by K E O'Connor
I stood firm, my hands clenched. “Do we have a deal? Take me and give me back my fluffy familiar.”
The ghost shimmered. “I could do with another meal.”
“You didn’t eat him. I know Nugget is still alive. And you’re messing with powers you don’t understand.”
“I understand you well enough, Ash witch. You are nothing to be feared. You always were a broken family, and that was before you polluted yourself with Magda.”
“What do you know about Magda and my family?”
“Come join me and I’ll tell you more.”
“Will you give Nugget back if I do?”
“I’ll give you so much more than that rude little cat.”
“Don’t do it,” Hilda said. “You can’t trust it.”
I didn’t trust the ghost, but I couldn’t see any other option. Nugget didn’t deserve to be chewed up by this monster. And if anything bad happened to me, Hilda and Russell would have my back. They’d figure out a way to get me out.
The ghost wiggled its fingers. “Make your mind up, witch. I don’t offer this to many magic users.”
“Only the broken ones?”
She chuckled. “How perceptive you are. We’re going to have fun together.”
I grabbed her hand, wincing as an icy chill shot up my arm. The second we made contact, the world blotted black, and I vanished from the room.
The air tasted of smoke and cinder, and I blinked as my vision adjusted to the gloom. “Where’s Nugget?”
The ghost’s hand rested on my shoulder, and she turned me.
For a second, I saw nothing, then an image of the living room apartment appeared. Nugget was lying flat on his belly, covered in goo and snarling at the mist. Hilda and Russell stood beside him.
The fingers on my shoulder tightened, and the ice turned to fire as the ghost’s grip dug into my flesh. A shudder of revulsion ran through me. It wouldn’t be easy to get away from this strong, unstable spirit.
But I couldn’t doubt myself. I had to remember Magda’s teachings, and I had my new familiars waiting for me to return. Plus, Luna was relying on me. This ghost had to be punished, or my best friend would never recover.
“You should never have come back,” the ghost purred in my ear.
“Why wouldn’t I come back home?” I frowned as I lost sight of Nugget, Hilda, and Russell.
“Your old life was safer. No one bothered you. No one noticed you.”
“Which was a problem. Ash witches need to be noticed.”
“The only time you’ve ever stood out is for the wrong reasons. You gave yourself over to the darkness, just like your stepmom.”
“What do you know about Magda?”
The ghost chuckled. “I watched her progress with interest when she married into the family. She was no match for the magic she became entangled with.”
“Magda did that to save me. She was an amazing witch.”
“She was as broken as you are. And Magda was arrogant. She thought she could contain a power far above her status. It ruined her the second she touched it. Just like it ruined you.”
“You talk as if you knew her,” I said. “Did you used to live in Witch Haven?”
“I’ve lived in many places.”
“A straight answer would be great.” I narrowed my eyes. “Are you the jerk who turned Magda into a murderer? Did you threaten to harm me so she had to go along with your plan?” I grabbed the ghost’s hood, determined to see who she was, but she shoved me away, the imprints of her hands burning into my skin.
“That’s no way to treat someone older and more powerful than you’ll ever be.”
“I have no idea how powerful you are. You can’t be that strong if you refuse to show your face. It makes me think you’re scared. If I know who you are, I’ll be able to hunt you down and defeat you.”
There was that annoying laugh again. “The Ash witch lineage is coming to an end. You’re the last of them, and you’re a bitter disappointment. It’s a good job you have no relatives left to see your dismal performance. And with no heir to continue the line, it’s the end of the Ash witches.”
I scowled at her. I still had time to produce a few powerful witch babies. Sure, I needed a stable job, a place to live, and a guy to help that along, but it could happen.
“This sounds personal,” I said. “What’s the Ash witch coven ever done to you?”
“You’ve lived. That’s enough.”
The more I heard this ghost speak, the more I was convinced we’d met before. But I’d been distracted by her for long enough. It was time to get back to my familiars and Witch Haven.
I dug down deep into the well of magic I’d kept hidden for too long. It bloomed from my chest, down my legs, and made my toes tingle. I fisted my hands and slammed everything I had at the ghost.
She didn’t flinch.
I gritted my teeth and tried again. This had to work. I refused to be this twisted ghost’s plaything. Or her next meal.
The ghost raked a too long arm through the air, slamming into my stomach.
I flew through the air, the spark of pain in my gut making my eyes water. An oomph shot out of me as I hit the ground. I rolled onto my feet, then yelped as I was lifted and thrown about like a rag doll. Pain rippled through me, making me groan.
“You can be my puppet to control, or I’ll stuff your hide and mount you on the wall. You’ll be a fun addition to my collection of witch trophies.”
That had to be a sick joke. I locked eyes on the dead, soulless face under the hood. The image instantly blurred.
“What have you got to hide?” I thrust my hand out, slamming magic straight into the ghost.
She dropped me and staggered back.
At last, I was getting through her defenses.
The ghost flew at me, her feet not touching the ground. Her hand wrapped around my throat and she squeezed.
I raked my hand through the spirit, trying to weaken her, but she was growing more solid by the second, taking my energy and feeding from my newly regenerated magic.
She growled in my face, and her clawed fingers tightened.
I scratched her hand as the air vanished and my lungs burned. My fingers brushed Magda’s necklace and heat blasted out of me. The feeling was so familiar, yet shocking. The warmth bloomed through me, and a laugh shot from my lips. This was what true power felt like.
Holy broomsticks! I’d not used real magic for so long that I’d forgotten its primal, wild nature, and desire to play. My magic was back. And it was strong. So strong that it blasted out of me in an untamed pulse.
I laughed again. It felt amazing.
The ghost’s grip vanished from around my neck and she retreated, her arms outstretched as if was warning me not to come any nearer. “What have you done? You were never this powerful.”
I staggered to my feet as more magic pulsed out of me in hot waves. “If you hadn’t tried to kill me, I’d still be the weak, broken witch I was when I arrived back in Witch Haven. I should thank you. Instead, I’m going to kill you.”
“You can’t kill me.”
“I can. And I will.” I spoke the banishment spell and aimed it at the ghost.
She dodged out of the way of the magic and spun through the air.
“There’s no use running. I’ve got you.” I fired out more magic.
“If you kill me, you’ll never know the truth.” Her words rushed out of her, her panic clear.
“About what?” It felt amazing to be back to full strength. How I’d missed being a real witch.
“Indigo! You know me. You recognized me the first time I made contact. You wouldn’t kill a friend, would you?”
I hesitated. I did know this ghost, but she was no friend of mine. There was nothing but evil running through her veins, and she had to go. I inhaled, focusing on her banishment.
“Wait! I can tell you what happened the day you and Magda attacked the village.” There was a quiver to the ghost’s voice.
“I don
’t believe you. You’ll say anything to stop from being slammed into oblivion.”
“Listen to your instincts. I can be useful to you and rid you of that doubt you’re full of. It’s polluted you for too long. Keep me here, and I’ll be your ally.”
I lowered my hand. “Was it your fault? Did you turn Magda rogue?”
“No, but I know who did. And I’ll tell you if you keep me alive.”
“You’re a ghost. You’re already dead.”
“If you banish me, I’ll go to the empty place. I’ll be alone.”
“It’s what you deserve.”
She floated back and forth for several seconds. “I’ll release your friend. I’ll set her free.”
“You’ll do that, anyway. It’s time you left this place. You have no right to harm Luna.”
Snarling echoed around me as if a dozen wild beasts were about to attack. “Luna is more powerful than you realize. She isn’t what she seems. Don’t be too quick to trust her. A lot has changed in Witch Haven since you left.”
“She’s my friend. And I’m not afraid of you. You can’t hurt me. Not anymore. You can’t hurt anyone. Spirit, I demand you leave. You have no place here.”
“Then you’ll never know the truth. Are you prepared for that? You’ll always have questions about that day. The day your life was ruined. I can help you. You’ll find resolution if you let me live.”
“You can’t help me.”
“I’ll lead you to the people who turned you and your stepmom into killers.”
I was tempted by her sly words. I longed to know the truth. Who’d targeted Magda? Were they pure evil, wanting to create a horde of servants to do their dark bidding? No one could be that dark. Or was it a direct attack on the family? The Ash witches had once been powerful, but by wiping us out and ruining our reputation, it meant there was no more power.
“Let me stay,” the ghost whined. “I’ll remain tied to Luna, but won’t harm her anymore. She can be my anchor to the living world. I’ll even give her back some energy. She’ll be almost as good as new.”
“You’re not using my friend. She’s not your battery to drain.”
“I need a life source to live off. Or are you willing to sacrifice yourself for her, too? I’d take your energy gladly and let her go. My very own Ash witch. That would be entertaining.”
“You’re not using anyone. Not anymore.” I slammed magic into the ghost repeatedly, blasting out spells and focusing on her banishment.
Her form vanished, sweeping around me in a cascade of foul-smelling mist, and more growls and snarls filled the air.
“Spirit, I banish you from this place. Release your hold on Luna Brimstone.” I blasted out the incantation.
The ghost howled its displeasure before vanishing.
I dropped to my hands and knees, my body shuddering and my head spinning.
A second later, Hilda, Nugget, and Russell were in front of me and I was in Luna’s apartment.
“You’re back,” Hilda said. “We lost you. The ghost caught hold of you, and you vanished. Where did you go?”
I sucked in a breath and rested back on my heels, so glad to be in familiar surroundings. “I’m not sure, but I don’t want to go back there any time soon.” I looked around the group. “Is everyone okay?”
Nugget curled around me and purred. “You did it. You got rid of the ghosts.”
I shook my head. “No, we did it together.”
Chapter 21
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It didn’t feel like just two days ago I’d been battling malevolent spirits to save my friend.
My old house, no, my new home, was quiet. The rooms were cleared, and I’d even had some reclaimed furniture surreptitiously delivered from the local thrift store. It had taken some wrangling, but I was determined to be comfortable for as long as I stayed.
And I wanted to stay forever. The Magic Council was convinced the house had been obliterated, so they wouldn’t come after me while I sheltered here.
It was a short-term solution, but it was the best I had right now. And that was good enough.
I opened my eyes and looked around. The atmosphere in the house was warm and inviting, and a mellow afternoon sun filtered through the window, lighting the dust motes that floated through the lemon scented air.
The peace was welcome. It was a different quiet to my old apartment. When I was there, I hid from the world. I’d used those walls to disappear behind and hadn’t wanted anyone to know I existed. I’d been holding my breath, terrified of drawing trouble to me.
Not here. The quiet was restful and embracing. I needed to figure out how to make this place my home permanently. Finally, after years of waiting, life felt good again.
A bang on the front door jumped me out of my silent revelry. I didn’t answer it. There were only a few people who knew this place still existed, and they’d let themselves in, eventually.
As if on cue, the front door blasted open. Nugget strutted in, followed by Hilda and Russell.
Hilda dashed over and touched my foot. “We’ve got snacks.”
Russell dumped a pile of still living worms on the floor and stepped back, looking pleased with himself.
I wrinkled my nose. “Good job, Russell. But I’m not in the mood for slime and mud today. How about we get takeout?”
Nugget hopped onto my lap, kneaded for a few seconds, then jumped up and curled around my shoulders. “I told him the worms were a lousy idea.”
Hilda balanced on my foot. “He tried to bring down a cow, but it charged him, so he went for something more manageable.” She patted Russell on the wing when he scolded her. “You did a great job. That cow was just in a bad mood. Any other time, you’d have got her.”
“I’m sure you terrified that cow,” I said.
Russell bobbed his head at me.
“He wanted to impress you,” Hilda said. “But worms are full of nutrition, and you need feeding up. Living off tinned peaches and takeout won’t keep your magic healthy. And you don’t want to lose it again.”
I nodded. “I’m taking great care of myself, especially now I have three reasons to stay healthy.”
Nugget purred and sniffed my ear, while Hilda and Russell bobbed around each other.
“What’s the word on the street?” I said.
“Everyone’s talking about Luna’s miraculous recovery,” Hilda said as she returned to my foot. “She’s getting out of the hospital today.”
I grinned and settled back in the seat, careful not to squash Nugget. “That’s great news. We’ll have to go and see her when she’s out.”
“There’s also talk of an epic magic battle that went down in her apartment,” Hilda said. “Your magic blasts didn’t go unnoticed.”
“I’m not surprised to hear that, but that’s the least of our worries.”
“What do we have to worry about?” Nugget said. “We got out of Luna’s apartment without anyone noticing us. No one tracked us back here. And we’re the only ones who know about the battle. That’s how it needs to stay. No squawking to your buddies about this, Russell.”
Russell ruffled his feathers and looked outraged, before gobbling down a worm.
“Olympus was also asking around about you,” Hilda said. “Apparently, he wants a word.”
I grimaced. “He can have several words. How about I’m not here. As long as I keep a low profile, Olympus won’t poke around this place. Hopefully, he’ll assume I slipped away in the dead of night.” I had to hope that would happen, but in the pit of my stomach, I knew he’d be after me. Olympus wasn’t a guy who let things go easily.
I looked at my perfect familiars. It felt amazing to live together again. I’d gotten Nugget some new towels, which sat in the corner of the room completely unloved. He occasionally went to his bedroom, but spent most of his time snoozing on the moldy bedding he was attached to. Hilda had some cotton wool to plush up her space under the cabinet, and I’d added new perches in each room, so Russell would have plent
y of options for resting.
“Does this mean you’re staying for good?” Hilda said. “You’ve fixed Luna’s problem, so is there any reason for you to hang about?”
“Well... I mean, I could stay. I was thinking about it. And how will you all manage if I leave?”
“You do what you like.” Nugget yawned in my ear. “We’ll look after ourselves.”
I leaned away from his fishy breath. “I don’t want to leave, you fluffy jerk. Not anymore. And the ghost I banished made me curious. She knew Magda and the truth about why Magda turned dark and what happened the day we attacked the villagers.”
“You can’t believe that,” Nugget said. “She’d have said anything to stop from being destroyed.”
“I’m not so sure. And I knew her voice, but I couldn’t place it. Maybe she had connections with Magda or an Ash witch. She could have come to the house when I was a child.”
“You still got rid of her, even though she could have told you what really happened,” Hilda said. “Weren’t you curious?”
“I was, but I couldn’t let her keep hurting people. She had to be banished. Now she’s gone, and the other ghost is contained, so the knowledge is lost.”
“Not necessarily. We could always release the other ghost and interrogate him,” Nugget said.
I glanced at the sealed ghost jar on top of the magic cabinet. “I don’t want to let that thing out again. And right now, we have more immediate issues to deal with.”
“Like food,” Nugget said.
I grinned. “I was thinking that we needed to find a way to clear Magda’s name.”
“How are you going to do that?” Nugget said.
“I have her journals. That’s a start. I’m going to look through the rest of them. Magda could have hidden more information inside the pages that I’ve yet to discover. I may even be able to identify the witch who manipulated her. Once I’ve done that, I can send the information anonymously to the Magic Council so they’ll investigate the case again and clear Magda and me of any wrongdoing.”
“They won’t do that. They’ve already closed the case because it’s been solved. They think you’re trouble,” Nugget said.
“Then we’ll have to show then they’re wrong.”