by Ashley McLeo
“Well . . . that’s amazing,” Roman put his hand on top of hers and beamed.
Her mouth went dry.
“Now I understand why you want to get moving as fast as possible. You want to spend time with people you’ve reconnected with.”
“Thank you. I guess I just feel guilty,” Evelyn glanced down at where their skin met. This man was so curious. With a simple look or touch he made her want to do far more than she’d ever done on a first date. Hell, this isn’t even a date, she reminded herself.
Roman followed her gaze and blushed. “I’m sorry, I got so excited for you. I come from a touchy family, especially when we like the person.” His bright eyes sought hers, searching for an indication to how his feelings were received. He made a move to extract his hand and the pleasurable flutter in Evelyn's heart retreated.
Instinctively, Evelyn grasped his hand tighter.
Roman’s charming smile morphed into a small smirk and he leaned in closer.
The scent of cloves intensified and Evelyn felt a little woozy. Outwardly, she held it together except for the slight widening of her eyes. How unprofessional, she thought though she knew professionalism was the last thing on her mind anymore.
She hadn’t felt so free, so unworried, so happy for months. She felt like her old self, before she learned she was a witch. There was something about Roman that made her feel that way, and she didn’t want to pull away from that. The fact that she hadn’t used any magic to ensnare him was almost as appealing as her attraction to Roman. No one could claim this feeling was a result of a leaky binding or blatant display of siren power because she had control over her power now. Nope, this was pure lust and it was long overdue. For once Evelyn didn’t want to learn some man’s—her business competition’s—secrets. She wanted to smell Roman’s hair, whisper in his ear, and feel his skin on hers. What’s the harm in pursuing a fling?And I never made any rule about good old fashioned human flirting. I’ll just keep my magic locked up tight. Desire pulsed through her as Roman’s eyes burned into hers. Once Dad finds someone to take my place, I’m gone anyhow. There’s not enough time to become attached, but plenty of time to have fun. As long as we keep it quiet around the office it should be fine. Mom and Dad were trying to set us up after all . . . They can’t get too mad about it . . . I hope. Whatever, I’m out of there anyways for a while. I’ll take the risk.
She softened her gaze and looked up from under her lashes. “My family wasn’t touchy feely but I’ll admit, I like you, too. What do you say we finish these drinks and grab a late dinner?” She leaned forward to give him a full shot of cleavage and her thumb caressed the top of his hand in soft, smooth strokes.
Roman gawked. He’d been flirting with her all night, but he clearly hadn’t anticipated she’d return the sentiment.
Victory bloomed in Evelyn’s chest and she beamed as she took in Roman’s wide blue eyes. God, I love being on top.
“Sounds great. I could sure use some grub,” Roman said regaining his confident persona and smiling back at her. Evelyn noted he hadn’t taken his eyes off her for a second.
“I agree. I’m starving, too,” Evelyn purred, reclaiming her hand and lifting her glass to cheers his.
The Great Schism
“Arma!” Lily screeched, darting behind her shield to avoid Sara’s tickling charm. A faint sensation of feathers rippled across her skin and she forced herself to stay rigid, hoping not to give herself away. Too slow again.
Aoife smirked. “By the looks of it, Sara grazed your heel. If you’d have moved a second sooner, you’d have been in the clear.”
“Good to know,” Lily panted, frustration rising in her for what felt like the millionth time today.
“It should be. Sara is fast on the draw and most importantly practices everyday. You’re not doing bad, Lil. You’re just out of practice.”
If I had expected being drilled to death on my first day back, I would have practiced more. Lily struggled to keep the words in her head. Apparently what Brigit meant by a few warmup drills was combat-like training where they hexed each other without the safety of their aunt’s sturdy, ever present shields they had been allowed in their earlier magic lessons.
Now, they were expected to create their own means of protection and fight back at the same time. It took more mental energy than Lily was used to and although all the spells Sara had used today were harmless, she couldn’t help but feel a attacked. So far, Lily had spent the entire day on the receiving end and suspected her abysmal performance in Alexandria had everything to do with it. She cringed as a memory of her bringing her hands to her face to block a man rushing toward her and Brigit in Empusa’s mansion swam into the forefront of Lily’s thoughts. Brigit had sworn it was natural to forget how to defend yourself during your first altercation, but she clearly didn’t want it happening again.
“Want to switch?” Lily asked Sara, desperate for a breather.
“Sure,” Sara said, crouching into a defensive stance.
“Remember, Lily, in battle scenarios we have no time to weave together numerous spells or concoct novel enchantments as is oft done in healing. Short, fast spells are best. It needs to be as automatic as possible. Trust your intuition,” Aoife said, then turned to Sara. “Your shield is quite good enough already. Why don’t you work on deflecting and reflecting a bit, Sara? That should make the scenario a wee bit more interesting.”
Lily rolled her eyes. As if she wasn’t exhausted enough after hours of defensive practice, now Aoife wanted her to play both offense and defense. When the recipient of the spell reflected, it meant possible double duty for the attacker, who could find herself having to ward off her own spell and the incoming spell of her opponent.
Backing away from her sister carefully so as not to trip over the furrows and roots poking up from the uneven ground, Lily wracked her brain for any spell Sara might not know. She came up empty and pivoted to her other strength. Physicality, the only arena she reliably topped Sara in besides healing, was her best chance.
Lily charged, closing the fifty feet between her and Sara with exceptional speed. What she had lost by not practicing magic during her two weeks home, Lily had made up for by regaining her strength. Miles and miles of running each day had been a meditation for her and the only way to separate herself from the sad looks. Now, she hoped it would help her get a few good jabs in, or at least save her from being impaled by her own hex.
“Volavari.” Lily’s levitation charm shot toward Sara, and Lily zagged left in case her sister deflected the spell back at her.
Sara had nimble reflexes for someone who spent so much time perched on a meditation cushion. She flung her body to the right, landing on the ground with a thwack as Lily’s charm missed her by inches.
Lily feinted two feet away from Sara, who threw up a proactive shield with a grimace.
“Forget the shields. Reflect or deflect only, Sara! Come on, get up!” Aoife’s voice rang out from the sidelines.
Lily smiled. Having the upper hand, even if only for a moment, felt damn good.
Sara jumped to her feet, arms outstretched and ready for whatever Lily might throw at her.
Lily circled her, weaving in and out of the now naked orchard bordering their grassy battlefield with the ease of a deer running through the forest. She felt Sara’s copper eyes tracking her, waiting for her to make her move.
Lily made it, peeking her head just beyond the tree line she murmured, “Lotu.” And then for good measure, “Mahasoka.” Her new favorite spell erupted from her fingertips, light transforming into vines that flew right at Sara.
Sara’s body stiffened as the body bind curse hit and her legs and arms snapped together, immovable, as if they’d been sealed in invisible plastic wrap. Two seconds later, the vines from Lily’s second spell wound their way around Sara.
“Brilliant, Lily! Gwenn knew you’d enjoy that vine rope spell.” Aoife clapped her hands together and the vines loosened in the same instant that Sara was released from Lil
y’s body bind curse.
“But I couldn’t see her! She hid in the trees. How is that fair?” Sara asked, unable to keep the tone of annoyance from her voice.
“How is it not?” Aoife asked. “We may dual out in the open, enabling us to not only see, but hear, and predict our opponent’s next moves. But as Lily already knows, that is not the true way of battle. Make no mistake, our enemies will have no qualms about hexing or attacking you when your back is to them. Lily is forcing you to step up your game.”
“Yea, step it up, Sara!” Lily taunted leaning against a tree, unable to hold in her mirth as a look of incredulity passed over Sara’s elven features.
The apple tree bark behind her grew hot and Lily jumped forward, “What the hell?”
“You ready for this, Lil?” Sara teased back, her crooked grin growing wider.
Crap. Now what have I gotten myself into? Lily wondered, walking back to the dueling circle and racking her brain for a spell to end all spells. Two charms came to her and she went with it, hoping at least one would hit its mark, as she weaved and darted across the uneven ground.
“Dantza! Birarazi!”
“Islatu!” Sara cried, reflecting both spells with a wide sweep of her arm.
Lily tripped as both her tripping jinx and dancing spell rebounded to hit her and her feet began twitching like rubber chicken legs against the damp grass.
“Finum,” she whispered, halting her own spells and jumping to her feet in one smooth motion before Sara countered. Something orange caught her eye and Lily realized countering was the last thing on her sister’s mind. A circle of flames hotter and higher than the one Lily had conjured in Alexandria rose up around Sara. Damn, her flame gates are on point, Lily thought, circling closer to the gate as she assessed her options.
Should I try to conjure up a little water or wind? Can spells move through elements like fire?
“Eginura,” Lily muttered, pointing at a section of the flame gate as water gushed from her outstretched palm. The fire drowned for as long as she kept up the flow and replenished itself from the sodden ground once the stream ceased. A thought struck her and despite Aoife’s prior restrictions, she acted on it, instinctively weaving together a new stream of water with a collapsing curse. She watched in awe as the concept unfolded. The water flew through the gate straight at Sara, who collapsed face first. Her flame gate followed, falling to the ground in defeat behind its master.
“I’d say Lily’s gaining on you, Sara.”
“Herbcapto!” Lily, still high on adrenaline from sparring, turned and flung the spell in the direction of the new voice.
Oops, she thought as she caught sight of Nora at the edge of the orchard, trying to kick free of the grass Lily had enchanted to wrap around the invader’s feet and legs. Nora looked as glamorous as ever, clad in a sheath dress and stylish knee-length boots, if a bit too skinny. Must be one of those people who forget to eat when she gets busy. Wonder what that’s like? The questions breezed through Lily’s mind before she realized Nora was glaring at her. Oh yea, I should call off my spell.
“Finum.” The spell ceased and Nora stopped kicking. “Sorry, Nora! You caught me off guard!” Lily called across the clearing.
“Don’t ever apologize for quick reflexes, Lily. You’re in training!” Aoife said with a wide grin before turning to Nora. “And Nora! What a surprise. Brigit will be right pleased.” Aoife jumped up from the stone bench she’d been perched on to meet her old friend.
“I negotiated a week home, thought I’d stay the night to see how you all were progressing. We’re all overdue for a long chat. Am I right?” Nora said, holding up a weekend bag.
“Aye, you can have Evelyn’s room.” Aoife clapped her hand to Nora’s thin shoulder, “Why don’t we all go inside? I sense that you girls have had enough?”
Lily nodded. Despite her stroke of luck she could feel the exhaustion deep in her bones. Ending on a high note would be best.
“I don’t mind sleeping on the couch. That room’s a bit cramped for the both of us, and I doubt Evelyn will take to being put out,” Nora said, looking uneasy.
Lily used the pretense of grabbing her sweater off the ground to hide her grin. Is Nora still afraid Evelyn will break into her mind? Even I have to admit Evelyn has been pretty respectful in that arena. As long as you don’t make it too easy.
“She has yet to arrive. You’ll have the room all to yourself,” Aoife said, waving her hand and breaking the protective enchantments of the dueling circle.
“Oh. Right then.”
“Good moves back there. Sneaky as hell but good,” Sara said joining Lily.
“Thanks,” Lily replied, her easy tone belying the immense pleasure she felt at beating her sister. For once she was on top, a feeling she could get used to, though with Sara she felt no need to rub it in. Every victory of her own was a victory for the team and vice versa. In the past, her competitive nature honed from years of athletics had made it hard to see things that way, but she was getting better at it. Sara’s laid back nature tended to make it easier. The pair walked in companionable silence, content to listen to Nora and Aoife chatter at their back, as they followed the path through Brigit’s garden to Fern Cottage.
They were emerging from the herb patch, still thriving in mid-November thanks to Brigit and Lily’s earth magic, when a shout came from the stone cottage.
“Was that Mom?” Sara asked, red brows pulling together. She glanced at Aoife, who ran toward the door, leaving Nora standing alone looking uncomfortable.
The intensity of Brigit’s shouting grew as the cottage door flew open and Aoife rushed in.
Lily sucked in a breath. Holy hell. Mom is pissed. She’d only ever heard Brigit raise her voice during extenuating circumstances involving magic or a battle. She sincerely hoped neither was happening in the cottage.
“I hear you, but do you hear yourself? This is serious. It’s real. Your actions could set us back months. Goddess knows, it puts you at great risk and could cost others their freedom!”
“Should I leave?” Nora squeaked, her body already pointed in the direction of the enchanted hedge that hid Fern Cottage from the road.
“No, stay. You’re her best friend; Mom needs you. I’ve never heard her sound so furious,” Lily said grabbing Nora’s hand.
Nora winced and Lily loosened her grip, glancing once more at Nora’s thin, delicate frame. She’s as weak as a bird, she thought, only belatedly remembering Nora’s prodigious ceremens talents when she shot Lily a look.
“Sorry,” Lily mumbled, reactivating the spell that kept her thoughts in her own head. The mind barriers were difficult to keep up during the stress of their mock battles and she often let them fall. Not to mention, Lily had become out of practice at Terramar, where her family was not composed of strong witches who could read every thought from her leaky mind.
“Who do you think she’s talking to?” Sara whispered as they tiptoed into the entryway.
“No idea,” Lily answered, biting back the name on the tip of her tongue as she undid her laces and sat on the couch across from the hearth. She pulled her legs to her chest and glanced at Nora who seemed to have lost all the blood in her face. Mom becoming this upset must be a rare occurrence if Nora looks that anxious.
“Get off the phone, Brig. You need to calm down before you say something you don’t mean,” Aoife’s gravel and sandpaper voice carried through the heavy stone fireplace to the sitting room.
“There’s nothing I can do anyhow to change her mind, Aoife! She’s acting right thick, choosing money and prestige when so much, including her own safety, is at stake,” Brigit snapped. She stopped talking and Lily got the distinct impression whoever was on the other end of the line was firing back.
“You know why I did what I did when you were babes. I care about your safety more than anything. I love you three and want to make sure we have a future together! It’s why I want you here, practicing and preparing, I—” Brigit stopped short again.
&n
bsp; “Well, I hope you realize that the size of the account won’t matter if we do not succeed.” Brigit’s tone calmed slightly, like she was trying to reign it in. “While helping your family is noble, I’m sure others are more than capable of the task your father has set you. You know where to find us when you’ve come to your senses. Please, try and stay safe.”
Nora leapt from her seat.
Lily turned to see a cordless phone soar through the entryway to the other side of the sitting room to collide with a stone wall. The plastic cracked and the phone fell to the ground.
“I know, I know, Aoife! I let me fire get to me, but can you blame me? How fecking reckless and shortsighted! I thought we had made progress with her. And now I won’t be able to stop worrying about her halfway around the globe doing who knows what.” Brigit stormed out the kitchen into the sitting room and stopped at the sight of them.
“Oh. Hello girls. Nora,” Brigit said, her voice unnaturally high.
“Who was that on the phone?” Sara asked in little more than a whisper.
Aoife, who had followed her sister in, placed a hand on Brigit’s shoulder.
Brigit softened at the touch and bit her lip.
“It was Evelyn, wasn’t it?” Lily asked, sparing Brigit the duty of voicing what she clearly did not want to admit. “She’s not coming?”
“Not yet,” Brigit answered, her tone dripping with disappointment. “She took on a task at her father’s company. One she needs two months to complete and then she’ll join us.”
“Two months? But that isn’t that long.”
Lily swung her head to look at Sara. Not that long? Does she not realize that the first attack, Em’s kidnapping, happened only four months after we found out we were witches? Em died because we, I, wasn’t fast enough. Does Sara think the other side is going to wait until we’re trained up to make it a fair fight?
“No,” Brigit agreed. She bit her lip again and shot a look at Lily. “In the large scheme of things it’s not, but we can’t count on having loads of time now, can we? Who knows when our enemies may strike next? And I worry about Evelyn not being here, away from our protective enchantments, though I doubt she felt that the way I spoke to her.” Guilt clouded Brigit’s face.