The Witch Born to Burn

by Tanya Milne

  ‘Where will he go?’

  ‘I don’t know,’ he said.

  ‘Are they going to…kill him?’ I whispered, my words getting picked up by the wind and blown away.

  ‘As if,’ said Ezra. ‘All I know is that you shouldn’t get mixed up in it. Since Max has been implicated, Dad thinks you’re the sunshine again. You’ve got nothing to worry about.’

  ‘How can we not get mixed up in it? After what happened to my brother?’

  ‘My dad wouldn’t actually kill someone.’

  I thought back to my brother, after a night of being tortured, and how close he came to dying. ‘We can’t assume anything. We need to help him escape.’

  ‘Where to, Eva, because last time I checked, there’s nowhere to go.’

  ‘I don’t have a full plan yet, but we need to try something,’ I said, the wind whipping my face.

  ‘Please, promise me you won’t,’ he said. ‘For you, for your family, for us.’

  ‘That’s a promise I can’t make,’ I said, suddenly cold to the bone.

  ‘It’s always Jet getting in between us.’

  ‘Take me home,’ I said, wrapping my arms around myself and slowly making my way along the pier alone, the wind lashing me from every direction.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  I stared at my breakfast, unable to bring myself to pick up my toast.

  ‘Come on, darling,’ said Mum. ‘Need to try and eat something.’

  I pushed my toast around on my plate, thinking only about the hours ahead – when Jet’s fate rested in our hands.

  Mum let out a long sigh, and as she took her plate to the sink where Dad was washing up, Elijah rushed through the door, breathless.

  I stood, annoyed that my strength was still coming back. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘They’re setting up down in the square for his trial…and execution.’

  My vision went white and Elijah’s strong hands gripped my arms and guided me back into my chair.

  ‘What did you see?’ asked Mum, sitting down next to me.

  As my vision came back, I saw my brother’s lips were trembling. ‘They’re building a platform to hang him.’

  Bile rose in my throat, and I dry retched as my worst fears were realised.

  ‘Orpheus is a monster,’ said Mum.

  ‘The world needs to know what he’s doing,’ said Dad.

  ‘How can we tell anyone when he’s turned off our internet, limits our calls, controls the post and makes sure we can’t leave?’ said Elijah.

  ‘What about if we go by boat?’ said Dad.

  ‘He’s set up a coastguard further down the coast to monitor the boats. Anyone caught leaving will be arrested…and apparently hung,’ said Elijah.

  ‘He’s been planning for this day,’ said Dad, collapsing into a chair.

  ‘We’re living inside a nightmare,’ said Elijah.

  ‘We can’t let this happen,’ I said. ‘We must get Jet into hiding.’

  Everyone nodded, the reality of what lay at stake if something went wrong – for Jet, but also for us – sinking in.

  ‘We can’t fail,’ said Mum, looking at us in turn, transforming from being a mum into being a powerful witch. ‘Let’s run through our plan again, and Eva, if you don’t eat that toast, you’re staying at home.’

  I picked up a piece of toast that looked like cardboard and took a bite, made myself chew and swallow. Mum’s hawk eyes never left me as I ate my first meal since Ezra and I argued at the pier yesterday.

  Then, in whispered tones, we got down to business and mapped out the details of the plan to save the boy who’d been condemned to death.

  At ten o’clock, Dad and Elijah drove into the driveway. I resisted the urge to run to the window, but couldn’t stop myself pacing the floor.

  Mum, who’d been in the kitchen, rushed to the door and let them in. The moment she closed the door, she asked, ‘How did it go?’

  Elijah carried the fishing gear into the laundry.

  ‘It went to plan,’ said Dad, taking off his fishing jacket. ‘The dinghy is ready and full of supplies.’

  ‘Oh, thank goodness,’ said Mum, hugging Dad in a way that was, quite frankly, embarrassing.

  ‘It’s okay, love,’ said Dad, kissing the top of her head.

  As I let out a breath I hadn’t even known I was holding, my phone buzzed. I fished it from my pocket and there was yet another message from Ezra.

  I readied myself for his pleas not to help Jet and to let Ezra come over and talk, but this one made me gasp.

  Eva, I just heard what’s planned for today. I want to help. Please call me. X

  ‘What is it?’ said Mum.

  ‘Ezra knows. He wants to help,’ I said.

  ‘What do you think?’ said Mum, looking to Dad.

  ‘Like Eva, Ezra can’t be seen as missing today. Once we have Jet, maybe Ezra can be Eva’s alibi while she takes Ezra to his hideout.’

  ‘No offence, but Eva’s still not strong enough to take him,’ said Elijah, who’d come to stand by my side. ‘She can barely walk.’

  ‘I’m standing next to you and I can walk just fine. I’ll take him,’ I said.

  ‘I don’t think that’s a good idea,’ said Elijah.

  ‘No one else has an alibi,’ I said, the truth of my words silencing him. ‘Ezra can take me into the woods to meet Jet, and drive me home afterwards.’

  ‘I’m sure he’s going to love that, waiting for you while you whisk a guy that’s hot for you away.’

  My cheeks flushed, and I made myself take a deep breath before I spoke. ‘He’s not hot for me and anyhow, got any better ideas?’

  ‘Right, then,’ said Dad, clearing his throat. ‘We ready?’

  Am I ready?

  No.

  Will I ever be ready?

  No.

  ‘Let’s do this,’ I said, a small flame igniting inside me.

  ‘If you get caught, you’re to blame me,’ said Mum.

  ‘What? No way,’ said Elijah and I at the same time.

  ‘They might let you off if you say I bewitched you,’ said Mum.

  ‘Sorry, Mum, but come what may, we’re in this together,’ I said.

  ‘No, love,’ said Dad, taking Mum’s hand. ‘They need to blame me. I won’t let anything happen to any of you.’

  ‘Not a chance. I’m blaming Eva,’ said Elijah, nudging my arm.

  ‘Well, that’s funny, ’cause I’m blaming you,’ I said, nudging him back, making him laugh.

  ‘I’m serious,’ said Dad, removing the smiles from our faces. ‘Promise me – all of you – that you’ll blame me.’

  Tears filled Mum’s eyes as she gazed at Dad. ‘Oh, Christian.’

  ‘It’s going to be okay, Angie. But just in case.’

  Dad gazed at Elijah and me, beholding our souls. In that moment, I remembered my dad when I was a little girl – he’d chased me, let me ride on his back like a horse, picked me up when I fell to the ground, zoomed me through the air so I knew what it felt like to fly.

  ‘Please let me,’ he said.

  Tears flooded my eyes and I walked into Dad’s open arms.

  ‘It’s going to be okay,’ he said, hugging me tight. ‘I mean, between the two of you, we’re in good hands.’

  I pulled back, wiped my face and gazed at my hands, which had been empty of fire since I’d nearly drowned. ‘I hope they work.’

  ‘They’d better,’ said Elijah, his laughter bringing me back on an even keel. ‘Or we’re all stuffed.’

  ‘I suppose we’d better get a move on,’ said Mum.

  We nodded, but no one moved an inch.

  ‘Come on, what are we waiting for?’ said Elijah. ‘We’re a coven of witches, for crying out loud.’

  I grabbed hold of Elijah’s arm. ‘We’ve got this.’

  ‘Let’s go kick some mortal butt,’ said Mum, making us giggle.

  Within minutes, we were bundled into the car. I texted Ezra and accepted his offer of help, and we a
rranged where we’d meet.

  No one spoke as we drove towards the police station on the outskirts of town. I scanned the empty streets. Most people would already be down at the town square, waiting for Jet – the witch – to arrive. This was one of the riskiest parts of our plan. If we were spotted, questions would be asked.

  When we reached a completely deserted industrial street that the police had to drive through to get to the town square, Dad pulled into a side street and parked around the corner on an old road.

  We jumped out of the car and glanced around, but not a soul was to be seen. Quickly and quietly we walked back down the street, then hid behind an abandoned car. We strained our ears for signs of life before Elijah climbed out and checked the coast was clear.

  ‘No one here,’ he whispered.

  And then we waited, listening for the sound of the police van that would transport Jet from the station. We huddled together against the cold winds that blew in from the bay. My legs were going numb when we heard the unmistakable sound of an engine.

  ‘You’re on,’ said Elijah.

  I jumped up and made my way to the edge of the street on shaky legs, then glanced in every direction, scanning for signs of life. I gazed at my hands, trying my hardest to make fire from them, but they remained cold and lifeless.

  ‘Come on,’ I said, louder than I wanted, startling a pigeon that flew up into the air.

  The sound of the car grew louder as it rambled down the street, but still my hands wouldn’t even warm, let alone create fire.

  ‘You’ve got this,’ whispered Elijah. ‘Do it for Jet.’

  The car rumbled past me slowly and that’s when I saw it – Max’s profile in the passenger seat. The real monster had been released, while an innocent witch was being carted to his death.

  A bolt of heat entered my body and I walked into the street, held up my hands and released a bolt of fire onto the car’s wheels. Elijah grabbed me the moment I was done and pulled me back into hiding while the car slid out of control, then stopped as it hit a pole.

  While Max’s cursing echoed up and down the street, Dad whispered, ‘Now.’

  Mum hastily stepped into the street. As the three officers stumbled from the car, she said, ‘IMMOBILISE!’ three times, sending a green bolt of magic over each police officer, making them all freeze.

  Mum slid back behind the cover of the car and we waited, counting to ten, but there were no footsteps, no cars, nothing.

  Dad stood. ‘Wait here.’

  He ran down the street, his footsteps echoing in time with my thudding heartbeat. We stayed still and waited.

  My vision went white again, and Elijah put his arm around me. ‘Stay with me, sis.’

  Just when I thought my heart would give out, I heard Jet’s unmistakable voice.

  I let out a long breath and then he was standing before me, staring, open mouthed, at me and my family.

  ‘Come on,’ I said, grabbing Jet’s arm and pulling him along the old cobbled road and around the corner, where I scanned the deserted road.

  ‘What’s going on?’ he asked, his voice shaky.

  I took my first good look at him. He had two black eyes and he wore only a black T-shirt and jeans. Max had gotten to him. Dad quickly retrieved a thick puffer jacket from the car and passed it to Jet.

  ‘Hurry up and put it on,’ I said, trying to keep my voice steady. As he slid the jacket on, his gaze darting like a startled deer’s.

  ‘Look at me,’ I said, putting my hand on his arm, sending some warmth into his body.

  He gazed down at me, his dark eyes piercing.

  ‘Jet, listen closely. You need to go into hiding now. We’ve arranged it all. You need to go straight into the woods to Bluff Point, about two kilometres north of Orpheus’s house. I’ll meet you there at two o’clock.’

  Jet’s skin was the colour of chalk when Elijah passed him a backpack.

  I continued talking. ‘Inside, you’ll find everything you need for now, including a watch, food, more clothes and water. Do you think you can manage?’

  Jet nodded. ‘They’ll find me.’

  ‘Not where I’m taking you,’ I said.

  ‘What? Where?’

  ‘We’ve found a deserted little cove further down the coast, before the coastguard. I’ll take you by dingy.’

  Jet’s eyebrows pulled together and he ran his fingers over his stubbly chin. ‘My gran,’ he said, his voice cracking.

  ‘We’ll let her know you’re okay as soon as we can,’ said Mum. ‘We’ll keep an eye on her, too.’

  ‘Really? But why are you doing this…for me?’ Jet said, his eyes filling with tears.

  ‘You would have done the same for us, son,’ said Dad, patting Jet on the back. ‘But for now, we need to make a move. The spell will only last about another ten minutes.’ Dad checked his watch. ‘That gives you enough time to be well on your way. Will you be okay?’

  Jet nodded and looked at us all in turn. ‘I don’t know how to thank you.’

  ‘Take care, son,’ said Dad. ‘And remember, be there by two.’

  ‘Got it,’ said Jet, taking one last look at me before running across the open space of the industrial area, towards the woods.

  ‘Come on,’ said Mum, and within seconds we were back in the car and driving towards town. Before long, we pulled into a car park down near the bay. Everyone was streaming towards the town centre, outside the town hall, where a stage and a large structure had been set up next to it – ready with a hanging noose.

  I felt as if I was going to be sick, and I jumped from the car, sucking in the cool winds from the bay.

  Elijah came to stand next to me. ‘It’s going to be okay, sis. He’s safe.’

  ‘This town, these people…they want this.’

  Elijah raised his head, staring past everyone and out to the bay beyond.

  ‘Most people are like you and me,’ he said. ‘Just here because they have to be. But some people want to watch Jet hang. It makes me sickened to the core,’ he continued, his voice just above a whisper. ‘Life is strange, no doubt about it. But at the end of the day, every one of us has a choice about who we are. All Orpheus is doing is shining a light onto our souls, making people decide.’

  I gazed up at my brother, who’d grown into a man seemingly overnight.

  ‘I’m so lucky to have you as my brother.’

  ‘Yes, you are,’ said Elijah, nudging me, his face breaking into a smile as Anna started up the rise towards us. I stared beyond her to Noah, who was watching us from the edge of the crowd, a sneer on his face. I held onto my groan, knowing that one day soon I would have to try and put things right between us.

  ‘She knows,’ he whispered so that only I would hear.

  ‘Knows what?’ I asked.

  ‘She knows our secret…that we’re witches. I told her.’

  My vision disappeared for a moment.

  ‘I trust her…with my life,’ he said. ‘Like you trust Ezra…and Jet apparently.’

  My legs buckled and Elijah put his arm around me, steadied me. ‘You going to be okay?’

  Was I? Could I get through this day?

  I nodded, but a quick glance at Elijah showed me I hadn’t convinced him. He was about to speak, but then Anna arrived, and he quickly wrapped her in his great big arms.

  ‘Hey, Eva. You okay?’ she asked, standing back and looking me over.

  ‘Still recovering,’ I said, trying to hide the wobble in my voice.

  ‘Maybe a certain someone can help with that,’ she said, glancing down the rise to where Ezra was approaching us.

  I tried to smile, but I was pretty sure it came out as a grimace. We hadn’t spoken a word since our argument that had us in a stalemate. I turned to Ezra, who looked to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, and my heart contracted. He glanced up and his emerald eyes found mine.

  I nodded, and he pulled the side of his mouth into a smile so that two dimples appeared on either side of his face. He might n
ot want me mixed up with Jet, but when I’d needed him, he’d come through for me.

  I walked forward and met him where we would be out of earshot. He didn’t bend down to kiss me like he usually did, and I didn’t take his hand.

  ‘Is everything okay?’ he asked.

  ‘He got away,’ I whispered. ‘I’ll tell you more later.’

  ‘Thank goodness,’ he said, dropping his head back and sighing. ‘I’ve been worried sick. As soon as I heard what Dad planned…’

  ‘It’s okay. He’s okay.’

  Ezra turned to watch his dad, who was seated in the centre of the stage. Clearly the news of Jet’s escape hadn’t reached him.

  ‘He’s a monster,’ he said, his face unrecognisable.

  I placed my hand on Ezra’s arm and pushed some heat into him. He turned back to me. ‘I’m sorry, for everything. I should never have tried to…control you…and stop you helping someone who needed our help. Can you forgive me?’

  I took a good look at Ezra. His eyes looked bruised with tiredness, he hadn’t shaved for days and his sun-bleached hair was longer.

  ‘I can’t live without you,’ he said. ‘Please don’t break up with me.’

  I was about to answer him when commotion broke out down below. Orpheus stood and shouted at the person in front of him. His arms flew to his sides and it was hard to make out his every word, but it was impossible not to hear him curse and the words, find him NOW!

  Every hair on my body stood on end. My parents, who’d been sitting in the car before we had to make our appearance, jumped out onto the pavement.

  ‘Come on,’ they said. ‘We’d better go down.’

  I took Ezra’s cold hand and we all made our way down to the crowd, which was abuzz with gossip.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Mum asked one of our neighbours.

  ‘Jet’s escaped,’ she said, her eyes alive. ‘They say it was an act of witchcraft.’

  ‘What?’ said Mum, her mouth dropping open. She turned to us and told us what she’d heard, and we acted as surprised as we should be.

  Orpheus’s booming voice silenced everyone, and we all turned towards him. He stood in front of the microphone, a wounded bull.