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“You saved them, Cas.” Aunt Gwen’s voice startled me. She stood in the doorway and smiled. “I’ve got something for the brothers.” She walked to us quickly and inspected each throat, agreeing with my observation that they would heal. “Take it easy the rest of the night.”
“And no more candy,” I added.
Kane was quick to agree. “Hell no.”
Karter shivered. “I’ll think twice, that’s for sure.”
Aunt Gwen removed two onyx stones from her pockets and placed one in each hand of the Bishop brothers.
“These stones have been blessed with extra protection from our ancestors. Keep them with you until this situation is resolved. Warn the rest of your coven.”
Kane grasped her hand. “Thank you, Gwen.”
Karter leaned forward and hugged her tight. “We owe your family a debt.”
“I’ll collect when we have need, not before.” She smiled and patted each guy on the cheek. “Return to your mother. Harmony is worried.”
Debts were taken seriously in our world and never dismissed. If a witch offered a debt, it must be accepted. If a witch owed a debt, it must be paid.
Kane and Karter ran from the sorority house, and I couldn’t blame them.
“Let’s return home.” Aunt Gwen offered a hug, and I accepted it, feeling her embrace tighten. “I’m glad you’re safe.”
I followed my aunt outside, telling her of the witch before she had a chance to ask. “It was the same witch. Dark, heavy, oppressive. The candy was cursed,” I divulged, “but I think only a witch of the original thirteen families was affected.”
“Were any others injured?”
“No, and plenty of people were eating that Halloween candy. Razor blades cut only Kane and Karter. I thought for a minute they might die,” I admitted.
She sighed. “They might have if you didn’t intervene. Your quick thinking helped save their lives. Well done.”
Scoffing, I shook my head. “This is becoming serious, Aunt Gwen. I don’t think this witch is going to stop. If Gypsy was here, she would have been injured too.”
Aunt Gwen slipped her arm around my shoulder. “It’s been a rough night. There’s no point in worrying about what could have been. Remember to focus on the present. Think and speak with intention. Don’t allow anything or anyone to distract you.”
These exact words have been spoken many times over the years. A reminder that nothing was guaranteed. Aunt Gwen was an excellent teacher and guardian. My magic grew in strength consistently due to her advice and tutelage. “You’re right.”
“Oh, my dear, I’m always right,” she laughed and offered a wink. “Now, how about cookies, soothing tea, and a little incense alone in your room? You need to rest.”
She was right again. I felt exhausted after casting that spell, but it was more than that. My shields were constantly up and often tested and rammed against by this rogue witch. The effort weakened my body and spirit, causing extra stress.
Passing Gabriel, who paced in the living room, I ran up the stairs and straight to my room. His brows furrowed in concern as our eyes briefly met. This wasn’t the time to chat with any of the three immortals. My constant shadows. They never went far. Damian’s presence was close, probably at the gate, but I didn’t look. Unsure where Ryder hid, I knew he watched the house. I felt it.
Their immortal auras grew in strength with each passing day. Or perhaps it was only my ability to detect them. The connection increased by the hour.So strange.Maybe Samhain had something to do with it.
Promising myself I would only take a thirty-minute nap; I fell asleep the second my head touched my pillow. Maybe it was the tea Aunt Gwen left in my room, and I drank within minutes. My eyelids grew heavy as I rested in the presence of my ancestors, protected by their love and power.
