by Rose Pressey
Chapter Thirty
I froze. Should I continue to act as if I didn’t know what she meant, or should I come clean about what I knew?
I tilted my eyebrow up in mock surprise. “What are you talking about?” I asked innocently.
The beginning of a smile tilted the corners of her mouth. “The Book of Mystic Magic. We know it’s here. We know you have it.”
I stared for a moment, but her gaze didn’t leave mine. There was no way out of this. I would have to tell the truth.
I waved my hand through the air casually. “I may have found a book or two here. But they are mine and you can’t have them.”
She held her hands up. “Trust me, I don’t want them.”
I didn’t know how to respond. I thought everyone wanted the powers that came with the book.
“Where did you find them?” she asked.
“They were hidden in various places around the house.”
Her face lit up with excitement. For someone who didn’t want the books, she sure had a lot of questions.
Her tight skirt confined her movements as she leaned forward in the chair. “Well, this is certainly a turn of events for you. I told everyone right away that you couldn’t possibly have performed magic that well without some other type of intervention.”
Her words stung. Maybe I should have tried harder to be better at the magic. Then I could have proven everyone wrong.
“Has anything strange happened since you got the new powers?” She looked at me expectantly.
“Strange?” I choked out.
She quirked an eyebrow. “Yes, have any of the spells been odd? Because there is one special skill that comes with the powers.”
I thought I knew which special skill she was talking about. And the proof that I had that special skill was walking around in high heels upstairs and stuffing her face with cupcakes. “What type of special skill?” I asked.
I wasn’t about to give away any details unless I absolutely had to.
“This is something that only a few witches know about, but your new powers allow you to reanimate the dead. Not to mention the many other powers that you probably only dreamed about having.”
Now she was just being snarky. Plus, I had to pretend that I was shocked at the news about the reanimating. I widened my eyes and attempted my best Oscar-worthy performance.
“What do you mean reanimating?” I tried to conceal my nervousness.
“I mean you can make the dead living again. I’m not sure about all of the details. Like I don’t know how long they stay reanimated, but it’s true.” She waved her hands through the air. “The Coven is buzzing about the news.”
Wow. I was the talk of the Coven and for once it wasn’t because I’d screwed up a spell.
“I know why the book was hidden here.” She smiled slyly.
“You do? How do you know?” My eyes widened.
“Your great-aunt was a part of the Coven. We knew she was friends with the last leader and there was a rumor that she’d hidden the books for her.”
“But why would she do that?” I ran my hand through my hair.
She shrugged. “That I don’t have an answer for.”
“Well, obviously she didn’t tell me anything because I didn’t even know about the book or this Underworld thing,” I said.
“Maybe she meant for you to find it. She had to know you would when she left you the house.” Her voice turned serious.
Aunt Maddy was eccentric but why would she be involved? She had said I was supposed to take my place in the world. But how would she know I would ever find the book? It was probably just a coincidence.
“My mother didn’t mention any of this.” I said.
“She doesn’t know either. You’ll probably want to tell her before she finds out from some of the other members,” Misty said.
This news might really send my mother over the edge.
“There’s something else too…” She hesitated.
“There’s more?” I asked.
Misty looked straight at me and said, “You now possess the power of earth, air, water, and fire. No witch holds all four without the power of the book.”
“What is the power of earth, air, fire, and water?” I asked in a shaky voice. For a witch I didn’t know much about the rules.
She leaned back in her chair. “The ultimate powers. You control who can perform magic.”
This was all too much to take in. And I wasn’t sure I believed her. I had noticed that she was looking at me entirely differently now. It was as if I was someone worthy of her friendship now. Like I hadn’t been in the past. I didn’t need fair-weather friends.
“I’m sure the other Coven members will want to talk with you about all of this.”
“I’m sure they will,” I said drily.
She fingered more of the books, then finally looked at me. “The Coven is extremely happy with your improved skills.”
I hadn’t expected that comment.
“We’d love it if you’d host the annual Halloween Ball here at LaVeau Manor. What better location than this gorgeous place?”
My eyes were probably the size of saucers. “You want me to host the party?” I asked.
She nodded with a smile. “Yes, with your newfound skills, I know you’ll be a perfect hostess. It was planned for the community center, but let’s face it, that place is ugly.”
What was the catch? There had to be one. I couldn’t deny that I was excited about the prospect though. It had always been a dream of mine. Now I would be hosting the ball that all the witches attended. It was the event they talked about all year. So they finally wanted me to be one of them? Would I no longer be an outcast? But did I really want to be a part of their snobby club? It wasn’t like I could say no though. It would break my mother’s heart if I turned them down.
She studied my face for a reaction. “What do you say? Won’t it be fabulous here? It’ll be gorgeous with the dim lighting and lots of candles. Of course the Coven will pay for the catering.” Misty pushed to her feet and walked the length of the room, her heels echoing across the floor.
I was still at a loss for words, but I finally managed to say, “Sure, I’d love to host the Halloween Ball.”
She smiled. “Fantastic. I’ll let everyone know. Well, I’d better let you get to work. The ball is in two days.” She strolled across the room. “I’ll be in touch soon.”
Two days? That was a lot of work to get done in such a short time, even for witches.
Chapter Thirty-One
When we reached the foyer, I wanted to shove her back into the living room. Isabeau had just stepped off the bottom step and was staring right at Misty. I continued on toward the front door. Maybe if I ignored her she wouldn’t speak to Misty.
“Oh hello, I’m Isabeau,” she said with her sweet southern voice flowing like honey from her lips.
When I turned around, Isabeau was sticking her hand out toward Misty. So much for ignoring her.
“It’s nice to meet you, Isabeau. What a beautiful name.” Misty took in Isabeau’s full appearance.
Isabeau beamed and looked at me, then back to Misty. “Thank you. It’s been in my family for years.”
“You must be a guest here?” Misty asked.
Isabeau looked at me, then back at Misty again. “You could say that. Halloween and I are old friends.” She plastered a fake smile on her face. “Aren’t we, Halloween?”
“Oh really? Are you from around here?” Misty frowned. “You look so familiar.”
Isabeau waved off the question with a flick of her wrist. “Oh, I lived here a long time ago, but not recently.”
She quirked an eyebrow questioningly. “Did you go to Enchantment Pointe High?”
“No, as a matter of fact I didn’t. I was a child when I lived here.” Isabeau was growing impatient with Misty’s questions.
Misty was so snoopy. Why didn’t she just drop the topic? And Isabeau wasn’t helping matters either.
“My Grea
t-Aunt Maddy and Isabeau’s mother knew each other. Isabeau hasn’t lived in Enchantment Pointe since she was a child. Isn’t that right, Isabeau?” I glared at Isabeau.
If she didn’t go along with my story I would for sure kick her out on her butt.
“Yes, that’s right,” she said with a fake smile. “Hallie and I know each other from her aunt and mother.”
I smiled. Isabeau had just saved her butt.
“Oh, is that right?” Misty said, looking a bit confused. “Well, it was nice meeting you.” She waved her hand. “Where are my manners? My name is Misty Middleton.”
“I know,” Isabeau said.
I shot daggers at Isabeau with my eyes.
“What?” Misty frowned.
“You told me before.” Isabeau batted her eyelashes.
Now Isabeau was just messing with Misty. She knew she hadn’t introduced herself.
“I did?” Misty asked with a confused look.
“Well, it was nice of you to stop by, Misty. Let me know when you have more details.” I ushered her toward the front door.
She kept glancing over her shoulder at Isabeau. “Yeah, I’ll let you know,” she said, distracted.
“Nice to meet you,” Isabeau said in a sweet voice.
When I’d practically pushed Misty out the door, I turned around and glared at Isabeau.
“What’s for breakfast? I’m starving.” Isabeau flashed a wide grin.
“After what you just did I shouldn’t make anything for you,” I warned with a wave of my finger.
She stuck out her bottom lip. “What? I was only being polite.”
Yeah, like she was only being polite to Nicolas and Liam too. She couldn’t keep her hands off them.
“Just don’t let it happen again,” I warned.
She glared at me with one of the evilest looks that I’d ever seen before. It sent a chill down my spine but I wouldn’t let her think that she was intimidating me. I stomped off toward the kitchen, hoping that she wouldn’t follow. But she walked along behind me, her presence a constant by my side. Having a sit-down breakfast with Isabeau, Liam, and Nicolas should be interesting.
I still couldn’t believe what had just happened. Even the Coven had now taken an interest in my new badass witchcraft skills. What a crazy turn of events.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Isabeau ate Liam and Nicolas’ breakfast. Apparently they had business and skipped breakfast. They did that often. Should I take that as a hint of my cooking ability? Maybe I should try the magic more in the kitchen. But at the rate Isabeau was stuffing pancakes into her mouth, I wasn’t sure I really needed it.
When Isabeau wasn’t looking, I slipped out of the house. I hurried behind the wheel and cranked the engine. If she found out that I’d left without her, she’d be furious.
As I drove down the driveway, the ghosts followed behind the car. They stared and scowled. I was pretty sure they were plotting against me. I punched the gas and pulled out onto the road before they had a chance to catch me.
On my drive to the store, I called Annabelle and asked her to meet me there. Annabelle pulled up behind me just as I’d shoved the car into park. I was happy to have her with me when I broke the news to my mother. She might faint and I’d need help lifting my mother off the floor. Annabelle looked bright and cheerful in her red sweater and jeans.
“You got away from your unwanted guest?” she asked as she approached my car.
“It wasn’t easy. I made a batch of cupcakes and left them out where she could see them.”
Annabelle laughed. “By the way, I did more research this morning.”
“What did you find out?” I asked.
“Nothing,” she replied.
My stomach sank. “Nothing?”
“Nothing. There was no death certificate for anyone by that name. Not that I could find anyway.” She sighed.
I didn’t want to question her research abilities. After all, she had done this for me out of the kindness of her heart.
“I even searched the birth certificates too. Of course it could be so old that it’s hard to find or doesn’t even exist. It may be hard to find out anything without more information.”
I sighed. “Yeah, and I doubt she’ll be willing to give me any more info.”
Annabelle huffed. “You should tell her to tell you more details about her life or to get out.”
It wasn’t quite that simple, but Annabelle was right. I needed to demand more information.
“I’ll have to do more research on the house too. Maybe I can find out if there’s any connection.”
“It’s worth a shot,” Annabelle said.
Why would she be haunting LaVeau Manor? She didn’t just pick it at random.
“Come on. Let’s go inside,” I said.
“So what’s going on? Why did you need me to be here?”
“I want to tell both of you something. I figured it was better to do it at once. You two can support one another.” I offered a big smile.
“You’re scaring me,” Annabelle said as I held the door to Bewitching Bath and Beauty open for her.
“Don’t panic. It’s just something I need to share with the two most important people in my life.”
I tried to soothe her fears with a smile. She gave a weak smile in return.
My mother rushed toward us when we walked through the door. “Well, what happened?” she asked impatiently. “Did they come to see you? I heard Misty Middleton was there?”
I tried to read my mother’s expression. Apparently, they were keeping her in the dark about what was truly happening. Didn’t she know about the book that Aunt Maddy had hidden?
“What’s going on?” Annabelle asked as she sniffed an aromatherapy candle.
“Why don’t you both have a seat?” I pointed at the stools.
Annabelle looked at my mother. They both walked over and sat on the stools behind the counter. I stood in front of them, searching for the right words. My mother waved her hands, telling me to get on with it.
I shrugged then said offhandedly, “The Coven just had some questions about my new magic skills.”
My mother’s face was all smiles.
I stared at her. “Do you know about the books?”
She smiled wider and nodded. “I just found out. I am so proud of you.”
I frowned. “For what? I didn’t do anything? It’s not like I made the books or something.”
“What’s going on? What books?” Annabelle’s brow creased with worry.
I didn’t answer and my mother continued.
“Don’t you see, Halloween? You were chosen for this. That’s why your magic was bad for so many years.” She pasted on smile of nonchalance.
I shook my head. “I don’t believe that.”
My mother shrugged. “Well, believe it or not, it’s the truth.”
“Will someone please tell me what’s going on?” Annabelle frowned.
“There’s an Underworld. As far as I can tell it’s not really underground,” I said, trying to sound casual.
My mother shook her head.
“Anyway, it’s like the overseers of the paranormal world. And yours truly is now the leader of it.”
Annabelle started choking. My mother handed her a bottle of water and I patted her on the back.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
When she finally caught her breath, she said, “Are you kidding me? Is this a joke?”
I shook my head. “Unfortunately, I am not joking. I don’t even want this.”
“But you can’t turn it down now,” my mother said in a panic.
“What if I gave someone else the book and let them be the leader? I just want a normal life.”
My mother gasped. “You can’t do that. No, no, no.”
“You’re not the one thrown into this crazy world,” I said.
“I realize that, but if you’re meant to do this, then you need to give it your best shot. Now I know I didn’t raise a quitter.”
&n
bsp; She always threw that line at me.
“So what does this leader of the Underworld do?” Annabelle asked.
I shrugged. “How am I supposed to know? I didn’t get an orientation packet. I have a couple of strange men running around, one telling me not to accept it, and the other one saying the same thing but he wants the book for some reason. He claims he’ll destroy it.”
My mother shook her head. “No way, don’t let him have that book. I wouldn’t trust him.”
I let out a deep breath. “Don’t worry. I didn’t give it to him and I don’t plan on it either.” I looked at Annabelle, then to my mother. “Part of the special skills is that I can reanimate the dead.”
“That’s the part I don’t like,” my mother said. “You should stay away from that.”
“I’m trying to stay away from all of it. But I accidentally turned the ghost that was living in the manor back into a living, breathing annoying snot of a person. It’s like the freakin’ pet cemetery at my house,” I said.
“What? There’s a ghost in the manor with you?” My mother swayed a little then sat back down on the stool.
I rushed over and steadied her.
“Well, she’s not a ghost any more. It was the woman I brought by here. Her name is Isabeau and she is a pain in the butt.”
“Can’t you get rid of her?” Annabelle asked.
“Well, I haven’t found the counter spell. Besides, I don’t think the spell lasts forever. Soon enough she’ll be gone.”
My mother shook her head. “No, you need to get rid of her. I’ll come over today and help you find the spell that gets rid of her.”
I picked up the sampler for the new lip gloss that my mother had made. I smeared it across my lips then puckered in disgust. “This stuff is terrible.”
She snatched it from my hands. “Well, it’s not finished yet,” she said defensively.
I didn’t even try to argue with my mother about finding the counter spell for Isabeau. When she set her mind to something there was no stopping her. Must be where I got my stubbornness from.
“There’s something else I want to tell you,” I said looking at my mother.
