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I choke on air. “Aurora!”
“Then you do remember me? Great.”
“I have a leadership position in this coven,” I say slowly. “I need to be professional regardless of our past, especially if you’re a new member.”
“Yeah? Well, I am a new member. So, is this the professionalism I can expect from you?”
“If you’re really a new member of our coven, then merry meeting.” I duck my head so we’re eye to eye. Bad move. Even though she isn’t pouting, her expression begs without trying, and I can’t shake the urge to drop to my knees and give her whatever she desires. My next inhale is ragged. Back to business. “I look forward to seeing you at these gatherings, and I mean that in the most professional way possible. It will be good to have another star witch on board. Not sure if Rowan Hawthorne is here today, but I have a feeling you’ll get along with her.”
Rowan is the only star witch I know of in Starbrook. When we went back to Aurora’s apartment, she told me all about her magic. And, of course, I kept mine hidden. My gifts shouldn’t interest anyone. It’s rare for me to use my magic as much as I do mundane, everyday spells. The sort any witch can cast.
“You don’t get to butter me up now,” she says, lifting her shoulders like a bird puffing up its chest. “I’m already mad.”
“Sorry.” I press my lips together. She must not realize how funny she looks when she’s mad. “I wasn’t trying to upset you.”
“Too late. You know, I remember you being much more charming when we met. I guess three years change someone.”
She never knew me—that’s why she found me charming, attractive, or whatever she thought of me back then. It’s the only reason we were able to have a night together, and now that’s been ruined by Starbrook. The town has a way of doing that to people. Sucking the life from them.
I often wish I’d never returned after college. Like now. Other times, I know I belong here—with my coven and my family—even when it’s hard.
I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. “Why don’t you go back to the gathering? I’m sure there are plenty of other people dying to meet you.”
Aside from Rowan, my siblings come to mind. Farrah in particular. They would get along, I think. And the more space I get from her, the better. It’s becoming clear that our night together was a fluke. She’s explosive, the sort of person I can hardly stand to be around, much less have more with.
It was never meant to be more. The last thing I would want is to hurt her, and that seems to be what happens when I get involved.
Pain.
Death.
Or at the very least, a lot of embarrassment. Usually on my part.
The door swings open, and Jewel enters, as poised as ever, with a soft smile on her lips. “Ah. I’m so glad you two are meeting. I’d hoped you would.”
My brow furrows. “Did you?”
I guess it makes sense. Future coven leader and all. I should know the witches in my coven, even if I’d rather avoid this one.
“Indeed.” Jewel rounds on Aurora, fixing her with a majestic gaze. “I’ve spoken with your mother, and she told me you lost your mentor.”
Aurora flinches—the shift is subtle, but I make note of it, my attention shifting between the two witches. “Yes,” she whispers. “It was years ago. Three years.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Jewel rests her hand on Aurora’s shoulder.
Should I be here for whatever this is?
Jewel continues. “I don’t offer mentorships frequently, but considering your father’s ties to the coven, I was hoping you would consider me.”
“Um…” Aurora’s lips pop open. “Me? Really?”
“Yes. I’ve spoken to your last coven, and they only had good things to say about your gifts.”
My blood runs cold.
Jewel only mentors if she’s hoping the witch can be a potential leader of the coven one day. She’s a busy woman, and as much as the others in town would probably like it, she couldn’t possibly take everyone on board. In all my years of knowing her, I’ve only known her to mentor one witch.
Me.
