With an arm flourish and a twirl, the witch filled the room with sparkling stars and disappeared. The stars lingered.
“This isn’t happening.” Mia groaned and leaned back into the couch. “I don’t want to be level five. I was hoping I wouldn’t even hit level four.”
“Wishes and horses,” Grans said, then repeated, “wishes and horses.”
CHAPTER4
“Congratulations, my dear. I don’t think there has been a level five on a first testing for years.” Damien came over and pulled Mia off the couch to give her a hug.
“Second testing. It’s my second testing. I was supposed to be a level three or four at the most. But five?”
“The harder the test, the more likely a strong witch will score higher,” Abigail explained. “I worried that Parker’s zeal would affect the results.”
A loud knock sounded at the front door.
“Who’s that?” Mia turned toward the door. Muffy started barking and Mr. Darcy arched up and started hissing.
“Calm down, everyone, it’s probably Thomas thinking I can’t drive home on my own.” Abigail hurried over to the door. “Did you hear?”
Instead of Thomas, Suzanne Parker stood at the door. “How did you cheat this time? I was there, watchingevery step. Do you have a friend in the testing department? I knew the coven was way too casual about this. I will find out and you will be banished from the community.”
“I didn’t cheat.” Mia stood and walked between the group and the door. Muffy was on her right side and Mr. Darcy on her left. In the darkness, Mia spotted Buddy flying in for the argument as well. She perched on a tree on the other side of the parking lot. Mia could see fire in the dragon’s eyes. “I think you need to leave and take your false accusations with you.”
“I just wanted to tell you that I’m watching you. And I’m not leaving Magic Springs until I bring you down.” Suzanne Parker glanced back at Buddy, who was watching her.
“Then you might as well buy a house here and move in. It’s a lovely community, even for people who don’t deserve it, like you.” Damien picked up Muffy and tried to calm the dog.
“You! You’re an abomination and should be burned. No one gets to cheat death.” She glared at him. “Mark my words, you’ll disappear sooner rather than later.”
“You’re threatening us?” Abigail pointed toward the door. “You need to leave, now. We don’t act this way in Magic Springs. I’ll have your job for this.”
“I don’t care. She’s not a level five and I’ll make sure she never receives a dime of the allotment.” Suzanne Parker turned to walk away. “And your dragon’s going to a zoo when I get back to Nationals. Exotic pets aren’t allowed near humans. You should know better.”
A chortle came out of the tree, but Mia didn’t think Buddy sounded happy. She stepped outside, hopeful that the coven had reapplied her protection, and watched the woman drive off in a rental. She looked up at Buddy. “Go tell Trent I’m fine and we don’t need him here. We’re safe.”
Buddy chortled again but followed her instructions after a brief hesitation and glance toward the road where Parker had disappeared. At least Mia hoped Buddy went straight home and didn’t trail Suzanne Parker in her silver rental to the hotel to eat her. Dragons got rid of the evidence of a killing. Trent had told her that early on when Buddy first showed up in Magic Springs. Mia dialed and quickly explained things to Trent as she came back inside, locking the door behind her.
“Buddy’s home,” Trent said. “Mad as a wet hen but here. She keeps talking about someone threatening you.”
“Suzanne Parker, my tester. She’s taking this level five thing personally. And they’re sending me money? What do I have to do for them to get a monthly check? Don’t get me wrong, it would be helpful, but if I’m selling my soul to the devil, I’d like to know the terms before I spend the money.”
He chuckled. “I’m not sure. I was never a level five. I don’t know anyone at that level. They don’t talk to me anymore.”
“Not since you turned down your mentorship program?” Mia asked, wondering why Trent hadn’t talked about the last straw that made him turn over his “official” power to Levi.
“Levi has a big mouth,” Trent suggested.
“I think his mouth is exactly the right size. You’ve been keeping secrets from me. How am I supposed to make good decisions if I only have one side of the situation?” Mia wasn’t angry at Trent, but her words sounded like it. Probably the Parker factor.
He grunted, either agreeing with her statement or just clearing his throat. “Anyway, watch out for Suzanne Parker. Stay home until she leaves town. This will all blow over.”
“Maybe.” Mia had a bad feeling about Suzanne Parker. “How’s training going?”
“Cerby blew a hole through the side of the house and Tempest has turned the baby into a statue a few times. She seems to think it’s funny. Em howls when Tempest performs magic for her or to her, depending on the way you see it. And no one seems to be potty-trained, not even the baby.”
Mia started laughing. “So, you’re telling me it could be worse? Suzanne Parker could turn me into a statue and pee on me?”
“Exactly.” He sounded more relaxed now.
