by K E O'Connor
They finished the words of the spell, and a pulse of magic shot across the cemetery and blasted into my mom and Killion.
They jerked like they’d been hit by a bolt of electricity and were then lifted into the air.
Half a dozen corpses walked over, grabbed their arms and legs, and dragged them out of the cemetery.
The villagers kept repeating the banishing spell and pulsing magic into them. I joined in, adding my own fading power, still shocked to the core to get their help. Tears sprung into my eyes, but they were happy tears. All this time, I’d been hiding from the villagers, certain they hated me for what I’d done to them, but they’d just saved my life and prevented my mom from dragging me into her dark coven.
I was almost knocked to the ground when three pairs of arms wrapped around me, and I staggered under the weight of my friends’ fierce embrace.
I turned and hugged Luna first. “How are you doing?”
“I’m exhausted. But so glad to be back.” Dark circles sat under her eyes, but the wide smile on her face made her beautiful.
Odessa grinned. “We got rid of the darkness.”
I looked at the cemetery gates, where I could just make out my mom as she was pulled away by the corpses. “They’ll never be able to come back again. Everyone’s magic has banished them. The second they try to enter Witch Haven, they’ll be rejected.”
Storm nodded. “No one wants them here. And the villagers all heard the truth about you. They know you and Magda weren’t to blame for what happened.”
“You had no control over that,” Luna said. “Your mom and Killion are terrible people for what they’ve done to you.”
I hugged her again, happy tears dampening my cheeks. “Did they hurt you?”
“They weren’t kind to me, but I’ll survive.”
“Luna!” Albert rushed through the crowd, his expression one of shock and disbelief. “Is it really you?”
“Uncle!” She threw herself into his arms and they both laughed and cried and talked over each other.
Odessa slung an arm around my shoulders, while Storm gave me a fist bump.
Russell, Hilda, and Nugget joined us, and I gave them all a well-done-for-being-awesome-familiars pet.
I looked around the cemetery and saw several people nod and smile at me as they slowly left through the gates.
It was so overwhelming, and I couldn’t stop from happy crying and smiling. I was finally accepted here again. I had a place to call home, and I’d never felt so content.
“What shall we do now?” Odessa said.
Luna pulled back from hugging Albert. “I don’t know about all of you, but I need a cake and a sit down. Limbo was no fun. And they don’t serve desserts.”
“I can arrange that. You can eat dessert day and night.” Albert hugged her tight.
I smiled as we all linked arms and left the cemetery, feeling safe and happy in my friends’ warm embrace.
Chapter 21
I sat back in my seat in the bakery, content to listen to my friends talk and laugh with each other. Nugget was snoring under the table, and Russell and Hilda were snuggled on a chair, snoozing after indulging in treats and exhausted from so much intense magic use.
We’d been here all day since leaving the chaotic events of the cemetery, and it was already dark outside. I was shattered, but so happy to have Luna back.
Best of all, all the villagers were back to normal, and Luna’s uncle was his usual warm, sweet self, and kept checking to make sure we didn’t want for anything.
“You’ve got incoming,” Storm muttered. “You’d better get used to being popular around here.”
I looked up to see Cornelia Norwood approaching with a gift in her hands. This had been happening all day. People kept coming over to apologize for their behavior and give me presents.
Cornelia stopped and adjusted her eye patch. She held out the gift. “I just wanted to thank you for what you’ve done for us. It’s been such a long time since I felt normal that it feels weird. Everyone saw what you did in the cemetery, and we’re so grateful. Witch Haven finally feels safe again.”
I accepted the gift. It was a small velvet pouch, and inside was a piece of amethyst. “Thanks. This is beautiful, but you don’t need to give me anything. I was just trying to make up for what I did. Set things right.”
“I saw you wearing something similar, so I thought you liked that stone.”
I touched my bare neck. Magda’s necklace had given me the strength to believe in myself. But in truth, I hadn’t needed it. I trusted my magic now.
“I’ll make this into something stunning,” I said.
“I’d gotten used to feeling angry and bitter and wanting to cause harm. That’s been lifted because of you. If ever you need anything from my inn, you come and ask. And you’ll never have to pay for a thing.”
“I’m just glad I could help get Witch Haven back to normal.” I wasn’t comfortable about everyone thanking me and giving me things. After all, it was my birth mom who’d done this, and I’d been her vessel. Along with Magda, we’d made a mess of things. But I’d put it right, and although it would take a while for it to feel normal to walk through the village and not get yelled at for being an evil witch, it was something I was looking forward to.
Cornelia said goodbye and hurried away.
“You’ll have to get used to being a celebrity,” Storm said.
“People will forget about what happened soon,” I said.
“Not likely,” Luna said. “I was talking to my uncle, and they’re thinking about making a statue of you and putting it in the middle of the village.”
I groaned. “Please say that’s a joke.”
Odessa chuckled. “It’s a great idea. The magnificent Indigo Ash. She saved Witch Haven from the darkness and brought her best friend back so she could eat cake once again.”
Luna wiped cake crumbs off her shirt. “It was so worth it. This cake has never tasted so good. Absence definitely makes the cake taste amazing.”
I studied Luna for a few seconds. “My mom spoke about why she tried to recruit you to her coven.”
Luna’s gaze dropped to her plate. “What did she say?”
“She mentioned your particular thirst and said it drew her to you. What was she talking about?”
Luna glanced around the group, then stuffed a piece of iced bun in her mouth and chewed. “No idea. We need more cake. I’ll go get it.” She hopped up and hurried to the counter.
“Do either of you think that was weird?” I said.
Odessa nodded as she sprinkled powdered pumpkin over her cake. “Maybe Luna needs time to readjust. Being in limbo must mess with your head.”
Storm shrugged. “I’m just glad she’s back. I don’t care if she is a bit weird.”
I leaned back in my seat again and nursed my mug of coffee. Maybe there was nothing to it, but I wanted to know why my mom was so interested in recruiting Luna to the darkness. And I hadn’t forgotten Magda’s words. You can’t always trust the ones you love. Maybe that had been a warning about my mom, but maybe it also had something to do with my best friend.
Silvaria marched into the bakery. She had Shamrock over her shoulder as she strode to the table.
I stood and narrowed my eyes at her. “Surprised to see me alive after you ran out on me again?”
“Always. I don’t know how you manage it.” She dumped Shamrock on the floor and looked at Odessa. “I believe this is yours. I found him in my cemetery.”
Odessa knelt and stroked Shamrock’s face. “My beautiful boy. What happened to you?”
“He saved me from the corpses,” I said. “I owe Shamrock. Do you think you can put him back together?”
Odessa didn’t look up as she nodded. “My boy will be good as new once I get him back to the farm.”
“I should have burned him. Big old waste of space.” Silvaria turned to go.
I caught hold of her arm. “You’d never do that. You have a heart hiding in that chest.”
S
he tugged my arm out of her grip. “That’s none of your business.”
“I’m making it my business. And we need to find a dance class.”
Her eyes widened. “A... dance class? Are you serious?”
“Yep. Even though you didn’t stick to your end of the bargain, we both need some fun after what we’ve been through. What will it be: ballet, hip-hop, or salsa?”
Her stern expression softened. “Belly dance. I’ve always wanted to be a belly dancer.”
“Then let’s do that. I’ll find the class, you get the floaty veils, and we’ll get shaking our bits.”
Silvaria pursed her lips. “I’ll let you know when I’m free.” She left the bakery, shaking her head.
“Dancing? With Silvaria?” Odessa stared up at me.
I nodded as I sat down. “She needs something to look forward to. Being around the dead all the time can’t be good for a person.”
“Look out! Jerk alert,” Storm said.
I looked over my shoulder and sat up straight. Olympus was striding toward the table.
“Limpy’s not a jerk.” Odessa thumped Storm’s leg. “Indigo, do you want us to leave you alone?”
“No, you stay here. I’ll go see him.”
“Be good,” Odessa said.
“Just remember, play it cool. Guys hate it when you’re too keen,” Storm said.
I walked over to Olympus, my heart beating a little too fast for my liking. “So, have you decided on a date for our wedding?”
His cheeks flushed, and he cleared his throat several times. “About that. We need to talk.”
I gasped. “Don’t say you’re breaking up with me? I’ve put a deposit on a dress. And the eight-tier cake is on order.”
“You’re not funny,” he grumbled. “You do know it was the magic your mom blasted out across the cemetery that did that to me?”
I frowned. “Does that mean you don’t want to make me Mrs. Duke?”
Olympus tugged at his collar. “Will you hate me if I say no?”
I laughed. “You’re off the hook. We haven’t even been on a date. Although you were really into having a big wedding. Are you sure there’s not an idea about getting married in the back of your mind?”
He relaxed and laughed along with me. “Maybe one day, but perhaps I should officially ask you out first. If that’s something you’d be interested in?”
I’d never seen Olympus look so awkward and out of his depth. It was sort of endearing. “It’s probably a good idea to see if we actually like each other, before you put a ring on it. Why not? Let’s see what happens.”
“Great. And I do remember some of the things you said when I was chasing you around like a love sick puppy. No flowers, no scented candles, and basically no romance.”
“Well, not no romance, but ease off on the cheesy romance, and we’ll be fine.”
He reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’ll get to work on that. And how are you? I’ve been at the Magic Council for the last hour getting an update. I got here as quickly as I could. I was worried about you.”
“I’m... probably in shock. I still can’t believe my mom and her creepy boyfriend were behind this.”
“You do know who Killion is?”
“A seriously bad guy?”
“The prince of demons.”
“My birth mom hooked up with a prince?”
Olympus arched an eyebrow. “You seemed to have not heard the demon part.”
“Oh, I did. But why choose my mom to be with him?”
“Because of her magic. Add an Ash witch to his coven and it doubles his power.”
“Demons have covens?”
“Demons have... gangs? Groupies? I’m not sure how to describe it.” He touched my cheek. “The Magic Council is all over this. They’ve been hunting Killion for decades. They’ll stop him.”
“And my mom?”
“Most likely. Are you good with that?”
“Yes! She’s nothing to me.”
“Are you sure?”
“I... well, I hesitated for a second. She’s the only blood family I have left, but how can I love her? She did all this to our home.”
“She’s gone now. And so is Killion. And if they try to get back in, I’ll know about it. You’re safe here.”
I smiled up at him and then looked back at my friends. “I have no doubts about that.”
The bakery door crashed open and Monty bounded in. He was followed by Fire Fang.
Olympus scowled. “I told you to stay in the office.”
Monty wagged his tail and licked Olympus’ hands. “You didn’t mean that. And I found my new friend in the alley. He was chasing a bunch of angry gnomes.”
Fire Fang growled and his eyes glowed red.
Storm hollered his name, and he loped over to the table.
Olympus shook his head at Monty. “Be quiet and behave.”
“Always. I’m an excellent familiar. Oooh! Is that meringue?” He bounded over the counter and rested his paws on the top.
“I should turn him back into a toy. He’s so much easier to control.”
“No! Monty is great. He’s perfect for you.” I rested a hand on Olympus’ chest. “And I haven’t forgotten about Bloom. I will help you figure out what happened to her.”
“Thanks, but I’m still not sure who has her. I’ve been hearing what your mom said when she was in the cemetery. It doesn’t make sense she’d recruit someone so young to her coven. Bloom only has basic magic because of her age.”
“We’ll figure it out. And we’ll do it together.”
He leaned forward and kissed my cheek. “Yes. We’ll do it together. And I’ve already begun collecting statements from the villagers about what you did to keep Witch Haven safe. I’ll be presenting a case in front of the Magic Council as soon as I can.”
“Do you think they’ll listen?” Hope fluttered in my chest.
“Of course. We’ll come to an arrangement about you keeping the house and the debts you owe. And there won’t be any charges brought against you. You’ve saved Witch Haven. The Magic Council owes you. And I’ll make sure you get to call in that favor. Your place is here, with all of us. You deserve no less.”
I could have kissed his face right off for saying that. Instead, I did the grown-up thing. “Come and join us. Since we’re dating, I need to make sure my friends approve of you.”
Olympus glanced at the table. Storm and Odessa were staring at him intently, and Luna was just returning with a tray of cakes. He swallowed loudly. “I’m not sure I’ll ever pass their tests.”
I dragged him to the table. “You will. Just be prepared to be thoroughly interrogated.”
A smile crossed his face as he looked at me. “What have I gotten myself into?”
“The most fun you’re ever going to have.”
Odessa grabbed another seat and set it down for Olympus. “Hi, Limpy. I’m so excited about being a bridesmaid at your wedding.”
“Wedding?” Luna said. “Who’s getting married?”
I laughed. “There’s so much we still need to catch you up on. How about I get more coffee and I’ll tell you all about the terrible marriage proposal Olympus made to me?”
He dropped his head into his hands. “I was under the influence of very strong magic when I made that proposal.”
“Yeah, yeah, you can’t use that excuse on me,” I said.
“You have to stick to your end of the deal.” Storm’s expression suggested she was trying hard not to smile. “You proposed, you’ve got to go through with it, or we’ll hunt you down and force you up that aisle.”
Olympus peeked through his fingers. “Really?”
I shook my head. “No, not really. Stop being mean to him, or he’ll run away.”
“Can’t we be a little mean to him?” Luna said. “We need to make sure he’s worthy of you.”
“Okay. A tiny bit.” I headed to the counter where Albert was waiting to take my order.
I looked back at the
gaggle of friends and familiars and my smile almost split my face.
I had an exciting and scary future ahead of me, in a place I loved, with my friends surrounding me, and potentially, an amazing new boyfriend joining the team.
And I had a feeling the adventures would just keep coming.
THE END
***
Is this the end of Witch Haven? Of course not! Sign up to my newsletter (https://www.subscribepage.com/cozymysteries) to be the first to hear about the next book in the series.
These books (three of them) will feature Luna as our fun main character. She’s hiding a huge secret from her friends, struggling with the bakery, and feeling the aftereffects of being taken by Indigo’s evil mom and her horrible boyfriend.
The first two books (Muffins and Moonlight and Cupcakes and Cauldrons) will release in March 2021. I know, it seems like forever, but the wait will be worth it. There’ll be death by poison, cupcake calamities, and a huge reveal as to exactly what keeps tempting Luna into the creepy basement under the bakery. One clue: it’s not the chocolate chip batter mix!
To be the first to hear about the new books, join my newsletter (https://www.subscribepage.com/cozymysteries) today.
***
If you’d like to sample another of my witch mysteries while you wait to return to Witch Haven, take a look at Luck of the Witch (https://smarturl.it/dg2mrx)
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When Tempest Crypt's not chasing demons outside her home of Willow Tree Falls (a place of magic stones and mystical thermal spas,) she's running her bar and avoiding eye contact with the hot leader of the local biker gang.
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Tempest must go head to head with Angel Force, the bumbling group of angels who try to keep the peace, to save her sister. With too many suspects, too little time, and a troublesome demon of her own to keep in check, she has her back against the wall.
Along with her feisty four-legged sidekick Wiggles - a cake obsessed hound with a difference - Tempest must solve this murder before Aurora goes to jail for a crime she didn't commit.
If you like cozy mysteries with fun, fabulous characters, and puzzles to figure out, then you’ll love this magic-filled, cozy paranormal mystery witch series.