Five sets of eyes peered at me expectantly. I stared at the bedspread, admiring the scatter of blue fairy wrens on it as I sifted through my brain for the answer. That part was still fuzzy—maybe I’d damaged my brain in the “power explosion.” I took a deep breath and looked at everyone in turn as I spoke. “I was manacled with a golden rope made of magic—Catherine’s magic. She was going to stab me… she did stab me.” Fear shot adrenaline through me, and I was suddenly very awake. I swallowed. “I… I didn’t want to die. I didn’t want her to kill Florence either. I drew on my lifeforce and pushed it towards the blockage of power, the rope. Eventually I drew enough that it exploded. But I realised I’d drawn too much. I knew I was dying. But when I broke the bonds, the golden river and a meadow appeared. I settled into the warmth, drew it into me. It was like going to sleep wrapped in cosy blankets. I’d said goodbye to all of you in my mind.” When I finished, I wasn’t the only one with tears in their eyes, and James might have even been a little awed. I guessed what I’d done was another first and supposed to be impossible. Impossible, as I was learning, was just a word.
Rather than tears, Angelica stared at me with a blank expression. Processing? I guessed even the most experienced of us was sometimes shocked. I smiled at her and shrugged. She returned my smile. “We’ll talk about this later, Lily.”
“I know.” My smile widened to a grin—it was awesome to have a later.
“Um, did you all forget?” asked Imani.
“Ooh, yes. You can tell her,” said Angelica.
“From now on, I’m your personal bodyguard. Whenever you’re on PIB business, or doing things behind their backs”—she gave me a we-all-know-it’s-bound-to-happen-again look—“I’m going with you. I promise to keep your secrets, but you’re not allowed to do anything remotely dangerous without me at your side. Understood?” She folded her arms, her gaze stern and inviting no argument, which was fine—I didn’t have the energy to argue today.
“Okay.”
“Just like that, okay? No tricks?” She seemed confused.
“Ha ha, no tricks. I trust you, Imani, and after what just happened, I’d be an even bigger idiot than usual to refuse. Thanks for offering.” Who was this Lily, and what had they done with the real me?
“Good then.” She nodded, a small smile curving her lips.
“Can I interrupt?” Liv asked.
“Yes, dear.”
“Jeremy’s desperate to say thank you to our star witch. I think we should give them some privacy.”
“Um, maybe I should get dressed.” I didn’t want to be in my pyjamas in front of him, and with no bra. Hell, no. “Everyone out. I’m not ready to use my magic again. My tummy’s sore and I’m exhausted.”
Beren nodded. “Good idea. The soreness isn’t just because of the knife wound, which I healed, by the way. Your magic centre will be weak for a few more days, so go easy on the magic.”
“Consider it done. Now, out.”
When everyone had left, and the door was shut, I slowly dressed, grunting with the effort and pain as I went. When I’d finished, I sat back on my bed, and there was a knock on the door. “Come in.”
Jeremy entered, his blue eyes bright yet warm, the darkness under them gone. He grinned, movie-star looks back in place. There was still an undercurrent of sadness about him though. “Mind if I come in?”
“Of course not. It’s not every day a girl has a movie star in her bedroom.” I waggled my eyebrows.
“It’s not every day I’m in the bedroom of the bravest woman in the world.”
“I wouldn’t quite say that. I’d say one-part brave, two-parts stupid.” I laughed, then groaned and pressed my palm against my stomach. Jeremy’s brows drew together. “It’s okay, Jay. I’m fine. Just a bit of residual pain. I’ll have to stop laughing at my own jokes for a while. It’s going to be tough.”
He laughed and shook his head. “You’re one in a bazillion, Lily. I just wanted to say thank you a thousand times over for getting me out of there. I’m also so very sorry my mother tried to kill you. I’m still trying to come to terms with what she’s done.” He set his jaw, anger flaring from his gaze. He sat on the chair next to my bed. “Do you mind?” He reached over and took my hand in his soft, warm one.
I ignored the delicate flutter of unwanted butterflies. Will would find his way back to me. I knew he would. “I’m sorry it was your mum too. You deserve better than a parent like that.”
“It is what it is. She’s sick, but still, I never want to speak to her again. I feel like vomiting when I think about what she’s done. Anyway, I don’t want to talk about it anymore. My counsellor can help me find my way through the bombsites that are my heart and brain right now. I’d rather spend this time telling you how special you are. You believed in me when no one else did. You saw me—not the famous guy on the big screen, but the young boy who only ever wanted his mother’s love. I could never reach her, Lily….” His eyes glistened. I squeezed his hand. “Anyway”—he swallowed—"I didn’t come here to make you cry. You need to know that I care about you. No one has ever done anything like this for me. You risked your life, and for that, I will be forever grateful. Anything you want, just ask. I’d like us to be friends, Lily. Is that okay?”
My smile was wide. “That’s more than okay, Jay. Whenever you need to talk, I’m here. You’re a good guy, and I can never have too many good people in my life.” I bit my lip, remembering what Liv had asked. “So… there is something I want.” His eyebrows rose in question. “Can I get your autograph?”
He burst into laughter, his eyes wrinkling at the corners. “I thought you weren’t a fan?”
“I promised Liv, actually.”
“Yeah, sure you did.” He laughed some more.
I swatted his arm. “Just hand it over, movie guy.”
“Anything for you, Lily. You’re the real star in this room.”
I rolled my eyes. That was a big call, one I didn’t agree with, and seeing as how Liv had said the same thing, I had some huge expectations to live up to. Funnily enough, it didn’t bother me. I’d do it all again if I had to. Injustice had no place in my world.
Nevertheless, I did send a little request to the universe not to send anything my way for a while. I deserved a break, dammit. Christmas was coming, and it would be the first one I’d be spending with family in six years. It would be super wonderful to be able to relax and enjoy it.
Jeremy handed me two signed photos. “One for you, and one for Liv.”
“Did you just magic those here?”
“Yes, why?”
I tensed my forehead. “I didn’t feel it… your magic.” What if I never got it back? Vertigo hit, and I swallowed the urge to vomit.
Jeremy’s eyes widened. “Are you all right? You’re rather pale.” I shook my head. I couldn’t say the words in case it made my worst fear come true. “It’ll be okay, Lily. James said you burnt yourself out fighting my mother. I’m sure you’ll be back to normal in no time. The important thing is that you’re alive. Everything else will fall into place later. I promise.” He grabbed my hand and squeezed. “I have to go now. My agent has lined up a year’s worth of interviews. Real life beckons.” The poor guy. He’d have to talk about how horrible his mother was. That would have to hurt.
“Good luck.”
“Thanks.” He bent and embraced me. “Don’t be a stranger.”
“I can’t promise I won’t get stranger.”
He squished me harder as he vibrated with laughter. Then he let go and stood straight. “Until next time.” He flashed me a grin and stepped through his doorway. The room was much emptier without him, but he had his life to live, and I had mine. At least we both had lives now.
I looked down at his headshots. He’d signed one, To Liv, look after Lily. Jeremy xx. But mine, oh, um. To the most amazing woman I know. You’re a hard act to follow. If you ever need a leading man, give me a call. I’d love to be part of your happy ending. Yours cornily, Jay. xx
; I blushed, and there was no stopping my goofy grin. Damn him for being so sweet and funny and corny. But right now, my heart belonged to Will.
“Hey, Lily. Has Jeremy gone?” Liv stood in the doorway.
“Yes, and he left a little something for you.” She came in and sat in the chair. It was sure seeing a lot of action today. I handed her the picture.
She squeed and danced in her chair. “Well, it’s about time! I thought you’d forgotten.”
“Me forget? Never.” I winked.
“I should have known you’d come through. You always do.”
“It’s my job as your best friend. Didn’t you know?”
Olivia grinned. “And it’s my job as your best friend to keep you in coffees and double-chocolate muffins. I’m going to duck up to Costa and grab you some. You haven’t eaten for three days.”
My stomach rumbled like a B-double truck speeding over potholes. “Splendid idea. I’ll be waiting eagerly. Hopefully my stomach won’t have eaten itself by then.”
She waved and left me with my thoughts. There were so many—good, bad, scary, sweet, and painful—it would likely take my entire recuperation to make sense of them. I took a deep breath, steeled my heart, and started sifting.
Acknowledgments
As usual, Becky, Chryse, and Mandy have picked up my slops and fixed the mistakes. Thank you, ladies! Hubby and kids have also been patient while I write my little heart out, so thanks, guys. And to the readers who are always there, waiting for the next book—I can’t thank you enough. We make a great team.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author, Dionne Lister is a Sydneysider with a degree in creative writing, two Siamese cats, and is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Daydreaming has always been her passion, so writing was a natural progression from staring out the window in primary school, and being an author was a dream she held since childhood.
Unfortunately, writing was only a hobby while Dionne worked as a property valuer in Sydney, until her mid-thirties when she returned to study and completed her creative writing degree. Since then, she has indulged her passion for writing while raising two children with her husband. Her books have attracted praise from Apple iBooks and have reached #1 on Amazon and iBooks charts worldwide, frequently occupying top 100 lists in fantasy. She’s excited to add cozy mystery to the list of genres she writes. Magic and danger are always a heady combination.
Also by Dionne Lister
Paranormal Investigation Bureau
Witchnapped in Westerham #1
Witch Swindled in Westerham #2
Witch Undercover in Westerham #3
Witchslapped in Westerham #4
Witch Silenced in Westerham #5
Witch Haunted in Westerham #7
The Circle of Talia
(YA Epic Fantasy)
Shadows of the Realm
A Time of Darkness
Realm of Blood and Fire
* * *
The Rose of Nerine
(Epic Fantasy)
Tempering the Rose
Killer Witch in Westerham Page 18