invite your kick-boxing buddies along at the weekend.” Bev persisted. Clearly, if she couldn’t go, she wanted to make sure that some normal humans were in attendance.

  Sophie couldn’t help the flicker of amusement at the idea, and what the witches might think. Not that she would be extending an invitation – Sophie enjoyed kick-boxing, it was a great way to vent her frustration. Socialising was the last thing on Sophie’s mind; she’d not spoken more than two words to the other class-goers.

  *****

  Sophie was summoned to Thorne House at midday on Saturday. She arrived to find the place a hive of activity, with unfamiliar people moving furniture, creating room for a dance floor.

  Sophie could hear clattering in the kitchen, and didn’t dare trespass.

  “Sophie!” Lynette called from the first-floor landing. “Up here, dear.”

  Sophie made her way upstairs and was swept into one of the grand bedrooms.

  “What’s happening?” Sophie asked, as soon as she had chance.

  “We have to get you ready for tonight.” Lynette replied, with her usual air of innocence.

  Sophie frowned. “That’s six hours away. Besides, my dress is at home.”

  “Tonight is… it’s important to make the best impression. There will be a lot of powerful witches attending.” Lynette stressed. “We thought it would be best if we get you ready.”

  “We?” Sophie echoed, “This sounds like Basil’s idea.”

  “He might have suggested it, but I picked the dress.” Lynette pushed Sophie onto a padded stool in front of an elegant mahogany dresser.

  “Still, isn’t this a bit excessive?” Sophie argued, eyeing the various beauty products and tools of torture. She’d always thought she was prettier than average, and it was insulting that Lynette thought she needed all of this.

  “I have to make you look like a witch.”

  Sophie looked in the mirror, to see Lynette’s reflection. Even though the woman was much older than her, she didn’t look it, and had a natural glow of beauty about her.

  “Why are all witches beautiful?” Sophie asked, suddenly curious. Even Basil, who was one of the ugliest people Sophie knew, was handsome on the outside.

  Lynette picked up Sophie’s hand and started to apply a cool cream that felt quite nice.

  “Magic is a part of our lives, it is woven into everything we do. We wield it in spells, but it also responds to our subconscious desires.” Lynette explained.

  Sophie raised a sceptic brow. “So, witches use magic to look better? And stay young?”

  Lynette chuckled, “No, nothing so active. It responds to a witch’s vanity. It’s probably hard for someone as young and pretty as you to understand, but I challenge you to find anyone in the world who hasn’t been concerned about their looks or wrinkles at some point in their lives.”

  “It sounds like a waste of magic.” Sophie muttered.

  “We’re not always in control of our power. It’s an instinctive thing – can you always control breathing? Or blinking?” Lynette asked, brandishing a cuticle file.

  Sophie fell silent, allowing Lynette to carry out her ministrations.

  Time ticked by, as Sophie’s hair was also attacked. Lynette had finally put the finishing touches to her make-up, and Sophie looked in the mirror. As much as she didn’t want to care, she liked how she looked. The make-up was done naturally, and her hair fell in gentle, perfect curls.

  Lynette smiled at her expression, as she pulled out a floor-length dress that was a rich crimson.

  “That’s red.” Sophie stated warily, thinking of her safe black dress at home.

  “Of course, it’s time to be more adventurous.”

  *****

  Sophie stood at the top of the staircase, feeling a wave of nerves. It was one thing to know about the witches, it was quite another to see them en masse.

  For once, Basil hadn’t been exaggerating. Thorne House was full of more people than Sophie thought possible. They mingled and chattered above the background of classical music.

  All fell silent when they noticed Sophie, and all eyes turned her way. Lynette squeezed her hand in a show of silent support.

  “Ah, Miss Murphy!” Basil trilled, beckoning her to join him.

  Unable to see any way to escape, Sophie made her way downstairs.

  “Miss Murphy, this is Frau Kuhn, from the German council.” Basil introduced, positively bristling with excitement.

  “A pleasure to meet you.” The woman greeted in excellent English.

  Sophie nodded, unable to summon a smile.

  Basil didn’t seem to notice, taking her arm and steering her through the crowd. He continued to introduce her to the ‘important’ people.

  Names and faces became a blur, as these witches gazed at Sophie with scepticism, or gushed over her in a fawning manner. A couple of over-excited witches even bowed in respect. Sophie didn’t know how to feel about it. She had been schooled for years that she would be the one to lead the witches to a shining new future, but to see the respect these strangers held was oddly disconnected. None of this seemed to matter until Sophie’s power of the Shadow was unlocked.

  As soon as there was a lull, Sophie leaned in towards Basil. “And my power?”

  Basil’s society smile froze for a moment, he patted her hand reassuringly. “All in good time, my dear. Ah, you must meet Reynolds. Reynolds!”

  Basil’s call summoned a male witch from the throng.

  Sophie felt her breath hitch and her pulse start to race at the mere sight of him. It was unfair that witches in general were beautiful, but this man was ridiculous.

  Tall, with black hair and designer stubble, his dark brown eyes sparked with intelligence. His expensive suit was perfectly tailored to his slim, athletic frame.

  “Miss Murphy, may I introduce Tristan Reynolds. He will be assisting with your education from now on. He is one of our most promising witches in the fight against the witch-hunters; he will be teaching you offensive spells.”

  Sophie felt the heat of a rare blush rise to her cheeks, and she was glad for the layers of make-up Lynette had insisted upon.

  Tristan Reynolds eyed her coolly, then tilted his head. “A pleasure, Miss Murphy.”

  Damn, even his voice was attractive, but Sophie could sense the insincerity of his words, which helped bring everything back into perspective. She wasn’t some silly girl, to be distracted by looks; she was to be the Shadow Witch.

  *****

  Sophie had never been to a formal party, but she always imagined it would involve ball gowns, suits and lots of political talk.

  Of course, there were less-than-subtle differences with this witches’ party. The talk often centred on the fight against the vile witch-hunters, and as the evening wore on, some witches started to show off
their party tricks.

  After only witnessing magic in an educational role, as part of her training, Sophie was surprised to see witches using it frivolously. It was hypnotic, watching the flares of fire curl into living creatures which performed for their owners. Or the witches that played with water and light, to make crystalline rainbows scatter across the ceiling.

  Sophie felt her first real pull of belonging. These were her people, who embraced their magical inheritance and would not be cowed by the witch-hunters snapping at their heels.

  It was nearly midnight when Basil appeared at her side again.

  “Miss Murphy, it’s time for your gift.”

  Sophie felt a rush of adrenaline. “You found out how to unlock it?” She asked breathlessly. She had to admit that she’d already assumed that he’d failed. Again.

  Basil gave another false smile, and led her outside. The gardens were beautiful tonight, with lights hovering in the air, providing warmth against the autumn chill.

  Right now, though, Sophie didn’t care if she was standing in this gorgeous venue, or alone on a barren moor. All that mattered was Basil giving her what she was due.

  She spotted Lynette ahead, with a witch she didn’t recognise. The strange woman knelt as Sophie approached.

  “Sh-shadow, I am honoured.” She stuttered.

  Sophie looked around, a strange feeling of foreboding creeping up her spine. “What’s happening?”

  “In light of everything you are to become, the witches’ council have decided that the sooner you have powers, the better. Think of it as the next level of training, to prepare you for the full power of the Shadow.”

  Sophie’s heart dropped. She knew it, she’d got her hopes up and they’d failed again.

  Her eyes lowered to the woman who still knelt before her, her auburn hair shining in the witch-light.

  “Stand up, Mary.” Basil snapped.

  The woman obediently rose, graceful in her ballgown. She had pale skin and a pretty scattering of freckles. Her green eyes lifted briefly to meet Sophie’s, then shyly dropped again.

  “I am most honoured to have been chosen.” She said breathlessly.

  “What-?”