Page 82 of Uncharmed

After a couple more stops for congratulatory handshakes, Annie and Maeve finally made it out onto the porch with the Sage Witch, while Hal hung back to talk to Rune about his plans for magical security moving forwards. Annie and Maeve each took one of the wicker chairs that looked out onto the meadow. That left Morena with the swing.

‘Why in this universe or the next would anyone require a chair that levitates? Is one’s life really that dull?’

She took a rigid seat on the swing, billowing her cloak out behind her. She looked incredibly unsure, eyes bulging slightly as her feet floated just above the wooden floor.

‘Obscure furnishing decisions aside, I wanted to talk to you, Miss Cadmus, about your display of magic back at the woodland. It was . . .’

‘Dangerous and stupid and probably now a big, big problem. I know, that’s always my thing,’ Maeve said, wincing as she adjusted herself. She crossly chucked a gingham pillow out from behind her back and onto the floor.

‘Quite the contrary,’ Morena said quickly, causing Annie and Maeve to both startle at the same time. They shot each other a confused side-eye. ‘It was in fact . . . rather brilliant. Highly creative, extraordinary magic. The stars don’t bend for many. I hope you’ll consider a future that works closely with Selcouth to hone your talents as they rightfully deserve.’

‘Sorry?’ Maeve snorted.

‘Far be it from me to deny talent, Miss Cadmus. As Ms Wildwood knows from first-hand experience, I appreciate a witch who does not shy away from realizing her greatness and putting it to fine use. In fact, I rather admire it, particularly in a witch who has only completed as few orbital completions as yourself.’

‘She means birthdays,’ Annie whispered out of the side of her mouth.

‘Ms Wildwood, this concerns you, too,’ Morena carried on. ‘You know I am not one to sweeten my words and, to be frank, I think you should consider relinquishing my incredibly generous hours of guidance to your charge here. I suspect she could benefit from your apprenticeship much more than you can these days. I suggest that you instead continue your work for Selcouth in a more permanent, respected position and I turn my most . . . nurturing attentions . . . to Maeve here.’

Annie’s brows shot up. She hadn’t given a lot of thought yet to how her work at Hecate House would continue, but she knew that it was just another part of her old life that she felt no pull to hold onto any more as she attempted to shed all of the expectations and obligations that had been placed upon her by others. Her years of apprenticeship with Morena had been enjoyable, but the motivations had only ever really been to secure her uncertain future at the Sorciety.

However, it was a huge compliment (especially from Morena Gowden, of all wicchefolk) to be considered valuable enough for a real position at the coven. And the prospect of saying no, of turning down something that she knew she should probably accept, seemed to stick in her throat.

‘No, thanks,’ Maeve said brightly.

‘I beg your pardon?’ Morena asked, practically spitting feathers at the gall.

‘Nah, I don’t think it’s for me, this coven life – at least for now. No offence, I’m sure you have a great time. But it’s all a little bit . . . controlled for me. And I’m doing just fine exploring my magic out here, with Annie.’

It was the bolster that Annie needed to hear. If it was what Maeve wanted, too, then all the better; that made her decision even more easy.

‘Maeve’s right, Morena. I’m so grateful for the opportunities that you’ve brought my way. But . . .’ She hesitated, but shook back her hair to drag up some extra confidence. ‘But I think I’m ready to take a step back. We’ll still be a traditional part of the coven, of course, and we’ll keep in touch. But I’m ready for my life to not be quite so broken up into so many different boxes. It’s time to try something different for myself. So no. No, thank you.’

Morena breathed out sharply through her nose. Annie prepared to feel her wrath. But none came.

‘As you wish.’

The earth didn’t stand still. The realm didn’t melt to the ground. She had said no and it had not immediately transformed her into a terrible person. She was still herself and the world continued to turn. In fact, she was perhaps even more herself for it.

‘The other matter at hand is your living situation. You are still technically under the responsibility of Selcouth, Miss Cadmus . . .’ Morena began to say.

‘I want to stay here and live with Annie and Hal,’ Maeve burst out, before immediately beginning to chew on one of her nails, as though attempting to control the exposing words and shove the confession back in. Annie glanced at her, then back to Morena, uncertain of the right response. Morena remained silent and pursed her lips, waiting for Annie to speak.

It seemed again that the only correct response was the truthful one.

‘I would love to have Maeve,’ Annie said quietly but firmly, squeezing Maeve’s hand. ‘Please consider it, Morena.’

Morena raised a single pointed eyebrow. ‘You’re sure?’

‘I’ve never been sure of anything in my life,’ Annie said. ‘But I am very, very sure of this. The coven won’t have to worry about her at all, other than to ensure she’s provided with a solid magical education. I’ll do the rest. I’ll pay for everything. We’ll move back to my house . . .’

‘No, you won’t,’ Hal said gruffly, leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded. He stepped out onto the porch and closed the door quietly behind him.

‘You’ll both stay here, with me. If you’d like to, that is. Doesn’t much feel like a home any more without you both in it, turning my life upside down. And the blasted cat, obviously,’ Hal grumbled. He sent a small side-smile in Annie’s direction and a silent nod that communicated everything she needed to hear. That he was sure. That he meant it. That he wouldn’t change his mind.

‘Well, isn’t that just marvellous,’ Morena said, before Annie had quite figured out the right words to reply. ‘I do love when things are tied up with a bow, probably a ghastly pink one in this particular circumstance,’ she said, turning to Annie. ‘I’ll draw up the paperwork once I return to Hecate House.’

Morena rose to return to the rest of the coven, stumbling from the swing as she landed her feet safely back down with an incredulous glare. Annie was fairly certain she heard her mutter the words ‘idiot’ and ‘foolish furniture’ under her breath towards Hal.