Dangerous Magic

by Evie Hart

  “What’s your plan?” Aunt Shelly asked. “I know you’re going to prove this theory, as much as I worry about you doing this.”

  “I know. But Betty Lou asked me, and I’m too invested to stop now.” I shrugged. “I was thinking I’d go over to the elves and druids and get their take on it all, then go to the wolves. My gut tells me the boundary line is the reason behind all of this.”

  Aunt Rose got up and pointed at me. “You watch those wolves. You know how they can get with their tempers.”

  “I know. I planned on saying I’m trying to get caught up on local news since I just got back. I figure it’s as good a reason as any. And if that fails, either flirt or run.”

  “Flirt or run? Is that your new take on fight or flight?” Angus snarked, jumping onto the chair next to me.

  I batted him off the chair.

  “I’m coming,” Snow demanded. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

  Wearily, I looked at her. “Really? You want to go into werewolf pack territory?”

  She shuddered. “No, but I do like the elves. And the druids are pretty. Let’s go there.”

  I scratched under her chin. “Let me shower, then we’ll go.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  AFTER STOPPING AT Ana-May’s to get a coffee for me and Nicole, I stopped in at Paws to give her hers, then grabbed my broom and imbued it with the magic needed to make it fly.

  I hadn’t ridden the broom in forever, but I had no desire to go trudging through the forest today. The elves and druids lived so far into it that even if I drove to the edge of the forest, it’d take a good hour on foot. I also couldn’t express how much I didn’t want to listen to Snow complaining anymore today.

  I mounted the broom with Snow behind me. She vibrated with delight. She’d always loved flying—I was pretty meh on it myself—and I knew this was the real reason she’d agreed to come.

  “Ready?”

  She meowed. “Let’s go! Let’s go!”

  I kicked off the ground and into the air. I wobbled as I went higher, but I quickly steadied the broom and reached the altitude I needed to get across Haven Lake quick enough.

  The hot sun beat down on me, and since it was coming into summer, there wasn’t even a gentle breeze to cool me down. Still, I sucked it up as the view below changed from adorable old-style buildings to green grass and then, finally, the forest.

  Sunlight glanced off the lake, and I cast a quick spell to stop it from glaring into my eyes and putting me off. Within seconds, the only view below us was of lush greenery as we got deeper and deeper into the forest.

  Minutes later, the trees parted into an opening, and I began our descent to the ground. It didn’t take long, and while Snow pouted as she jumped off, I was much happier with my feet on the ground, thank you very much.

  I didn’t go so far as to kiss it. Although I might have done if we weren’t being approached by a very handsome elf.

  He was tall and willowy, well over six-foot tall, and his golden blond hair hung to his shoulders in loose waves. The pointed tips of his ears just peeked out from his beautiful hair.

  His eyes were the most striking thing about him. A beautiful, vibrant green that made the magical forest look dull in comparison.

  It was those eyes that swept over me twice, from head to toe, before he curled his lips and bowed his head to me. “Greetings, witch. What brings you here?”

  “Hi.” I waved awkwardly. “My name is Avery Thorn—”

  “I know your name.”

  “Then why didn’t you use it?”

  “I prefer the less personal ‘witch.’”

  “Well, aren’t you a little ray of sunshine? Elf,” I tacked on to the end for good measure.

  “Orion.” He bowed his head again. “What brings you to the forest?”

  I hesitated, glancing at Snow who was busy licking her paws. “I have some questions about the boundary issues between the elves and the shifters.”

  “Mm. That is becoming a problem. As the leader’s son, I think I can help you. Shall we walk?”

  Walk around an unfamiliar part of the forest with an elf I’d just met? Sure. That didn’t sound perilous at all.

  “Sure. Snow, are you coming?”

  My familiar paused her cleaning for all of two seconds. “In the mud? No, thank you. I’ll wait for you here.”

  “I thought you liked elves.” I raised an eyebrow.

  “I do. But I like being clean more. Besides, I figure someone here will feel sorry for me and feed me soon enough.”

  “You can’t expect everyone to feed you.”

  “Oh, I can, and I do.”

  Orion’s lips twitched. “If she’s asking if anyone will feed her, I’m sure the children will be delighted to have a new friend as soon as they see her. If she wants attention, I’d suggest heading toward the large oak.” He winked at her.

  “I like this guy,” Snow said, stretching her butt up into the air. “Can we take him home?”

  I wasn’t going to dignify that with an answer.

  “Sorry. She hates getting dirty and likes getting fed.” I fell into step beside him. “What can you tell me about the issues?”

  He raised his eyebrows, peering over at me. “That’s a broad question, witch.”

  I hated how he called me witch. I glared at him before answering. “I know. I figure I’ll work out what questions to ask when you’re done insulting me.”

  He chuckled, a deep, earthy sound that made me annoyed. Because I liked it. Ugh, was I really attracted to this guy? Or was I just jealous of his cheekbones?

  “Fair enough.” He put his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “It started with the druids. Over the past few years, they’ve had a large number move into Haven Lake. Mostly family members of those who have married into the Order, but a few strangers have joined them in passing.

  “They’ve started to need more land. My father said if we could give them some, we would, but we share this part of the forest. Our sacred spaces aren’t so different, and we adapt them with the magic we have for what we need. The only times it becomes an issue is on the solstices and Samhain, where we all need to worship.”

  “What issue?”

  “There are more elves than druids. We’ve had a longstanding agreement that we take the bigger sacred spaces on those occasions, but they’re not far away from our numbers now, and it’s getting problematic.” He clicked his tongue. “I digress. The elves have been dragged in by proxy of us having dual ownership over this territory. My father doesn’t have an issue with extending the boundary of the shifters to a shared territory, as long as they agree to stay away from our houses and our sacred spaces. He believes we can all co-exist.”

  “Do you?”

  “Of course. I don’t see a problem in allowing them more space to run on their monthly pack meets. It’s not like they’re going to urinate on my mother’s flowerbeds every Monday morning, is it?”

  I bit back a laugh and a smile. “I suppose not. I assume the druids aren’t in favor?”

  Orion shook his head and sighed. “No. They think the shifters have too much land and want some for themselves. They think the shifters should stop reproducing if they’re running out of space,” he said dryly. “If they could, they would.”

  That was true. The females were highly fertile, and I had no doubt carrying multiple children took a toll on their bodies.

  And their sanity.

  “So there’s more than just the boundary issue?”

  “I suppose you could say that.” He glanced at me again. “It’s a war of words. The druids believe the shifters—especially the wolves—should stop having children, and the wolves believe the druids don’t need any more ‘stupid stones.’”

  I bit the inside of my cheek so I didn’t laugh.

  “The problem is, the physicality is escalating.” He sighed again, dipping his head as we walked. “The wolves are pushing the boundaries to the very limit before dropping back. They avoid my peopl
e, but they push the druids, who are beginning to react with magic. Nothing that would spark a war, but just enough to warn off the wolves.”

  “What magic could you possibly use against another paranormal race without getting in serious trouble?”

  “Our magic is Earth-based, so they manipulate the Earth.”

  “How?”

  Orion stopped, right by the edge of a lake. It was smaller than Haven Lake, but the water had the same, magical, iridescent quality. “I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right. It’s the same water as the lake. This is a sacred space for us.”

  Slowly, he got down to one knee and brushed his fingers over the grass. Tulips sprouted, flowering instantly behind his fingers.

  Woah.

  He looked up at me, smiling. “Elves and druids are in tune with everything around us. We can manipulate the Earth to do our bidding, for good or for bad. I could kill those tulips just as easily as I created them.” He plucked one from the ground, stood, and held it out to me.

  I took the bright yellow flower from him. “Thank you. What kind of things are the druids doing to the shifters?”

  “Sending controlled miniature earthquakes. Trees losing their branches. Bushes growing faster and blocking off paths. Those sorts of things.”

  “Nothing that can directly be blamed on them.”

  “Exactly.” Orion sighed and turned around, motioning that I should follow him back to the clearing where I’d landed. “We aren’t interested in their squabbles. We are, despite what history says, a peaceful race.”

  “I can’t imagine anyone who can make such beautiful things with a touch of their hand could be violent.”

  “Your magic is beautiful, too. I’ve seen witches create wonderful things.” He slid a smile my way. “It’s not hard to do when you’re beautiful yourself.”

  “Are you flirting with me?”

  “Do you want me to be flirting with you?”

  “What kind of a question is that?”

  He laughed. “What kind of a question was yours?”

  I shook my head, but I couldn’t fight my smile this time. “All you had to do was say yes or no.”

  “Fine, I’m flirting with you. Is that a problem?”

  “Are you going to stop if I say yes?”

  “Do you have a boyfriend?”

  I paused. “No.”

  “Then no, I won’t.” He flashed me a grin that made his eyes sparkle. “Did I answer your questions?”

  I looked up. We were back at the clearing where I’d landed, and there was no sign of Snow.

  “Don’t worry. She’ll be back in a second.” We stopped next to my broom and Orion met my eyes. “Well? Did I?”

  Goddess, his eyes were so pretty. “Um, yes, you did. Thank you.”

  “Can I ask why you wanted to know?”

  I hesitated.

  He threw up his hands. “You don’t have to tell me. But, you know, I did just answer a ton of yours…”

  I opened my mouth to speak when I heard a familiar voice. My eyes widened, and I grabbed Orion’s arm. “Oh no. Hide me!” I didn’t give him a chance to reply before I ran behind a tree with a huge trunk that looked like it could hide me.

  I flattened my back against it and tucked my arms to my sides as much as I could, then cast an illusion spell so if anyone looked this way, they’d only see a very large tree.

  “Mother Nature, hear my plea, cast an illusion on this tree.”

  I couldn’t check to see if it was right, because I heard Detective Dax Sanders’ voice right then, and I was too scared.

  “Orion Aeraos?”

  “Detective Sanders. What brings you to the elven neck of the woods?”

  “I have some questions about the boundary issues you’ve been having with the shifters. I was informed at Town Hall that your father is in meetings all day, but I was assured you’d be able to help.”

  “Absolutely,” Orion replied without missing a beat. “I was just coming back from the lake before heading back to the house. I have something to deal with before I get there—I assume you know the way?”

  “Past the old oak and a left beyond the willow tree, isn’t it?”

  “That’s the one. Please tell the guard I sent you and to take you to the library. I won’t be long.”

  “Thank you very much.” A pause. “Is that a witch broom?”

  “Oh.” Another pause. “Looks like it. One of the younger elves is dating a nice young witch. Cecilia, I think. I know she flies out here—she has a terrible habit of leaving it in the middle of the clearing.” I could just imagine him shaking his head and tutting. “No worries. I’ll make sure this gets returned to her on my way to our meeting.”

  Dax paused, almost as if he didn’t believe it. I held my breath until he finally said, “Kids. Thank you for your time, Mr. Aeraos. I’ll see you back at your house.”

  I fought to keep my breathing under control for a good couple of minutes. When I was sure Dax had gone, I pulled down the spell and stepped out from behind the tree.

  And screamed.

  “Spells bells, Orion!” I flattened my hand against my chest. “You scared me.”

  He smirked. “Any reason you were hiding from the detective?”

  “Not really.” I paused, looking at my broom. “Thanks for covering for my broom.”

  “It wasn’t too much of a stretch. I wasn’t actually lying.” He shrugged and handed it to me. “Now, about the detective…”

  “It’s kind of a long story.” I bit the side of my lip.

  Snow popped into view between us with mud on her face. “Did I miss anything?”

  “What on Earth have you been doing?” I looked down at her. “Why are you muddy?”

  She gave me her best innocent look. “I saw a mouse.”

  Ah. Yes. A mouse. The only thing she’d get dirty for.

  Once again, Orion’s lips tugged up. “I see we’re only going to get distracted here. I’ll count on that explanation some other time, witch.”

  I clicked my tongue in annoyance, resisting every urge to smile when he winked and strode elegantly in the direction that he’d pointed Snow in earlier today.

  Snow tilted her head to the side. “I think he likes you.”

  I snorted and walked the few paces back into the clearing. “He’s an arrogant little elf.”

  “Is that why you’re holding a tulip?”

  I looked down. I was still holding it, but it was pretty, and I didn’t want to let it go.

  Carefully, I placed it in the pocket of my light sweater, mounted my broom with Snow, and headed off to see the druids.

  • • •

  “Horrible creatures,” Emrys Myrrdin said with a hot edge to his voice. His long, white hair was perfectly straight and to his waist, and so was his long, straight beard that stopped at his chest. He reminded me a bit of Gandalf, complete with the long cloak and a wooden staff. “They want our land. They have enough as it is. They alone have more than the druids and the elves. Combined, our numbers are approaching theirs.”

  I decided not to point out that the wolves needed running space.

  “Selfish, they are.” His wife, Aiofa, shook her head, her short, silver hair swishing against her shoulders. “Inconsiderate of those of us who wish to live in peace without howling all hours of the night.”

  Yep. There was a definite issue here.

  “I heard you’d been throwing shots at each other,” I said carefully. “A little magic from you, pushing the limits from them…”

  “Nothing that hurts them,” Emrys said firmly. “Warning shots. If they continue to breach the land that separates our territory from theirs, there will be trouble.”

  I swallowed. That didn’t sound good. “The land that separates your territories?”

  Aiofa nodded and offered me more tea, which I declined with a polite shake of my head. I already needed the bathroom, and theirs was…outside. “Yes. There is a small stretch of land that is, as the humans say, a no man�
��s land.”

  Ah. “That makes sense. How wide is it?”

  “Not too much. Less than a quarter of a mile. It’s simply a clear line that separates us and allows for mistakes if a young one should cross our boundaries.”

  “The problem is,” Emrys continued. “The shifters are using that land as if it belongs to them. Even during the day when our young are out taking lessons. There are plants that only grow in that part of the forest that are vital for their Herbology lessons. It’s also part of the reason the no man’s land exists. The plants barely cross into our territory, so we are allowed into the space to get the provisions we need.”

  “And the wolves being there is not only awkward but dangerous,” Aiofa continued.

  I grimaced. “I can see why it’s a problem for you—and your children, especially. Have you reported it to the Council?”

  Emrys sighed. “Yes. Urias, my brother and our leader, has brought it up repeatedly. But, in the pecking order, the shifters, especially the wolves, rank higher than us in importance.”

  Ugh. I’d always hated the hierarchy in the paranormal world.

  “Betty Lou was our biggest advocate for keeping the border in its place or extending our space,” Aiofa went on. “Now, without her…” She looked beyond me, out of the window that looked into the forest. “Not only will we lose the space our growing community deserves, but I’m afraid our young ones will struggle with their lessons if they can’t get those vital flowers. And, you know, some of them are poisonous.”

  That made me stop. “Poisonous?”

  She nodded, turning back to me with her piercing blue eyes. “As a witch, I’m sure you’re more than aware of the similarities some poisonous plants have with safe ones.”

  “Of course. It was a big part of my lessons growing up, both at home and at the academy.”

  “Then you’ll understand why this is so important to us.”

  “Would you take me there? Please. If you have time.”

  The druids shared a glance. Emrys nodded at her once. “She’s a friend, Aiofa. We can trust her. Take her.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  AIOFA AND I walked in silence for around fifteen minutes. They lived close to the building that housed the druid school, and apparently, they kept that school as deep in the forest as they could. I knew the druids had their own method of traveling, and given how much I hated the fairy version, I had a feeling I wouldn’t like theirs much either.