Wayward Witch

by Samantha Bell

  A few moments later, the old witch that took care of housekeeping arrived at our door. We only had one maid in the entire building because magic made short work of daily dusting and washing. She was short, hunched over, with a thin face lined with wrinkles. Her silver hair was up in a bun. She was dressed in pink overalls that were stained with various colors. "You called for me?" She asked.

  I threw open the door to allow her in.

  She walked around, looking from side to side, completely unaware of the stink coming from the kitchen. "What is the matter? Everything seems in order, master Hood."

  "What? You can't smell this?" Zane shouted. He grabbed her by the shoulder and pointed her in the direction of the kitchen. "Everything is rotten!"

  The housekeeper opened the fridge and shook her head. "Is this some sort of prank, boys? There's nothing wrong with your kitchen." She shut the cabinets, hiding the rotten boxes and cans. Cockroaches scattered under her feet.

  "You... you can't see this?" Knox stammered.

  Realization slowly dawned on me as my eyes met hers. "It's an illusion." I whispered. "Goddammit, boys, we've been tricked!"

  ~

  The housekeeper called Headmistress Gertie and both of them negated the hex that had been placed upon our apartment. According to the Headmistress, it was simple yet powerful witchcraft that had infiltrated our senses and made us hallucinate. It was triggered to get more powerful as the day went on, we were lucky to catch it now.

  The Headmistress clasped her hands behind her pack as the housekeeper waved her wand to repair the cabinets that had been broken in our disgust. "It seems that a warlock or witch might have a grudge," She said. "Have you pissed anyone off lately, boys?"

  "Not any more than usual." Zane was drinking a glass of water - it was proper and clear now, but my stomach turned just thinking of it.

  "Well you must have done something," Headmistress Gertie said with a shrug. "These sorts of hexes don't appear out of midair."

  "Can you track the magic?" I demanded.

  "I think not," She sniffed. "It is not my domain to get caught up in silly little spats." She looked over her shoulder before taking her leave. "Don't be late to class, gentlemen."

  The housekeeper shuffled out behind her and the door closed with a bang.

  I growled and punched the wall. My hand collided with the brick and the pain ignited my senses. I hissed and rolled my shoulders. "Someone decided to hex us. Someone with a death wish."

  "We'll have to track that warlock down and make them pay. No one's ever gotten through our magical locks before." Zane clenched his fists so hard the glass in his hand cracked and shattered, splattering the carpet with water and blood.

  "So how do we find out who did it?" Knox asked.

  I shook my head and slumped back on the sofa. A faint line of color glimmered on my blazer. Narrowing my eyes, I plucked it off the fabric and held it up: a long blue hair. Evie. "I think I just did."

  NINE

  ------------------------

  EVIE

  I did my best not to smile as Knox walked into group therapy half an hour late. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye before returning to paying attention to what someone was saying about their "recovery". So many of these students sincerely wanted to reform and go to a life of good; it was kind of cute. That wasn't my plan, but no one needed to know about that.

  Knox took a seat across from me. His energy was erratic and bothered. Perfect. Just as I had hoped. That simple illusion was enough to ruin an appetite for days, let alone the nightmares that would surely haunt them tonight. I wondered if it had worn off yet or if the mages had managed to negate it.

  Ms. Lowe looked up over her book. "Ah, so nice of you to join us," She said and pursed her lips. "We were just discussing yesterday's question. Would you care to share your response?"

  Knox was flustered. That was something I never thought I'd have the pleasure of seeing. He opened his notebook and flipped through the pages. He stopped at a bookmark and cleared his throat. "Sure, just one moment."

  I wanted to badly to hex him again and make spiders burst out of the pages, but then I'd be caught. I bit down on my lip as he recited his journal entry - something about remorse - and kept my eyes on the floor to avoid the temptation.

  When group therapy was done, I left quickly, not wanting to be alone with Knox. I stuck with the small crowd of students as we headed toward the dining room for lunch. The trio wouldn't be eating there if they thought their kitchen was still swarming with cockroaches.

  I sat down at the long table and served myself salad as groups of people spoke around me. I didn't normally listen to their stupid gossip, but today my ears were alert for any sign of my hex.

  The lioness shifter Lucy sat down beside me and filled two plates. She shot me a brilliant smile. "Good afternoon, Evie."

  "Hi," I mumbled.

  Lucy took a massive bite of a sandwich before speaking. "Did you hear all the commotion on the student floor this morning?"

  If I could have gotten away with an evil laugh, I would have. "Uh, no, I have early group therapy. What are you talking about? What happened?"

  "Well," She dropped her voice. My dorm room is near the end of the hall near those rich boys, you know the ones?"

  I nodded innocently.

  "Yeah, so as I woke up, I heard yelling. Like a bunch of guys shouting," She said. "And the Headmistress showed up. I don't know what was going on." She shrugged. "Something about an infestation."

  I wrinkled my nose to hide my smile. "Oh, really? I've never seen any bugs in this place."

  Lucy shrugged again and added more salad to her plate.

  I blew out a breath and glanced around. A few other students were pretending not to listen to us. "Well that sucks, I hope it's contained now." I kept my voice as innocent as possible.

  "Yeah, anyways! What class do you have next?" Lucy asked.

  Although I was glowing inwardly from the satisfaction of making them pay, I was sort of glad she changed the subject. "Positive magic."

  Lucy made an ooh sound and sighed wistfully. "Cool. I wish I could do magic. I have anger management next," She admitted. "We shifters tend to need some extra help in that department."

  I found it hard to imagine that sweet girl ever getting mad, but I also knew looks were deceiving. "Well, uh, have fun?" I forced a smile before dumping my dirty dishes in the collection bin and heading upstairs for another soul-breaking session of Positive Magic.

  ~

  I should have known trouble was brewing when Zane didn't show up for Positive Magic class. Unfortunately, I was far too smug to realize the shadows that were creeping up on me.

  The Sons of Hell walked into ethics and law class and the temperature dropped. I noticed them out of the corner of my eye but continued to doodle in the margin of my notebook. They couldn't trace the magic back to me. My hexes were nearly untraceable. There was no link. I had made sure of that. I couldn't shake the shadow of doubt that was looming over my consciousness.

  The trio walked by and nothing happened. I only let out my breath when they had taken their seats at the back of the class. Maybe I was in the clear after all. Of course, I was. How could I even doubt my skills? I was one of the most powerful witches of my generation. A simple prank like that could be pulled off by a novice.

  "Good afternoon class," Dr. Whittaker said with an energetic grin. "I'm glad to see so many of your smiling faces." He turned to the board to continue his lecture where he left off last time.

  I flipped pages in my textbook, coming across yet another doodled dick before finding the page. I was tense. I couldn't relax knowing they were behind me. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. "Keep it together," I said. They deserved that hex more than anyone. It wasn't a crime. It was justice.

  "Can anyone in class tell me about Justice?" Our professor said as he turned back to us. "I mean justice in the sense of having wrongs become right. Feeling validated and seeing a wrong-doer punished fo
r their actions."

  After a moment of silence, a hand shot up. Blake. "I can explain, sir," He said with exaggerated politeness. "Justice is served when someone is punished for their crimes. It is only justice if the punishment fits the crime."

  His voice sent a chill down my spine. I refused to look in his direction, thinking my expression would betray me.

  "Yes, Mr. Hood. Excellent explanation," Dr. Whittaker said. "And for magical law," He paused to write on the board. "Justice is very important. The opinions of the victims are often taken into account when the judge decides the verdict and sentencing."

  "In fact," Blake spoke over him. "Many would say that justice is only served when the victim gets proper revenge."

  "Revenge is a loaded word, Mr. Hood." The professor turned to us but his chalk kept writing. "That emotion that drives revenge often enables the victim to go beyond a simple eye for an eye and can often lead to criminal charges in itself."

  A spark of heat prickled at the back of my neck. I knew without looking that Blake's eyes were burning into me. I didn't flinch or shift or give any indication of guilt. I kept my head down and continued to write as Dr. Whittaker attempted to refocus the conversation.

  "I understand that many of you here are not fans of the law," He said. "But the law is necessary to retain order in the world. It is wise not to take matters into your own hands and trust professionals, like myself, to bring about justice."

  The heat increased a notch.

  Fuck, I thought. He knows. I raised my head, keeping my chin up as I turned in my seat to look up at Blake from his usual spot at the back of the room.

  His eyes bore into mine and he mouthed the words. "You're dead."

  The bells rang and the class began to file out. I took my time closing my notebook and marking the pages in textbook to read tonight. My hands were shaking. What did I do? Did I make a run for it and get back to my dorm? Did I stay here safely tucked under the wing of a professor? How long would that last anyways?

  No. I had to face the music. I stood straight and walked out with an air of indifference, taking my usual way to the dining hall. Blake had no proof it was me, I reminded myself. Plus, with my wand by my side he would have a hard time hurting me. He underestimated me, that I was sure.

  Much to my surprise, there was no swinging guillotine waiting for me in the hall. In fact, the trio were gone. I couldn't believe my eyes. Their absence brought about immediate suspicion. I would have to keep my wits about me; they could attack at any time. It was the stillness that scared me.

  I decided it might be better for me not to be alone. After dinner I found a cozy corner in a crowded sitting room to write my journal response for group therapy tomorrow. Even under a warm blanket by a purple enchanted fireplace, I was getting shivers. Every time someone new walked into the sitting room I held my breath.

  I couldn't focus on my writing. Just as I was going to give up, someone approached me. Thankfully, it was Lucy and not one of the trio. "Hey," I said and shut my notebook. I never thought I'd be happy to see her.

  "Hey girl," She said. "I haven't seen you out in the common areas before."

  I shrugged it off. "Yeah, I like to study in my room usually."

  Lucy cocked her head to one side. "So why the change?"

  "Uh," I glanced around and then motioned to the fireplace. "I was cold. I have the worst draft in my room."

  Lucy nodded. "Yep that November wind is enough to chill you to the bone."

  I nodded, not knowing what to say next. I was awful at small talk, evident by the fact we were talking about the weather like a pair of old ladies.

  "Yep. I'm originally from the west coast, so this cold and damp is killing me. Us cats like the warmth and sunshine, after all."

  She yammered on and I lost interest, letting my gaze take another pass around the room, searching for the trio and wondering why they were taking their sweet time with getting revenge.

  Lucy settled down into the chair next to mine, parallel to the fireplace and pulled a book out of her backpack: 50 Self-Care Tips to Calm the Soul. She finally stopped talking, but her lips still moved as she read.

  A chill shook my body as a breeze slipped under the windowsill. At least, I think it did. I wasn't sure where the draft was coming from but no one else seemed to notice. I bolted to my feet.

  "Where you going?" Lucy asked, looking up from her book.

  "Uh, I'm going to sleep early, I think." I lied and jetted out of the common room. Hiding in plain sight was a stupid idea. I should be in my room with magic locks hexed tight. I dashed up the stairs, taking them two at a time until I reached the third floor. I was panting.

  I unlocked my door with a wave of my wand and threw open the door. I locked it behind me before I fell to my knees, trying to catch my breath.

  "There you are, little blue. We've been waiting."

  I froze, slowly looking up and my eyes growing wide. Blake, Zane, and Knox were standing in the middle of my room, towering above me. My mouth fell open.

  "Speechless?" Blake snickered.

  "Girls usually are when they get all three of us at once." Zane added with a grin.

  I pressed myself back against the door. "What? How did you get in here?"

  "None of your business, pretty little witch," Knox said. "But you should know all the lock tricks, don't you? Maybe you could teach us a thing or two."

  Blake chuckled. "I doubt she'll be able to do anything once we're done with her."

  I pulled my legs in to my chest. "Please, leave me alone."

  "Admit you were the one who hexed us." Blake stepped forward, crossing his arms over his chest. His fiery eyes burned into my soul. "We know it was you. Admit it."

  "It wasn't me!" I lied. All I could do now was deny it and hoped they believe me. If I admitted the truth, they'd kill me for sure. I didn't doubt they could pay off the Headmistress to keep quiet over the death of a loser like me.

  "Shut up!" Blake shouted. "It was you. I know you, little blue. Too proud to just stay down like a good dog. You needed to test me. You needed to test us." He motioned to Zane and Knox on either side of him. "You're going to pay for what you did. For making fools out of us."

  "I didn't do anything!" I shouted. "I don't even know where your room is!"

  The trio smirked and I realized what I had done. I had just signed my own death warrant.

  "Who said anything about a room?" Zane asked.

  Knox shrugged with wide eyes. "I didn't. Did you, Blake?"

  "Nope." Blake knelt down in front of me, close enough to feel his breath on my neck. "So it was you, wasn't it?"

  I swallowed hard. How dare they back me into a corner like this. This isn't who I was. Evie Knight wasn't a cowering little girl. I was a woman that didn't take shit from anyone. I am a witch. Summoning all the strength I had in me, I jumped to my feet and tightened the grip on my wand. "So what if I did?" I spat back. "You assholes deserved what you had coming."

  I pointed my wand at Knox. "You, who froze me in class and you, who turned your wind powers on me in the hall." I turned to Zane before finally setting my eyes on Blake. "And you." I seethed. "You tortured me with your fire and touched me without consent. You shamed me. I am not some plaything. I am a powerful witch and I deserve to be treated with respect."

  Energy swirled around me and I pointed my wand at Blake. "Get out." I demanded. "Now."

  "Or what?" Blake didn't even flinch as my wand grazed his cheek.

  Damn, he was braver that I thought. Brave or dumb, that is.

  Blake pushed closer to me, swatting the wand aside. "Or what?" He asked again. "Are you going to hex me?"

  I straightened my back and looked up at him. He was so close. So hot. The heat radiated off of his muscular body and ignited butterflies in my core. "Maybe I will," I said, sounding braver then I felt.

  Blake smirked and leaned down, smashing his lips against mind and holding my chin. He kissed me hard and let me go. "Whatever you say, little blue."
/>   I blinked with surprise. A kiss was the last thing I was expecting.

  Knox and Zane reappeared on either side of them. I felt numb as Zane took me into his arms and kissed me again, his lips grazing my cheek and neck before he handed me off to Knox. Knox's kiss was gentler, like I'd imagined it would be. I was trapped between the three of them as they caressed me and kiss me.

  I closed my eyes and moaned. Suddenly, the spark disappeared. When I reopened my eyes, the trio were gone. I gasped and whirled around. Somehow, the three of them had vanished into thin air. I didn't know much about mages, but I was pretty sure they couldn't do that.

  "What the hell?" I asked myself as I came out of the daze. It was only then that I noticed my window was open. The magical lock had been tampered with. At the center of the floor were three crude wooden dolls: Poppets made for spells.

  I gasped. That hadn't been the real Blake, Knox, or Zane. It was all an illusion. A spell. I growled and flung the dolls out the window and locked it with a snap. Those assholes had got into my head just like I did to them. I couldn't help smiling to myself.

  "Well played boys, well played." I stared at my reflection in the mirror and fixed my hair. It looked like the game was just beginning.

  I reinforced all of my magical protection charms before bed. I drew a protection sigil on my wrist with a sharpie and another one for mental clarity at the back of my neck. My magical defenses were almost as good as my offense, and now was the time to use them.

  If these jerk rich boys wanted a real fight, they were going to get what was coming to them.

  TEN

  ------------------------

  EVIE

  I found out that on Wednesday afternoons we have physical education rain or shine. Physical strength was just as important as magical strength and the late November chill wasn't enough to keep us inside. The sky was cloudy but the rain held off as we lined up against the back wall of the manor.

  The grounds were much larger than I expected them to be. Most of the lawns were hidden by rows of thick pine trees, but at the back there was a running track, outdoor gym and even a tennis court.