Something Wicked

by Emma Dean

  Mika couldn’t help her snort of laughter. “It says you’re deranged and stupid.”

  Ethan tugged her forward and out of her chair. Then he scooted over and patted the spot next to him. “You’re covered in clothes. Just sit next to me. I promise I won’t kiss you. For now.”

  Her breathing hitched and Mika stared down at this guy who was willing to risk it all again just to be close to her. “Why?”

  “Because Mika, I think you’re a goddess – like Adrestia. Now, sit down and cuddle me already.”

  She slid into the bed next to him carefully, pulling up her scarf so it covered her neck, chest, and most of her face. Only the skin around her eyes and forehead was exposed. “Who is Adrestia?”

  Ethan put his arm around her shoulders and tucked her into his side, careful not to touch her face. His fingers were still laced in hers and Mika studied their hands, wondering if she would ever be able to do this without all these layers between them.

  “She is the daughter of Ares and Aphrodite,” Ethan told her, running his thumb over her shoulder in a soothing pattern. “She would go into war with Ares – ‘she who none can escape.’ The goddess of revenge and retribution – she is the equilibrium, the balance between good and evil, and so beautiful that gods and titans fought over her.”

  Mika didn’t know what to say to that. Ethan was a never-ending surprise and he was exactly the kind of guy she knew he’d be – one who would easily make her fall head over heels in love with him if she wasn’t careful.

  “Just because you have an affinity for blood magic – it doesn’t make you evil,” Ethan whispered. He spoke a single word and the bubble of silence disappeared. “You too can be a daughter of war and love.”

  “Your poetic ass is trying too hard,” she whispered back.

  Ethan laughed and kissed her hair. “I also like to live dangerously.”

  Mika squeezed his hand and sighed, the fear of him rejecting her after he found out the truth finally completely dissipated. “Thank you for this.”

  “Anytime.” Then Ethan took her hand and kissed her gloved knuckles. “Get back to your room and get some sleep. I’ll see you around.”

  She slid off the bed and wrapped her coat tighter around herself. Mika gave Ethan a nod and then turned to leave.

  These friends of hers were dangerous. They gave her hope.

  14

  Friday was the best day of the week. It was the beginning of a three day weekend and Mika didn’t care that it was every week.

  After everything that had happened…it was easily one of the worst and best first weeks she could remember.

  Nearly managed to kill a guy she was attracted to – so Mika.

  Then shoved her foot in her mouth at least a dozen times.

  Nearly killed her dorm mate and new friend with the only magic she was capable of doing – par for the course, Mika.

  And then met the infamous Eisheth who seemed to have a newfound interest in her. As flattering as some might consider that, Mika wasn’t thrilled.

  Demons were a pain in the ass.

  She cracked an eye open and surveyed her room to make sure her thoughts hadn’t conjured him. Mika wouldn’t put it past the demon to be silently watching her sleep with his hip leaning against her desk, hands in his pockets.

  But she was alone in the room, thank the Fates.

  Audrey’s bed was empty and made. Mika checked her watch and groaned. It was nearly eleven in the morning and she had way too much to do for the few hours left of daylight.

  Friday was the only day of the week she didn’t have to attend a class. It was the day she’d dedicated to finishing all her homework so she could actually enjoy the weekend. Mika had to finish her own homework and then tutor Audrey.

  It was definitely going to be a long day.

  And to top it all off Audrey was still holding her to that deal they’d made. Apparently most of the student body had been invited to the hunters’ ‘First Week Back’ party and it was legendary. They did it every year, or so she heard.

  Even Claire had told her she should go, telling her how awesome the last one she’d attended had been.

  Mika had finally made time to call home. Claire was stressed and the strain was starting to wear on her, Mika could tell by the tightness in her sister’s voice. But there wasn’t much she could do to help.

  Her grandmother was still alive; thank the Fates, Artemis, Hecate…whoever was listening. But her condition hadn’t changed. Mika just tried to take comfort from the fact that her grandmother hadn’t worsened since she left. She’d been worried the extra absence would be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

  But Mika doubted her grandmother had even realized she’d left – that’s how out of it she was.

  “Breakfast! Eat up! We have a lot of work to do today and you need the energy.”

  Mika peered over her quilt at her roommate. The blanket was pulled all the way up to her eyes. “I don’t see any food.”

  “It’s in the kitchen dummy. I’ve been slaving away to thank you for training me and tutoring me.”

  Audrey was a morning person. It was terrible.

  “How long have you been awake?” Mika pulled the blanket over her head and snuggled deeper into the covers. It was snowing again outside and while it was beautiful, it was also cold. These old buildings could be drafty even with the warming spells and the fireplaces.

  “Only a few hours. I went for a run, made a smoothie, checked on you, and then started cooking. Ready to get through some of these books Eish—that demon suggested?”

  “You better pray he doesn’t come to check in on us,” Mika grumbled, throwing the covers off.

  Audrey shrugged and inspected her nails. How she looked so cute in those oversized sweaters was beyond Mika. “We have bigger problems. We need to find a way to temporarily bind your magic. Wearing as many layers as you do looks suspicious. Gloves inside? Not subtle.”

  She wasn’t wrong, but Mika still glared. “I’d rather not add to my body count.”

  “Then hurry up and get dressed so we can figure this shit out. I made eggs and crepes.” Audrey slipped her hands in her pockets and gave Mika a wink. “And coffee is ready too, grumpy.”

  Mika threw a pillow but Audrey ducked out of the room with a laugh.

  Grabbing her shower kit she made her way down the hall to the super fancy bathrooms she shared with her floor. A quick shower and she almost felt alive. Coffee should help her find the will to function.

  Walking back to her room in nothing but a towel she glared at any guy who had the guts to look her up and down, smiling at her black bunny slippers.

  Damn co-ed dorms.

  She practically slammed the door closed behind her and went straight to her armoire. She should have brought her clothes with her, but if anyone touched her while she was wearing nothing but a towel, they would deserve what they got.

  Slipping on her black, silk gloves first made her feel a little better. Mika hurried and jumped into a pair of her favorite black jeans and stuffed her feet into black sheepskin boots. The grey sweater she grabbed was one of her favorites and super warm.

  Hesitating, Mika decided she’d rather be safe than sorry and grabbed a blanket scarf. She wrapped it around her neck and the lower half of her face. Almost every inch of skin was covered and the slight anxiety prickling under her skin eased.

  Mika took the staircase down to the bottom floor, eyeing the weather through the glass walls. Going to a party tonight really didn’t sound like a good idea.

  “In here!” Audrey called from their massive kitchen.

  Sure they had to share it with about fifty other students, but it was so big and so many people had different schedules it didn’t even matter. The black cupboards and stainless steel set off the cutting board counters.

  Mika grabbed a stool and sat at the center island where Audrey had all the food set up.

  “Let me guess, you take your coffee black just like your soul?” Audrey asked, p
ouring her a cup.

  “Bold of you to assume I have a soul,” Mika smirked, scooping eggs and crepes onto her plate.

  Audrey set down the French press and stared at her. “Mika Marshall, did you just make a joke?”

  “It’s a strong possibility.” Mika grabbed the bowl of sugar cubes – someone had bought black sugar cubes, how gauche – and tossed two into her cup. “I take two sugars and cream in my coffee.”

  Her dorm mate laughed and pushed the cream toward her before sitting down at her own plate. “I covered the books from the library with enchanted covers,” Audrey murmured. “Unless someone feels like borrowing a book on penis magic or Suzie’s Guide to Baking Love and Hate then they should leave them alone.”

  Mika almost spit out her coffee. “Penis magic?”

  Audrey smiled over her, ironically, black coffee. “I don’t know if it’s a thing, but hopefully it sounds just as repulsive to everyone else.”

  A few girls came into the kitchen chatting about whatever classes they had together, peered into the refrigerator, and then asked if there was more coffee. One of the dudes living in Oleander House came up behind the witches and scared them, making one spill coffee everywhere.

  A pretty redhead laughed and said a few words, cleaning up the mess.

  Mika felt strange watching them. She was an outsider to this normal existence and she knew without ever having to try that she would never fit in with them. They didn’t have a care in the world other than homework and Fates knew what other mundane shit.

  “Hey, did you know I’m the only human-born witch in this house?” Audrey whispered, following Mika’s line of sight.

  She shook her head and scooped strawberries from the greenhouse onto her crepes and then whipped cream. “There aren’t many, but I doubt you’re the only one in our freshman class.”

  “I’m not, but that doesn’t make things easier.” Audrey looked away from the group that was now studying them as well and took a bite of her eggs.

  The guy was giving Mika strange looks for the scarf she’d pulled down, but was still bunched up under her chin, draping over her neck and shoulders. He nudged the redhead and they laughed like Mika was somehow hilarious.

  She would care more if she didn’t know how easy it would be to make their lives a living hell.

  Mika took another sip of coffee and then scooped up a bite of strawberries and crepe.

  “I was wondering,” one of the girls said, coming over to lean on the island next to them. “How did you end up in Oleander House, Audrey? Usually it’s reserved for the older clans.”

  The girl was gorgeous, with dark brown hair and green eyes. Mika thought her dark preppy look was cute and she definitely wanted to know where the other witch had gotten that skirt, but her bitch radar was going off.

  “I was placed here by the dean,” Audrey said stiffly, setting down her fork.

  The girl then looked at Mika and gave her a shitty grin. “So, it’s not because your girlfriend is a Marshall? I mean, that’s cool if it is. But don’t lie to us.”

  Mika raised an eyebrow at this girl that reminded her of every rich bitch cliché that ever existed. “I didn’t know Audrey before arriving at Morgana.”

  “It speaks!” the girl yelled, the sound forcing the others in the group to turn and look at them.

  Her grip tightened on her cup, but Mika didn’t look away or back down.

  “I honestly thought you were mute,” a redhead said, looking Mika up and down. “It really wouldn’t have been surprising considering what happened to your coven.”

  Her hands were tingling and Mika carefully released her cup. She didn’t need it exploding.

  “Look, maybe you should mind your own business,” Audrey snapped, crossing her arms over her chest. “We have five years to get through. You don’t need to make it feel any longer than it already is.”

  “You’re a mistake,” the girl said, turning on Audrey. “You’re nothing more than an accident of birth and you don’t belong here.”

  Mika felt that coldness fill her veins – it was familiar and soothing. She picked up her coffee cup again with both hands and took a sip. “I suggest you find some other project than torturing Audrey.”

  “Oh?” She placed her hand on her hip and cocked it, raising her eyebrow at Mika while the others behind her watched on. “And what are you going to do if I don’t?”

  All Mika had to do was look at her.

  The snotty bitch flew across the kitchen into her boy toy. A simple motion spell she’d compressed down until just thinking the words focused her power. Battle magic didn’t require touching anyone.

  “You bitch! How dare you!” The girl was struggling to get up, but Mika ignored her.

  She took another sip of coffee and smiled. “If you don’t stop, you’re going to become my project.”

  The girl spluttered.

  “Come on,” the redhead said. “Let’s go Crystal.”

  Of course her name was Crystal.

  Mika watched them go, knowing this wouldn’t be the last time.

  But damn it felt good to remind them they weren’t the only ones who could push people around.

  Audrey took a bite of her eggs and studied Mika. They chewed in silence together and with the snow falling, the books to be read…Mika felt like maybe today was going to be a good day.

  “You gotta teach me how you compress these spells down like that,” Audrey finally said, sipping her coffee. “And remind me never to fuck with you.”

  “There’s always one in every class,” Mika told her. “And you belong here just as much as she does.”

  “You sure you don’t want to be my girlfriend?”

  Mika gave Audrey a half-smile. “I’m sure there’s someone a lot less fucked up for you out there.”

  The other witch chuckled. “Aw, you know that would just be boring.”

  She supposed it probably would be. “Let’s find something in those books that makes me look like less of a psycho.”

  Audrey got up and carefully picked up the edge of Mika’s scarf to wrap it around the lower half of her face.

  Mika glared. “I wasn’t done eating.”

  “Let’s go weirdo, I might have found something while you were snoozing.”

  15

  “This spell seems…” Mika looked over the ingredients again and then the instructions – it was one of the few blood books in Latin.

  “Gross?” Audrey asked, squinting to read the smudged incantation.

  “Too easy.” There wasn’t a whole lot to it and Mika felt like it couldn’t possibly work.

  “Well, the only way to know for sure is to test it out.” Audrey pulled a silver ingot out of her bag and set it on the table.

  They were in one of the smaller common areas on the main floor – a study space with a stone table under glass walls like the conservatory. Mika loved it. They would have to redo their house in San Francisco to add some of these sun rooms.

  “The silver has been blessed by a priestess – or so the package said in the campus store,” Audrey told her.

  Mika picked up the ingot and instantly recognized the smell of sage. “Says here in the spell it needs to be melted down from something precious. I don’t think this is going to work.”

  And knowing how magic liked to exact a price, Mika reached into her bag.

  “That’s not silver,” Audrey said. “It’s black.”

  “It’s made of silver,” Mika promised. “And precious to me.”

  The other witch picked up the pen and read the transcription. “‘To those who tried to burn us—shine bright – Dad.’” Audrey looked up with a frown. “I thought you hated him.”

  Mika took the pen back and set it into a stone bowl. “I do. And I keep this to remind me that evil hides in unlikely places. His words have made me strong – they’ve kept me going. But who I thought gave this to me – was not my actual father. I don’t ever want to forget that.”

  They both stared at the pen in t
he bowl.

  “Are you sure?” Audrey asked.

  “Burn it down.” Mika knew the price would be satisfactory. “I’m not fucking around with a blood spell.”

  Audrey waved her hand over the pen and muttered a few words. Instantly the pen grew white hot and then melted into a silvery puddle. “Well, if this works it seems fitting that we used your pen to do it.”

  “It seems similar to the spell the hunters use to temporarily bind a witch’s power,” Mika mused, flipping the page to see the illustration. “They spell cuffs and zip ties – that kind of thing.”

  “That’s what I noticed too,” Audrey said, pushing the bowl of melted down silver toward Mika. “But this is a lot simpler.”

  “Witch blood has a lot of power,” Mika murmured. She took a pinch of snakeroot and added it to the silver to cleanse it. She muttered a quick prayer and then took the blade she’d been given at birth out of its case.

  “Maybe we should go outside,” Audrey whispered when Mika hesitated.

  “It’s fine,” she hissed back. “Let’s just get this over with.”

  Mika gritted her teeth and sliced her wrist carefully. There was no need to cut the tendons and one inch should do it. She murmured the incantation in Latin as she moved her hand over the bowl, letting her blood pour over the silver. “With this, I bind you.”

  After a lifetime of being told dark magics were evil and taboo – that only witches with questionable morals used the darker magics – Mika felt that strange twinge of guilt and fear deep down as the blood and the silver started to bubble together.

  She pressed her hand over the cut and watched with wide eyes as the blood was absorbed. The burst of smoke when the blood had first touched the liquid silver hadn’t smelled unpleasant. Mika had been sure everything would smell like rot and death.

  But it was just another spell – this one just happened to call for a witch’s blood. And it didn’t even ask for that much of it.

  So, why did everyone freak out about blood magic?