Pledge (Witches of Coventry House Book 1)

by Christina Garner

  “I’m so sorry,” she said. “I’m sorry for what happened to Hannah, and I’m sorry for what you just heard.”

  Tears leaked from Jules’s eyes before she could stop them. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had held her, a fact that only made her cry harder.

  “It’s all right.” Carolyn stroked her hair. “Let it out.”

  Jules sobbed for what felt like an eternity but then remembered what she’d heard.

  “Are there...?” She backed away so she could see Carolyn’s face when she answered. “Are demons real?”

  Carolyn glanced at Alex then back to Jules. “You must promise not to speak of this to the other pledges. It is knowledge only sisters may have.”

  “I promise.” Jules swallowed hard.

  “Demons are rare in this world,” Carolyn said. “But they do exist.”

  “Why would you keep that from us?” Jules said.

  Alex raised an eyebrow and gave Carolyn a pointed look.

  “Would you tell a child everything bad that exists in the world?” Carolyn said. “Would you tell them things that would likely never affect them and only serve to scare them?”

  Jules sniffled. “But we aren’t children.”

  “In magic you are,” Carolyn replied. “And it’s my duty to protect you—even from the truth when necessary.”

  “But the sisters know?” Jules asked.

  “Yes,” Carolyn said. “When a pledge passes the final test it proves that she’s worthy of being a sister and ready to know the truth.”

  “And Hannah?” Saying her name made Jules feel like she might start crying again.

  “Hannah’s death is inconsistent with a demon attack,” Carolyn said. “And If I thought for one second that any of my girls were in danger, I would do everything in my power to stop it. You must believe me.”

  “I do,” Jules said.

  “Your final test is in a week. After that you and your new sisters will have a lesson on demons.” Carolyn placed her hands on Jules’s shoulders and looked squarely into her eyes. “I have every confidence you will pass. And I have every confidence that I can trust you to keep this between us until then.”

  “Eden, wake up!”

  Sarah’s voice pierced the dream, and Eden woke, terrified and tangled in her sheets.

  “You’re okay,” Sarah said. “It was just a dream.”

  Just a dream, Eden repeated. Not real.

  “Sorry.” She wiped the sweat-matted hair from her face.

  “Are you kidding? After what you saw, I think nightmares are an appropriate response.”

  It was still dark out, and Sarah settled back into her own bed.

  “I guess,” Eden replied.

  Except she had a charm that was supposed to stop them.

  And she hadn’t been dreaming of Hannah.

  Chapter 17

  “Yes, Eden?” Carolyn looked up from a stack of papers.

  Eden took a tentative step into the study and held out the dream charm.

  “I think this might need more juice,” she said. “I had a nightmare last night.”

  Carolyn took the charm and inspected it. “Were you dreaming about Hannah?”

  “I don’t remember,” Eden said. “But shouldn’t it work no matter what I’m dreaming about?”

  “Indeed it should.” Carolyn set the charm down on her desk. “But the fact that it isn’t, and that I can still clearly sense the spell in it, tells me there is something else going on here.”

  Eden’s pulse quickened. This was the moment. She could tell her everything, right now. And she should; she knew she should.

  Except Hannah had told the truth and look where that had gotten her. Her death wasn’t Carolyn’s fault, but kicking Hannah out had been her decision. She said she’d done it to protect Coventry House. If she knew the truth about Eden—knew she was one bad nightmare away from burning Coventry House down around them—would she get the same kind of help Hannah had?

  “Never mind.” Eden picked up the charm. “It was probably just a fluke.”

  She hurried out of Carolyn’s study.

  She’d find the answer on her own.

  Quinn called a few hours later.

  “I just wanted to see how you were doing,” he said. “To see if you needed anything.”

  “I’m hanging in there,” Eden said. “How about you?”

  “I’m pretty beat. The police made me go through everything twice before they finally let me go. I came straight to work and passed out in a booth until it was time to open.”

  “Thanks for staying so I could come home.”

  “Were you able to get some sleep?” he asked.

  “A little,” Eden replied. “I keep seeing her face...”

  “Me too. It’s awful. I’m trying to wrap my head around how something like that could happen here.”

  “I’m trying to figure out why.” She’d heard the medical examiner say there were no signs of sexual assault. That was a relief of sorts, but it still begged the question, “Why would anyone want to kill Hannah?”

  “I don’t know. But promise me you won’t walk anywhere alone at night until they catch the monster who did this.”

  “I promise,” Eden said. She didn’t need convincing.

  “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to get back to work,” Quinn said. “I’m off in a few hours. Do you want me to come over?”

  Yes.

  “You should rest,” Eden said. “Maybe tomorrow though?”

  “Definitely.”

  All day, Jules fought the urge to tell people to leave her alone. Sisters who had hardly spoken to her before were suddenly offering to train with her or buy her coffee “just to talk.”

  A week ago she would have jumped at the chance. Now it just made her angry. None of them cared about Hannah while she was alive—being nice to Jules now was just a way of easing their own guilt.

  And the more they wanted her to react—to cry or scream or wail—the more she shut down. She was not going to let them see her pain. Last night with Carolyn was the exception, not the rule.

  When someone knew what hurt you, they used it against you. It was a lesson she’d learned early and would never forget.

  She retreated to her room where she wouldn’t have to try so hard to get it right. She’d just closed the door when there was a knock, followed by Sarah poking her head in.

  “Hey,” she said. “Have you got a second?”

  “I don’t want to talk about Hannah,” Jules blurted out. Sarah blinked, and Jules added, “I’m sorry. I just don’t want to process it or—”

  “That’s okay,” Sarah said. “That’s not why I’m here.”

  “Oh,” Jules said. “What is it then?”

  “The final test is coming up. Not that they’ll tell us exactly when...”

  Jules knew. It was in a week.

  “I don’t know what we’re going to have to do, but I figure it’s got to be about the spells, right?”

  “Probably,” Jules said. Carolyn hadn’t told her that.

  “So I thought maybe you’d want to practice,” Sarah said. “Keep our minds off things. Plus, if we can do magic now... Well, there’s nothing they can throw at us that’s worse than this, is there?”

  “No.” Jules smiled gratefully. “Let’s practice.”

  Eden picked at her plate, unsure if she’d ever eat again.

  “Pasta was Hannah’s favorite.” Jules looked at her own untouched portion.

  They were sitting on the floor in Jules’s room, along with Sarah, who’d set her dish aside five minutes ago.

  “I was thinking,” Eden said. “Maybe we should have a memorial. People could speak, share a memory about Hannah. Jules, you could talk about what she meant to you—”

  “I’m not doing that.” Jules’s voice bordered on panicked. She looked down and twirled some pasta on her fork and said softly, “I don’t want to do that.”

  Eden looked inquisitively at Sarah, who gave a slight shake
of her head.

  There was a knock, and then Courtney opened the door.

  “Eden, you’ve got a visitor.”

  “I do?” Eden stood. “Who is it?”

  “He said his name is Quinn.”

  Eden found him in the common room, sitting in an overstuffed chair and holding a bouquet of flowers.

  “Hey,” she said. “I thought I was going to see you tomorrow.”

  “You will.” He stood. “I just wanted to see you tonight too. I hope that’s okay. I brought you these.”

  Eden took the flowers, touched by the gesture and by the fact that he would come here when he was clearly dead on his feet.

  “Let’s talk outside.” She grabbed her coat.

  Being with him in the common room made her feel like she was in a fishbowl, even if the other girls pretended not to listen.

  Outside the sun had nearly set, streaking the sky with pink and gold. Eden leaned against the porch railing.

  “How are you holding up?” Quinn asked.

  “I’m not sure I am. There are some things you can’t unsee, you know?”

  “Yeah,” he said. “I know.”

  There were both quiet, but it was a comfortable silence, neither needing to fill the space.

  “Do you think you’ll go to class tomorrow?” he asked. “Pretty sure no one would blame you if you ditched.”

  “I thought about it,” Eden said. “But I’m not sure being alone with my thoughts is a good thing right now.”

  That was more honest than she’d planned to be.

  “That’s why I’m here.” Quinn brushed his hand along her cheek.

  “I’m glad,” Eden said.

  Their eyes locked, and thoughts that had been buzzing through her brain all day receded, a sense of peace washing over her.

  He leaned close—so close they were breathing each other’s breath. When his lips touched hers, she released a weight she hadn’t realized she’d been carrying. The burden of needing to be strong—handling everything all by herself—slipped away as she melted into his arms.

  She wrapped her fingers in his hair, needing the kiss to be deeper. His grip tightened at her waist, one hand slipping inside her coat and pressing against her back, pulling her even closer.

  It wasn’t her first kiss—wasn’t even their first kiss—but to Eden it was the first one that mattered.

  Too soon it was over, and she wished she could freeze time right here so she never had to feel anything else.

  “I’m glad I came.” Quinn smiled down at her.

  “Me too,” she said, still breathless.

  They stayed like that—eyes locked, neither wanting to move. As though they both were aware that a finding had occurred, a missing piece recovered. Until Quinn stifled a yawn, and Eden felt bad for keeping him.

  “Please go get some sleep.” She took a step back.

  “I will,” he said, pulling her close again. “Just one more minute.”

  He kissed her lightly and then wrapped her in his arms. Eden laid her head against his chest.

  The only movement, the only sound, was Quinn’s heart beating.

  Chapter 18

  Five days and the police had no leads on Hannah’s killer. Or if they did, they weren’t sharing them with Eden.

  They asked if she would come in to go over her statement, but when she did, her story didn’t change. With the exception of imaginary moss, she’d already told them everything.

  Quinn went with her, which Eden found particularly thoughtful, given they wouldn’t even let him come in the room with her. He waited for over an hour and then took her to the shelter because he knew that walking Bella would cheer her up.

  He grabbed a retriever named King, and they set off for a walk around the neighborhood.

  “You look tired,” he said as the dogs stopped to sniff. “Have you been sleeping?”

  “Sleep and I have an off and on relationship,” Eden said. “Right now it’s mostly off.”

  That was an understatement. Since Hannah’s death, Eden’s dreams had become even more vivid, the physical sensations so strong that sometimes she woke up choking. She was back on her pills and had bought a fifth of vodka from Paige, but even mixing them hadn’t helped. Last night she’d woken half the house by screaming.

  “Is there anything I can do?” he asked.

  “You’re already doing it,” she said. “You’re here.”

  He’d been texting every day, and when she stopped in for coffee, he took his break to spend time with her. She’d never felt so cared for by a boyfriend, and they weren’t even official yet.

  “I am.” He took her hand, interlacing their fingers.

  In some ways, it felt even more intimate than kissing. Holding hands meant he wanted to touch her and not just in a sexual way.

  The shadows grew long, and they returned the dogs just before closing.

  “Hey Eden.” The shelter manager walked over. “Before you go, I’ve got good news. That couple you’ve been emailing with about Bella? They’re coming to the next adoption fair. We might find the old girl a home yet.”

  “That’s fantastic.” Eden bent down and ruffled Bella’s fur. “Hear that, sweet girl? You’ve got people coming.”

  The news made it a fraction less sad when she had to close the cage door.

  Back at Coventry House, Eden stopped by Jules’s room. Since Hannah’s death she’d been mostly keeping to herself, so Eden and Sarah made it a point to check in on her.

  “Hey.” Eden leaned on the doorframe. “How’s it going?”

  “Okay, I guess,” Jules said.

  “People still wanting you to make with the public spectacle?” Eden felt bad for balking when Jules hadn’t wanted a memorial. Who was she to tell anyone how to react to tragedy? It’s not like her way was working out so well.

  “Yeah. I can’t wait until people stop looking at me funny.”

  It was a sentiment Eden understood better than anyone.

  “Well, I look at you funny because that’s just my face,” she said. “So try not to hold it against me.”

  Jules smiled. “I don’t. But you might want to see a doctor about that.”

  Eden’s eyes widened because she’d never heard Jules make a joke before. Then they both laughed, which felt really good.

  She told Jules she had to hit the books and was leaving when Carolyn called to her.

  “May I see you in my study?” She turned, knowing Eden would follow.

  “I’m concerned,” Carolyn said, once they were both seated. “Last night, the screaming—”

  “I know,” Eden said quickly. “I’m sorry. I’ll get it under control.”

  “Trying to always control things is how we get ourselves in trouble. Sometimes we need to surrender and listen to what our minds are trying to tell us.”

  “It’s just a nightmare,” Eden said. “It’s not trying to tell me anything.”

  “Except it isn’t just a nightmare because you have a charm that wards against them,” Carolyn said. “And from what you’ve told me, this is a memory.”

  “It’s a memory I have while I’m sleeping.”

  “Which tells me that there is something you haven’t faced about this incident. Our pasts are important, Eden. They shape us and make us the people we become.”

  “Not everything shapes us for the better,” Eden said quietly.

  “A tool is sharpened for its intended purpose,” Carolyn said. “We’re given the experiences needed to fulfill our destinies.”

  “It won’t happen again,” Eden said.

  “You’re not in trouble. I only want to help.” Carolyn reached into her desk and pulled out a card. “This is a therapist I know. I think you might like her.”

  Eden took the card and did her best to look appreciative. “Thank you.”

  She closed the door behind her and stalked off, tossing the card in the trash. There was nothing about her nightmares she had any intention of surrendering to.

  It was
time for a real solution. And until then, she had a back-up plan. Contingencies were key.

  “Ready for more so soon?” Paige said when Eden showed up at her door. “I mean, not that I mind making money, but you might want to slow your roll.”

  Paige reached into the back of her closet, but before she pulled out the vodka, Eden stopped her.

  “I was actually hoping you might have something stronger.”

  “Stronger than vodka?”

  “Stronger than alcohol.”

  Paige raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Are you sure you’re ready for the big leagues?”

  Eden ignored the question, opting instead to say, “What have you got?”

  What Paige had was a narcotic from when she’d had her wisdom teeth out, and all Eden could afford was four pills.

  Four nights. She’d have to rush shipping.

  Eden had never taken such a strong medication before, and within minutes she felt its effects: her head got thick; her thoughts slid by. Even her constant low-grade anxiety was muted—like someone else was feeling it.

  She settled into bed, the covers like wings, wrapping her in softness. Everything would make sense once she’d finally gotten some sleep.

  Eden woke up coughing, her lungs filled with smoke. An acrid smell—like something electrical burning—invaded her nostrils. She spotted the source of the smell right away—the space heater in the corner of the room was ablaze.

  “Sarah, wake up!”

  Eden yanked the comforter off her bed and threw it over the heater, but instead of smothering the fire, the comforter went up in flames. The fire alarm in the hall went off, finally waking Sarah.

  “What’s going—oh, shit!” She jumped out of bed.

  Alex burst into the room. The moment she saw the blaze, she raised her hands. The fire receded instantly, and within seconds it was out, leaving the remains of a half-melted heater and a ruined comforter.

  Alex squatted down, inspecting the damage, while other girls crowded the doorway looking for the source of the commotion—and the smell.

  “Which one of you geniuses plugged this into a power strip instead of the wall?” She first looked at Eden then Sarah.