by V. M. Marsh
“Welcome to the Sweet Shoppe, where you’re sure to find the sugary confection of your dreams.” I smiled as the automated greeting surrounded me in a soft lilting tone. Everything about the Sweet Shoppe screamed decadent comfort.
Stepping onto a large hovering peppermint disc, I was whisked away to the lounge. I had no idea how these things knew where to go, but they had yet to deposit me in the wrong place. Jumping off onto a red and white candy striped floor, I got in line to wait for my turn to order a drink.
I admired the counter as I neared the front of the line, which looked like melted chocolate with a base of studded gumballs. The next person in line received a mug with teal smoke twisting around the whipped cream at the top of her drink, and I realized I needed to decide what to order.
The Macaroon Hot Chocolate with a splash of vacation-relaxation magic sounded good, but so did the Orange Lemon Drop with a dash of pick-me-up. Either magic boost would help with my mood. It was a difficult decision, but seeing as it was my turn to order, I went with the first thing to pop out of my mouth.
“I’ll have a Caramel Double Hot Chocolate with a triple shot of magic comfort, please.” Even my brows rose in shock. This place had a way of bringing out even the most hidden needs and desires in the most unexpected ways. Apparently, I needed more soothing that I’d realized.
Accepting my mug billowing teal steam, I sniffed at the chocolate with caramel hints before downing a large gulp. Delicious calm washed over me, like I was being hugged by a full-sized teddy bear. A genuine smile lit my face as I hopped back on my peppermint disc to find a dessert.
Humming and sipping my drink, I let the floating platform take me to my heart’s desire. I didn’t necessarily know what that entailed, but the disc supposedly did.
I chuckled when it stopped before a long case of cupcakes. Hopping off, I peered at the labels and nodded.
“May I help you, madam?” A tall thin man in a candy striped suit asked from behind the counter. They took their whole nostalgic red and white striped candy theme seriously here.
“Can I get half a dozen Lemon Blueberry cupcakes with a drizzle of strawberry and infused with acceptance?”
He bowed and reached into the case with white gloved hands to transfer my order into a box sitting on top of the display case. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“I think that will be it, thank you.”
After carefully picking up my box, the platform flew me to a cash register with an antique looking façade. I paid and smiled at the cashier before leaving the magic comfort of the store.
On the way to my Mini Cooper, I shed the store’s magic like a second skin. It tended to wrap itself around customers like a cloak. I couldn’t see it, but I could feel it. It was almost like being covered in a thick pajama onesie with gloves, boots and a hood. It was the strangest sensation feeling it peel and fall off.
Once the store’s magic had all fallen away, I became more in tune with my own. I had only gone into Wildwood for dessert. However, a strong urge to visit Rainbow Mall settled in my bones and refused to let go. As much as I would have liked to, this was clearly a premonition I couldn’t ignore.
Barely taking the time to admire the metallic purple shine of my car before sliding in, I drove straight to the cloud like parking lot of the mall. Hopping out, I bounced on the springy cloud before sinking into it. I loved this parking lot; it was almost like walking on a squishy trampoline.
When I reached the two-story tall pot of gold, I held my breath and stepped towards it. Blackness surrounded me as I was transported inside the mall, which was actually on the outskirts of the city. It never ceased to amaze me how they got the gold coin path and the mall itself to appear like it went on forever.
I moved to the back of a line that formed as a cloud transport lowered from the sky filled with rainbows. A patch of cloud swung open to let its occupants out while my foot tapped impatiently. I still didn’t know which store I was going to, but apparently, I was in a hurry to reach it.
After entering the transport, I sat in one of the soft, airy chairs made of cloud, which molded to my body. I let everyone else tell the transport their destinations as we rose into the sky. Not knowing what to say, I opened my mouth to see what would come out.
“Stabbers, please.” Heads swung to give me shocked or weary looks. I shrugged since I was just as surprised and confused as they were. Apparently, I was in need of a weapons store. This particular one specialized in swords, knives, and daggers. What I could need from a place like that, I had no idea. However, I was overtaken with curiosity.
“We have arrived at Stabbers. Please stand clear of the door.” A soft feminine voice announced. Standing occupants parted for me and pushed against those seated along the cloud walls.
It was jarring to transition between the springy cloud and the hard coin path as I stepped from the transport. As I approached a suit of armor holding a sword, it turned to cut an archway from a stone wall, where a tunnel appeared. Walking through it, I shivered from the damp chill and musty smell.
I emerged from the tunnel into a castle courtyard with rows of medieval wooden stalls displaying knives and daggers. Swords gleamed as they stuck out of large boulders scattered throughout the courtyard. Customers must like playing at being the chosen one from the Sword in the Stone story.
I giggled before being drawn to a cart filled with daggers. At least they used velvet to lay their wares upon instead of hay or something.
Jewel encrusted hilts winked at me, but I was most interested in one with engraved ornamentation. As leaves and vines twisted their way up the handle, I wondered if it would feel weird to hold while the etchings moved. My hand twitched with an overwhelming yearning to grasp it.
Giving in, I retrieved it from its velvet bed. As soon as my fingers wrapped around the hilt, two silver leaves grew from the top of the handle to form a cross guard. The engravings seemed to fill in where I touched it; I couldn’t feel them at all, only a smooth solid weight in my hand.
The wavy edged blade was a little longer than my hand and had a purple iridescence that took on a rainbow sheen as I turned it in the light. It reminded me of my Mini Cooper, and I fell in love. This dagger was gorgeous.
“It changes when danger is near.” The shopkeeper strolled towards me with a glint in his eye. He could probably tell he was about to make a sale. “The blade glows blue and flows like water in the presence of danger.”
“A liquid blade won’t be very effective against a foe.”
“I didn’t say it turns to water, just that it appears to ripple, like a luminous winding stream.”
That sounded pretty cool, and I adored everything about it. An intense urge to make it mine overwhelmed me. “Sold. Do you have a sheath for it?”
After rummaging beneath the cart, he rose with a black leather case and held it out to me. I was a bit disappointed with how plain it was, but I supposed it would feel nice against my skin.
“A band will materialize around whichever limb you hold the case to. It’s literally one size fits all.” He laughed.
Internally rolling my eyes at his joke, I handed him my credit card and slid the blade into its new home. Then I held the sheath to my bicep, and nodded as a perfectly sized band materialized to hold it in place.
As I left the mall, immense relief swept over me. I had no idea what I needed this dagger for, but apparently, it was very important for something.
Chapter Twelve
Entering the foyer of my parents’ house, I remembered to toe off my flats. Mom was big on being natural around here. Shifting the box of cupcakes in my arms so I wouldn’t drop them, I used my foot to push my shoes next to the wall. Magic would hide them when I left the foyer until I returned to collect them. I still didn’t know how the house knew when to take and return them.
Shrugging, my feet slapped against marble as I made my way to the kitchen where I was sure Mom would be. She loved to cook, and I couldn’t blame her since I loved i
t too. It was family tradition to pass down our skills and add to them.
Pushing open the white door, my mouth watered at the aroma of bacon filling the kitchen. “That smells delicious. What are we having?”
My spun to me, startled. “You have to stop sneaking up on me like that; you’re going to give me a heart attack one of these days.”
I rolled my eyes while she frowned at me. “I’m making maple bacon pork chops, fennel lemon risotto, and salad with grilled watermelon and goat cheese.”
“Let me help you. I’ll whip up the balsamic vinaigrette for the salad.”
She waved me on, so I set down my box and took out ingredients from the pantry. “By the way, I brought fruity cupcakes for dessert from the Sweet Shoppe.”
“Excellent. Thank you, star flower. Now hurry with the dressing because dinner is almost finished, and your dad should arrive with Lars soon.” Her brows drew together as she checked her watch. “As a matter-of-fact, Jace should be arriving any moment too. I’d like you to get the door when he gets here, so I don’t burn dinner.”
I scowled into the bowl of liquid and whisked harder. She was not going to let up on this whole Jace thing. I had just poured the vinaigrette into a decanter when the doorbell rang, tinkling like a wind chime. I returned Mom’s pointed look with a glare. When was she going to accept Jace and I were not meant to be together?
Shuffling to the foyer, I reluctantly pulled open the massive front door. “Come on in.” I told Jace glumly.
“Good evening, Emma.” He said taking off his shoes. He’d been over enough times to know the drill. “Dinner smells amazing.”
Nodding, I pursed my lips. It wasn’t the most ideal time, but I might as well bring it up while I was alone with him. “I’ve been thinking about our impending marriage. Actually, I’ve been thinking that I would rather it not happen.”
His gaze shot to mine wide with surprise. “Are you calling off our engagement?”
“Technically, no because the Council won’t let me. However, I would like to.” His confused scowl made me feel guilty.
“Don’t get me wrong; you would make a superb roommate. I just don’t see it being more than that for us. For heaven’s sake, I have been thinking about discussing artificial insemination with you in order for us to procreate. That’s not a marriage.”
His brow popped up high on his forehead while he chuckled. “Artificial insemination-that’s an interesting idea. I have to admit I’ve been avoiding any thoughts of how we would have children and our wedding night. I’m sure we could make it work, but I’m not-“ He sighed.
“How do I say this nicely? You are gorgeous, absolutely stunning. I’m just not attracted to you.” He grinned. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you came up with that solution.”
I smiled fondly at him and ruffled his hair. “You are such a great friend, and I’m sorry I don’t want to marry you.”
He smacked my hand away to smooth his hair back into place. “Truth be told, I don’t relish the idea of marrying you, either. However, I don’t see as we have any choice in the matter. I do wish you had told me you were going to visit the Council, so I could go with you. Maybe both of us petitioning them would have made a difference.”
“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but I’m sorry for not including you.” Grimacing, I pulled him into the hall towards the dining room. “Also, they’ve ordered me not to bring it up to them again. They won’t let me out of our engagement or the Circle.”
He stopped short, which yanked me back since I held his arm. “You tried to leave the Circle over this?”
I nodded.
“I didn’t realize it was that important to you. I thought you, like me, figured we’d make the best of this bad situation. You are one of my best friends. I think it would be fun to live together without the whole husband and wife bit.”
“I’m still in love with Lars, and the more I get to know the man he’s grown into, the more I want to be with him.”
He patted my arm and resumed walking. “Even though it’s been years, I know you’ve never gotten over him. I’m sorry.”
Like the living room, the dining room overlooked the waterfall. It appeared dinner would be served just before sunset. I loved watching the yellows, blues, and oranges blend across the sky over the sparkling water. Then the fireflies would come out to dance for us.
“Sit here, and I’ll get the wine.” I gestured to a chair facing the window. If he was forced to be here too, the least I could do was let him have the best view.
As I poured the wine into five crystal goblets, Dad and Lars entered carrying long platters of blown glass swirling with bright blues and greens. Mom was right behind them with an intricately carved wooden bowl filled with the salad she’d made.
Sitting in one of the throne shaped cloud chairs Mom had commissioned for this room, I stared at my reflection in the floor to ceiling mirrors behind Jace. Everyone got a view of the waterfall regardless of their place at the long rectangular table.
I watched my parents exchange unhappy glances as Lars’s choice to sit beside me did not go unnoticed. Jace purposefully ignored it and acted like nothing out of the ordinary.
After we served ourselves, I closed my eyes to fully appreciate the sweet and salty flavors playing on my tongue from the caramelized bacon on the pork chop. Until I nearly choked on it when my mom spoke.
“It’s time to set a date for the wedding. Jace has waited patiently and you’re old enough for marriage now. Besides, none of us are getting any younger, and I’m ready for grandchildren.”
And there it was; the true reason for this dinner. Mom wanted to come between Lars and me while also cementing my commitment to Jace. Scrambling for my wine, I took a large swig to both wash the food down my throat but also fortify me for this conversation.
Mom was naturally sweet as pie, so her meddling and conniving often went unnoticed or overlooked. It was so natural for her, she didn’t need a public persona to throw people off. Sometimes, like now, she even threw me off. I envied her ability to be herself all the time and not have to remember to play up some of her attributes or particular aspects of her personality.
Before Jace or I could respond, Lars surprised us all by speaking up. “The date will be never. If Emma marries anyone, it’ll be me.”
My gaze shot to him in shock. While the idea was incredibly appealing, we had never talked about marriage. Why would we when we weren’t even dating, and I was engaged to another?
“Stone may be growing fond of you, however, you need to accept that Emma is marrying Jace. That’s just the way it is for reasons you will never be able to understand, which is another reason Jace is better suited for her. He knows all about it.” I cringed at how coolly Mom spoke to him.
He smirked. “You mean because the Council has decided she needs to marry Jace since he’s a Circle member? I do know quite a bit about it, actually, and I’m going to find a way to get Emma out of this situation thrust upon her.”
Three pairs of shocked eyes flew to me. My parents also seemed angry, but Jace appeared terrified. This wasn’t good. I threw Lars a dirty look before clearing my throat.
“He found out on his own. I did fill in the blanks, but I didn’t initially tell him anything. And no, the Council doesn’t know that he discovered us.”
“This is unacceptable. No one outside of the Circle is permitted to know of its existence. We must tell the Council and have his memory erased.” Mom threw her napkin on the table.
“We need him to defeat the Power Thief. His knowledge of us is the only reason he agreed. We would have to start over convincing him, and we no longer have the luxury of time. The Power Thief knows about the Sanctuary now and has already attacked once.”
Mom glared at Lars. “Is that true that you only agreed to help after uncovering our secret?”
He nodded. “I followed Emma to the meeting spot. She had no idea I was there because I was distorting perception to hide myself. I guess I stuck
close enough to her to be permitted entrance beyond the barriers.”
Dad whispered in Mom’s ear as outrage covered her face. After a furious exchange, she bit her lip. “Fine. You know for now, but after the Power Thief has been taken care of, your memories of the Circle must be wiped.”
“I don’t think so. I’ve changed since I was a teenager, and I have two strong powers now. I plan on proving to them and you that I’m good enough for Emma.”
Mom shook her head sadly. “It will never work. You say you’ve grown, but last I heard, you worked for the Power Thief and participated in his illegal loan shark business. You hurt people. That doesn’t sound like change to me.”
He let out a humorless chuckle. “One, I have never hurt anyone that didn’t have it coming. Two, I stayed with Bradley after I discovered what he was so I could protect Scarlet from him. Third, the Circle hurts people too, even their own. Look at what you all are doing to Emma and Jace.”
Glancing at Jace, I was disappointed to find him staring at his plate while pushing his food around. Despite wanting to go to the Council as a team, he was going to let me handle this one. I supposed I couldn’t blame him since they were my parents.
When Jace and I had become engaged, I had only been a member of the Circle for a couple of months and was still mourning my grandmother’s death. Finding out about and joining the Circle was still something I was coming to terms with. It was all so difficult to believe.
So it was with some apprehension that I went with my parents to a scheduled meeting in the sacred meadow. It was my first meeting since my induction.
Mom and Dad each held one of my hands in reassurance. Or so I thought. They dropped me off at my place in the Circle and each gave me a hug before going to their own spots. I didn’t notice at the time how Dad had squeezed me a bit more tightly and longer than usual.