"Probation?" I must’ve heard him wrong.
"Yes, probation," Andrew repeated. “With the leaders of the various magical communities. Nothing on paper. Didn’t want this kind of information to inadvertently get out.”
"Why?" I asked. I asked, but I felt I knew the answer as all the pieces fell in to place in my head. I would be a fool to let them know I knew. I needed to keep my cool there was too much I didn’t know happening around me. I couldn’t let my guard down. Not again.
"Mrs. Coe was a member of the Children of the Chosen. That’s why she was on probation…and there is no doubt in my mind that her death was connected to her history with the cult." Arte said, but I could tell he was trying to gauge my reaction.
"Wait." I held up my hands. "What do you mean it was connected? The cult is dead, they were all killed years ago." I tried to sound normal.
Arte shook his head. "I'm sure the SPF has started to connect the dots by now. They should have asked you about it to see what you know."
"As far as I know, she wasn't a member," I said.
"You know denial isn't a good look on you. Mrs. Coe always said you were a smart one." Andrew chipped in. “And right now, I’m not too sure of that assessment.”
"She spoke about me at these meetings?" I blinked, and they both nodded.
"It was a condition of her probation to keep us updated on all aspects of her life. While the governing council couldn’t prove she killed anyone, they did determine that she was a member of the cult and concluded that she couldn’t ever be fully trusted. The only way our grandfathers and the other leaders allowed her to stay in the city was if she had weekly check-ins with the leaders of the halfling and vampire communities as well as members of the Abbas and Easton Covens." Andrew nodded in agreement. "Your name came up during some of our meetings." He explained.
I sighed, shaking my head. "You knew who I was, didn't you?” I turned to Arte. “That night at Ciders?"
He smirked. "Yes. Though it was a complete coincidence, I saw you there."
"And you already knew I worked for you?" I kept going.
He nodded again.
"In the last few weeks, she started to warn us." Andrew chimed in, redirecting the conversation.
"Warn you of what?" I asked.
"Her possible death," Arte answered. "She told us there were signs, small whispers of the cult reemerging. The murders and disappearances that were happening over the past year, she believed they were connected to the cult’s reemergence."
"Why didn't she tell anyone else?" I asked. More importantly, why didn’t she tell me? I thought to myself.
“If she was wrong and told everyone she would have caused mass hysteria for no reason. I wasn't alive then, but there are plenty of magicals who were. The cult believed that only a select few were worthy enough to have the power we had, and those they did not deem worthy were destroyed. In their minds, anyone not in the cult was not worthy of their magic and therefore killed.” He paused, and Andrew took over.
“In 1968, when the new leader took over, he changed the Coven’s direction. He’s the one who started to murder those he deemed unworthy of their gifts. By 1972, the group had killed around three hundred magical beings, and there was nothing we could do to stop them. That was why we created the SPF, to enforce and protect, but they were still unable to stop the Children of the Chosen."
It was a lot to process, but I tried to piece together what I was being told, with what I read. "From what I know, it's only the people in covens who should be worried. The original cult was formed to bring Unbounds to the same level as Coven members." I said, eyeing them both.
Both Andrew and Arte shared a look, then Andrew spoke up. "Be that as it may, the cult is still dangerous. We must protect the members of our Coven. Not to mention, it’s not only Coven members going missing this time."
I hated that he was right. "Yeah, then they should have been warned," I repeated.
"And what if we were wrong?" Arte asked. "We didn’t want to start a panic, but we did take the necessary precautions. We upped protection spells, security, and check-ins."
"But nothing for the Unbounds, or the vampire community or the halfling community," I remarked.
"Our duty is to the members of our Covens. However, if I remember correctly, Mrs. Coe did lower the prices on the protection spells. Not to mention the vampire and the halfling community has access to the same information as we did. " He gave me a knowing look.
"Fine," I growled. "She did do that, but she would have told me if there was something, I could have helped to protect her."
"I told you," Arte said. "She wanted to be sure, but let's just cut to the chase," Arte snapped his fingers again, and three chairs flew into the store. "She wanted to protect you. Which is why she had you take a portal home when you worked late." He said before dropping into one of the chairs.
I blinked.
There was no way he could know; she wouldn’t have told them. Why would she tell me to guard my secret, to never tell anyone of my abilities, yet turn around and reveal it to them? It didn’t make sense. I struggled to process my present situation. "I'm sorry." I walked around the counter. "What did you just say?"
"You are a portal maker," Andrew answered, taking one of the other open chairs.
I laughed and shook my head. "I don't know what you are talking about." I lied. "I can't make portals."
"There is no need to lie," Arte said. "And please sit down."
"No," I shook my head. "I don't know what you are talking about, I can't make portals." I knew the more I denied it, the crazier I sounded.
"If that is the case," Arte pulled out his letter and opened it. "Why would she say, and I quote 'I've kept this a secret from your family, breaking the probation conditions set down, but I needed to protect her for as long as I could - Olivia London has the power to create portals.' End quote."
I glared at them, refusing to back down. "It doesn't matter," I whispered. "It doesn't matter what she told you."
"There's more," Andrew continued.
"Like what?" I asked exasperated. The day had been stressful, and they were not helping the situation. "What else could you possibly have to say to me?"
"The fact that you are a portal maker, it puts a target on your back," Andrew said.
"The only target I’ve ever worried about was how the covens would have me abuse it. " I hated that I was engaging them, but it looked like I was finally going to get some answers. Answers that I had been searching for for so long.
"Portal magic is family magic," Arte explained.
"I figured," I said, finally taking a seat.
"No," Andrew shook his head. "He is not explaining it correctly. Portals are Romar family magic."
I stared at both of them.
I started to hyperventilate.
What?
Their words replayed in my head on a loop, but none of it made any sense. There was no way, no way, what they were alluding to was true. I sat there waiting for them to start laughing or something, but they just stared at me…
ELEVEN
I laughed.
They were joking, right? There was no way in the world that I could be a Romar. It took a minute for me to compose myself. "You can't mean what I think you mean. You're implying-"
"Not implying," Arte cut me off.
"Implying," I kept going, ignoring him. "Implying that I am somehow a Romar because I can make portals? Newsflash, they died years before I was born. There is no way that I could be a part of that family. How do you explain that?” I glared at them.
“Mrs. Coe had a theory,” Andrew explained. “She believed they are still alive.”
I scoffed. “Really now. Well, where are they?”
“We don’t know yet,” Arte replied.
“Well, let me help you out. They were not my family.” I said. “I was raised in the foster care system because my parents cared more about getting high than raising me.”
“Who told you that?
” Andrew asked. He sounded genuinely concerned, but it had to be an act.
“I read the report when I was fifteen,” I answered.
“It’s wrong then,” Arte said.
“How would you know?”
“It’s in the letter,” Andrew said. “And she sent a copy of the coroner’s report as proof, which tells a very different story.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, hoping that my optimism wasn’t coming across in my voice.
“Your parents didn’t die of a drug overdose.” Andrew continued.
“But drugs were found in their system.”
“There were indeed drugs in their system,” Arte said, “however, that wasn’t the cause of their death. They were starved to death.”
“You’re lying.” I shook my head.
“No.” Andrew shook his head. “I wish I was. It was a terrible way to go, but your parents were held under a statis potion and filled with drugs as they slowly starved to death.”
“Really? Then why am I alive? If I suspend reason and assume that what you’re saying is true, why didn’t they take me out with the rest of my family?”
“Maybe the person had a heart and couldn’t hurt children,” Arte suggested. “While they didn’t subject you to the same kind of torture, you were severely malnourished when you were found.”
“So, you’re saying, my parents were not only Romars, but they were in hiding for at least two generations and then somehow were found and then murdered.” I looked at both of them. “You know what? I've had enough for the day, and mentally, I cannot handle anything else. I need you both to leave." I stood up from the chair. "I have a lot to do to get this store up and running by Monday. I have a lot of potions to brew and orders to put in."
"Olivia, be serious," Andrew said. "We have a lot to discuss."
"No,” I shook my head. “We actually have nothing to discuss. I don't know you. I don't care that Mrs. Coe knew you, but I’m severely upset that she clearly thought it was a good idea to share her speculations regarding my background with two virtual strangers without even bothering to tell me. It goes to show, you never really know anyone. That being said, I don’t know either of you. I'm not in either of your Covens, and since you had me fired," I glared at Arte. "I don't work for you anymore, so get the fuck out of my shop!"
"Wait, fired?" Arte’s brows furrowed. "What do you mean I got you fired?"
"Sorry, I forgot the lie,” I snapped. “How did your company phrase it, we ‘separated.’ But either way, it doesn’t matter, I want you both out of my shop now.”
"Olivia," Andrew stood up, trying to save the conversation, but I didn't want to hear it.
"Out!" I screamed and felt a rush of power flow through me. A huge gust of wind coursed through the shop, sending Andrew and Arte flying out of their chairs and knocking over a few display cases.
"Now, there's no need to get angry." Arte stood to his feet and smoothed his outfit down. "We are just trying to have a conversation."
"A conversation I do not want to have, nor need to have. I don't care why you think you are here, or why you think I have to listen, but I don't. I've had one of the longest days of my life, and I have a lot of work to do, so I will ask you both again. Leave."
"Fine." Andrew relented, sensing his words were falling on deaf ears. "But I will be back. You can’t bury your head in the sand like a child. There’s more for us to discuss.”
I resented the fact that he was right, I was acting like a child. "No, we don't." I waved my hand, and the shades flew up, and the door unlocked.
Arte looked like he wanted to say more, but Andrew placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him before he could start. I could tell Andrew had experience with Arte.
"You must know," Andrew said as he walked to the door. He stopped before it and turned to face me. "This was not how I planned this evening to go, but I do understand this is a rough time for you. But I was serious when I said I would be back. Whether you want to or not, this is a conversation we need to have." He nodded in my direction and opened the door, Arte exited first, and Andrew followed closing the door behind him.
Once the door shut, I waved my hand again, locking it behind them and bringing the shades back down. I leaned my head back in the chair, hating myself for not taking advantage of the moment. But I wasn't about to call them back in with my tail between my legs. What was done was done.
I shook my head and stood up straight. I didn't have time to focus on whatever else they wanted to tell me. I had work to do, and before I took anyone else’s word on who Mrs. Coe was, I needed more information. Where I was going to get it, I had no idea. I first needed to know why she lied. Why did she work so hard to earn my trust only to betray it like this? It was one thing to keep my past a secret, but for her to share it with them and not me, was heartbreaking.
I looked back at the shop, at the mess I had just made, and felt shame wash over me. I had let my emotions get the best of me. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, then opened them again. I summoned the small chalkboard that we used for small sales and a piece of chalk. I quickly wrote, ‘Will Re-open on Monday at 8am’ and placed it in the window.
Next, I called my apartment building. I needed to be smart. I had a lot to take care of, and I knew I couldn't handle the bills of this place and my apartment. I knew it was going to be weird to live here, after what happened, but it was the best decision. Mrs. Coe owned the entire building outright. Living there meant I wouldn’t have to pay rent, only utilities. Though I did make a mental note that the shop needed to be covered in a triple protection spell if I was ever expected to get a good night’s rest here.
"Hi Judy," I turned and walked back to where I dropped my inventory book and picked it up. "This is Olivia London, in apartment 5B."
"Hello Mrs. London, how can I help you today?" Judy’s voice was chipper, providing me a reprieve from the stress that was swirling inside.
"I have a question, well more like a problem, I'm not sure."
"Is everything ok in your apartment?" She asked with concern in her voice.
"Yes," I walked down to the basement. "I had a death in the family, my boss, she passed and left her shop and apartment to me."
"Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“Thank you,” I smiled. “But the reason I am calling is that I am going to take her apartment.”
“Oh, you need to cancel your lease?" She sounded upset, and I couldn't tell if she was acting or was really upset.
"Yes. Her place is a bit bigger, and it will be over my job so super convenient. I was calling to start the process."
"Well," I heard some shuffling of papers on her end before she spoke again. "Actually, it looks like I have good news, while your lease will not be up for another six months there is a waitlist for your apartment type. In cases like this, we will reach out to the first person on the list, if they can move in at the first of the month and you can vacate in seven days. We will not charge you for breaking the lease. Though please know, if there is a need for any issues that need to be fixed in the apartment, we may have to keep the safety deposit."
"Ok, when will you know?" I asked as the first of the month was only two weeks away. "I can be out by the end of next week," I assured her.
"Let me call them today, and I should have something for you by tomorrow.”
"Thank you."
"It’s no problem dear. And I am so sorry for your loss, and to see you go."
"Thank you."
"Have a wonderful day."
"You as well." I hung up the phone, tucked it into my pocket and focused back on the task at hand. I knew how many potion bases I needed to make, so there was no time to waste.
I pulled out the ingredients for the protection potions first. I filled three of the cauldrons up halfway with water and brought them to a boil. I added the squid ink and the beetle ash and stirred until the black ink turned a bright blue. I added the garden snakeskin and frog eyes and stirred until they dissolved.
Once they were completely dissolved, I grabbed a little bit of ginger and basil out of the fridge and dropped them both in.
I placed the lid on the potion and turned down the heat to let it simmer for the next hour. I turned the timer on my phone and started to gather the items for the next potion on my list -- topical burns.
I grabbed two more cauldrons and grabbed my ingredients, aloe vera, rose water, maple shavings, marjoram, and violet petals. I added the aloe vera and rose water to the cauldron and lit a magical fire. They were a bit different than a normal fire. A magical fire had the ability to melt ingredients that normally wouldn’t melt. I only used it for certain potions since most potions were fine with a regular flame. I turned the heat to medium and waited until the aloe vera melted completely into the rose water. I had to be careful not to let it boil. If I did, the entire potion would be ruined. I scrolled through my phone while I waited for the mixture to reach the proper temperature. I didn't have any new messages, so I sent a message to both Dessen and Clive and asked them to come to the store later today. There was a lot up in the air right now, and I needed to know who I could still trust.
With Andrew and Arte knowing what I could do, I needed to know if Clive and Dessen had been playing me this entire time for the halfling and vampire leaders. I crossed over to the cabinet and pulled it open to find a potion I vowed to never use on another person. One that I had hoped I’d never have to use - a truth serum. Undetectable by spell, smell, taste, or color, truth serums were highly illegal and heavily guarded. They never expired, and I was proud to say it only took me four attempts to get it right.
With every batch, Mrs. Coe tested the serums on me until I got it right. The night I finally got the recipe right, I ended up revealing some embarrassing crushes to her.
I didn’t have any reason to make the truth serum - I only made it just to see if I could - but once I did, I decided not to destroy it. I hated that I was thinking of using it, but I trusted Mrs. Coe more than anyone in my life. If she was capable of this level of deceit, then I needed to be sure about the other people I trusted.
Dessen responded almost immediately, saying she would be there with drinks and dinner was on Clive. I chuckled at her response and checked the potion again, and finally, everything was ready. I tucked my phone back into my pocket and added the maple shaving, marjoram, and violet petals. I let it all cook on a low flame stirring every few seconds before lowering to simmer. A few seconds later, it turned into a thick forest green paste, signaling it was done.
Ahmentree's Magic Page 7
