“Don’t be daft,” Jude says. “Witch business is where she gets naked with a bunch of other witches and everyone thanks the universe for blessing them with such perfectly suckable—”
“Your knowledge of the craft is downrightencyclopedic, boys.” I roll my eyes and laugh. “But in this case, witch business is where I meet with the girls to discuss plans for the academy. Next fall will be here before you know it!”
After all the craziness of Wintermoon, Tatiana, Laney, Fleur and I vowed to stay in touch. They’ve been helping me study my magic and practice the craft, and becoming damn good friends in the process.
Not long after our return, I discovered that my dad was telling the truth about the money he’d socked away for me in offshore accounts. When I first heard from his lawyer, I almost refused the windfall.
But then I thought about the last moments I had with him. His sacrifice. And I realized I could use that money for something Brian so desperately wanted, but never got the chance to accomplish.
Protecting young witches and other supernaturals who don’t have anyone else to look out for them.
So, I decided I’d put it toward opening a school where witches and fae without family support—or those without families, period—can come to study their magic. To make friends. To build a community where they’re celebrated for who they are, regardless of how much power they can demonstrate. Regardless of how many cauldrons full of blue goo they accidentally explode.
I want to build a place where kids can be lovedbecauseof who they are, not in spite of it.
When I told Tatiana and the others about my ideas, they begged to be involved. And now, just like we were in Wintermoon, we’re all in this together.
The gargoyles are so proud of me—Blackmoor Capital is helping with the financing too. And I feel like Brian—the perfectly imperfect dad I never really got to know—would be proud of me too.
But most of all,I’mproud.
I’ve come a long way since that night in the bell tower when I was so, so ready to give up.
“So not only do we have to share you with each other,” Draegan says now, “but now we’ve got witches to contend with too?”
“And ravens,” Rook says, tipping his head back as Lucinda circles overhead.
“Also the taco truck guy down in Kingston?” I add. “But to be fair, that’s mostly because of the tacos.”
Auggie huffs. “Is that supposed to make me feel better? My tacos are unparalleled.”
I grin. “Take heart, boys. You’re the only ones who get to see me naked, right? And that alone is worth the price of admission, especially because… Oh, wait. On second thought, that’s not…Shoot. That’s not entirely true.”
“Excuse me?” Jude asks, incredulous.
I shrug. “The girls and I sometimes practice skyclad.”
“Skyclad?” he asks. “What the fuck kind of dark magic is that?”
“It just means naked. We do it outside. It helps us connect with nature, especially when there’s a full moon.”
He sits up fully now, his brow furrowed. “So you’re telling me that you and a bunch of witches sit around drinking tea and telling fortunes and practicing all that mojo… all without clothes?”
“Sometimes, yeah. But not in the snow or anything. Oh! Unless we’re at Laney’s, because she has a hot tub.” I laugh. “Goddess, Jude. Don’t be weird.”
“I’m not being weird, darling. I’m just wondering how the fuck someone becomes a witch, and when I can sign up for the class.”
“Same,” Auggie says. “I can bring snacks.”
“Simmer down, monsters,” I tease. “I’m sure you can think of plenty of ways to entertain yourselves while I’m gone.”
“Doubtful,” Rook says.
“Draegan? You’re the disciplinarian of the operation. Help me out here.”
“Sorry, love.” He laughs. “You’re on your own.”
“Well, we’re not practicing skyclad tonight,” I say. “So you can stop fretting. And the moment we’re done with the meeting, I’m comingrightback home.”
