Magic & Madness

by Annabel Chase

  “I don't think they are waves as much as frizz,” I said. “You said so yourself.”

  “My mistake.” Byron tugged and flipped strands of my hair. After a few minutes, he produced a mirror in front of me. “We are on our way to a true masterpiece.”

  I concentrated on the reflection in the mirror. For a flickering moment, I didn't even recognize myself. He wasn't wrong. What a difference waves made. They actually flattered the shape of my face. “I don't say this often, Byron, but you’re right. What kind of mask do I need to wear, though? Won't that ruin the look?”

  Byron fluttered to the mobile rack that he'd brought with him. The rail had a collection of dresses and jumpsuits, as well as a cascading hanger of masks. They sparkled and glittered in the dusting of light that filtered in through my bedroom window. My eye was immediately drawn to the one smack dab in the middle.

  “The red one,” I said. I had no experience with masks. Even on Halloween, I avoided them. I never liked the feeling of material covering my face. It felt claustrophobic, the way some people felt in elevators.

  Byron retrieved the red mask from the rack. “This is the one I would have chosen for you. Maybe you are not such a lost cause, after all.”

  “It's the exact color of the roses out front,” I said. “I think that's why I like it.”

  “It is also the color of blood,” Byron said. “With this exquisite mask, you will draw the attention of every vampire at the ball.”

  My chest tightened. Was that my subconscious desire? Did I choose the red mask because of Alec? “You know what? That blue one is really pretty, too.” I pointed to a sapphire fire blue mask with onyx gemstones dotting the border.

  Byron swatted my hand away. “No, no. Do not doubt your instincts. Your confidence is part of what makes you attractive.”

  “I thought you said I was nothing. A diamond in the rough.”

  Byron scoffed. “You misunderstand me. When a statue is carved from stone, the elements to create a work of beauty are already there. They only need to be sculpted. Not all stones are created equal. I would not carve Aphrodite from flint.”

  “I guess I never really thought about it that way,” I said. I’d taken it for an insult when, in fact, it had been a true compliment.

  Byron chose a red and black dress to coordinate with the mask. The shimmering material appeared to be made of crystals.

  “You get changed now, and then I create your face,” he said.

  “I’m going to go out on a limb and assume you’re talking about makeup,” I said. Because creating a new face for me had all the hallmarks of a horror film.

  “The human world must be a very strange place, yes?”

  I shrugged. “It's all about perspective.”

  Another half an hour flew by and Byron applied the finishing touches. “A wondrous transformation! I must photograph this as evidence of my genius.”

  “Have at it, Fashion Einstein,” I said.

  Marley waited patiently downstairs for the big reveal. She and Mrs. Babcock were engaged in an immersive game of Scrabble. They both gasped when I appeared at the bottom of the staircase.

  “Mom! You look like a Mardi Gras supermodel.”

  “I have no idea what that would entail, but I'll take it,” I replied.

  Mrs. Babcock gave an approving nod. “You do excellent work, Byron. You should be very proud.”

  I barked a short laugh. “Oh, no need to worry about that. Byron doesn't suffer from a lack of confidence.”

  “What time is Sheriff Nash picking you up?” Marley asked, with a quick glance at the clock.

  “He's not,” I said. “He has to work because it’s such a big event.”

  “He’s missing out,” Mrs. Babcock said. “You look positively gorgeous.”

  “I don't expect to be late,” I said.

  “If you are not horrifically late, I will be disappointed,” Mrs. Babcock said firmly. “This is the last night of the carnival. You should enjoy it.”

  It would be difficult to enjoy anything knowing that Madame Bovary's killer was still running free. The end of the carnival meant that the suspects and potential evidence would be moving on to the next location. Sadly, there wasn’t much I could do about it.

  “How are you getting there and back?” Marley asked. “You’ll be drinking, won't you?”

  My ten-year-old daughter, wise beyond her years. “Yes, I will be drinking. No, I will not be driving. When have you ever known me to do that? I’m walking over to the start of the procession so I can ride with Aster and Linnea.”

  Byron frowned. “Those shoes are not designed for walking. I, Byron, will drop you off on my way out.”

  “Thanks, Byron.”

  “Let me pack the van, and then I will spirit away my creation,” he declared. “I look forward to your debut under the big top.”

  Butterflies attacked my stomach. I didn't know why I suddenly felt so nervous. Because a murderer was on the loose? Because the Power Puffs would be there, ready to ice me out? Because Alec would be there with Holly? Probably all of the above.

  Marley must've sensed my apprehension because she ran over to hug me. “You’re going to be the belle of the ball, Mom.”

  “Thanks, sweetheart.” Nothing bolstered me more than a hug from my daughter.

  Coastline Drive had been transformed into a fairytale wonderland. Floating fey lanterns illuminated the street as unicorn-drawn carriages, pegasi, and other magical modes of transport delivered guests to the big top where the costume ball was being held.

  The costumes were fantastically elaborate. There were boas made of actual snakes, and horned headdresses with adornments. Jewels glittered and masks were donned. My nerves quickly gave way to excitement. In the distance, I spotted the willowy silhouettes and white-blond hair of Linnea and Aster. Even in costumes, they were easily recognizable.

  “What's up, witches?” I said.

  They both turned in response. Although their masks covered their faces, I caught the flicker of recognition in Linnea's eyes.

  “Ember!” She took a step back to scrutinize me. “You look amazing! I didn't even know it was you for a second.”

  Aster fingered the bodice of my dress. “This is masterfully done. Where did you find it?”

  I told them about Byron and his artistic intentions. “Are we taking one of the unicorn-drawn carriages?”

  “No, Sterling arranged for us to arrive on a flying carpet,” Aster said. She motioned behind them. “Agbar is holding it for us until it's our turn.”

  “Sterling isn’t coming with us?” I asked.

  “He needs to meet us there,” Aster said. “He had work to finish first.”

  “Rick is meeting us there, too,” Linnea said. “He wants make a game of it and see whether he can spot me in the crowd.”

  “I don’t think either one of you will have a problem finding the other,” I said. They were both standouts. “What about Florian and Delphine?”

  “We saw Delphine a few minutes ago,” Linnea replied, “but she wasn't in costume. She said she came to watch the procession.”

  “Wait. She isn't coming to the ball?” I asked. That had been her Cinderella dream, to be escorted to the costume ball by Florian. This didn’t bode well.

  “She said she wanted to see all the costumes, and then she was going home to read,” Aster said.

  “I’m sure Florian will be there,” Linnea added. “He’d never miss a social event like this.”

  Maybe that was part of the problem. Initially, I thought their different personalities would balance each other out, but I was beginning to think that maybe they weren't right for each other, after all. Florian’s flirting aside, he was only content when he was out and about, whereas Delphine seemed more content at home with a book.

  “If it isn't the prettiest trio of witches in the entire town.” Wyatt stood in front of us, admiring his ex-wife's long legs. “Where's that minotaur of yours? Not up for a night of dancing and frivolity?”
r />   Linnea’s expression clouded over. “Rick is meeting me at the ball. Unlike you, I don't need to worry about finding him in a dark corner with some masked bimbo.”

  Wyatt clutched his chest. “Ouch. Still shooting those hurtful zingers, baby?”

  “Kids aren’t here, Wyatt,” Linnea said. “I can speak my mind.”

  Wyatt turned to me. “My brother is going to be one sorry werewolf that he didn’t get to dance with you tonight. Not to worry, sweet meat, I’ll tell him how good you looked.”

  “It’ll just make him feel guilty that he couldn’t be here,” I said. “That’s not very brotherly of you.”

  “He’s used to that,” Wyatt replied. “Be sure to toast me under the big top.”

  “I think you mean roast,” Linnea said tersely.

  “You know you love me.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before disappearing into the crowd.

  “Oh, look. It’s our turn,” Linnea said. She grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the flying carpet.

  I observed Aster as she settled on first, tucking her legs around the side and arranging her dress to keep herself covered. I learned more than I realized from watching my cousins. Sometimes it was how to use magic to cook a roast. Sometimes it was a little thing, like how not to flash your underpants during a parade.

  Gliding down Coastline Drive on a flying carpet was like a dream. I stopped thinking about the ball and became entranced by the town at nightfall. Even without the paranormals, Starry Hollow would be truly magical. With the ocean on one side, and the picturesque shops on the other, there wasn’t a prettier town in the world. The unicorns in the procession below wore colored plumes. Delphine had been right. This costume ball was like a Cinderella fairytale, except in a fairytale, I'd be flying on this carpet with two ugly, evil stepsisters. Thankfully, my cousins were neither evil nor ugly. In fact, they were gracious and kind, and I was grateful to have them in my life. As an only child, I didn't develop a sibling bond, but I had to imagine it was similar to what I felt for my cousins. They’d welcomed Marley and me with open arms. It was a shame the Power Puffs were less accepting. The Rose-Muldoons had everything they could ever want, yet that didn’t stop them from exhibiting kindness and generosity. Although most residents talked about the family’s wealth and power, it was their hearts that impressed me the most. They were much larger than anyone gave them credit for.

  The carpet landed gently in front of the entrance to the big top. Linnea helped me scoot off the edge without taking an embarrassing tumble.

  “Go big top or go home, right?” she asked, her enthusiasm palpable.

  Aster gave my arm a reassuring squeeze. “You never forget your first costume ball.”

  I stared at the mouth of the enormous tent and gulped, uncertain what awaited me inside. “Depends on how many drinks I have.”

  17

  The interior of the tent was part fairytale, part Vegas. Acrobats flew from ring to ring above our heads, while fey lights twinkled around us. There were far too many bodies to identify anyone in particular. The costumes ranged from beautiful and bedazzled to bold and bizarre. The music was the right volume, though—loud enough to dance to, but not so loud that I had to strain my voice to talk.

  “Surprise!” Florian flashed a winning smile as he twirled around the dance floor with a buxom redhead. She wore a cat mask and a skintight jumpsuit, and even sported a black tail.

  “Having a good time?” I asked.

  Florian guided his dance partner closer to me. “I am now. Delphine broke up with me, so I’ve decided to make the most of it tonight.”

  My gut twisted. “She broke up with you? When?”

  “Last night. Can you believe it? That's the first time in my life that ever happened.” He didn't seem too traumatized by it, but maybe that was due to alcohol consumption and an attractive dance partner.

  “I’m sorry, Florian.” I didn't know what else to say. Although it was probably for the best, I knew that wasn't necessarily what he wanted to hear right now. It was hard to tell with Florian. He never seemed bothered by anything. It was part of his charm, but also part of my frustration with him.

  “I’m recovering nicely,” Florian said, pulling the cat-suit woman in for a dip. She seemed willing and eager to follow his lead. “Too bad the sheriff can’t be here tonight to see you all dressed up. You look great.”

  “Thanks.” I smoothed the front of my dress. “It’s a busy night for him, though. Lots of activity on a night like this, apparently.”

  I left Florian to his newly acquired date and went in search of the bar, spotting a few carnival employees on the way. It was hard to miss Zola with her serpent bottom half. She slithered across the floor and, at first glance, I assumed she wanted to have a friendly chat with Jacob, until I glimpsed her hard expression. No, Zola hated Jacob on Madame Bovary’s behalf. That was the kind of faithful assistant she was. Madame Bovary was gone, but Zola’s contempt for the leprechaun would live on. I thought of Holly, and how she’d come to my defense against the Power Puffs. She barely knew me, but she’d kicked up a fuss on my behalf. If I could get Alec out of my system, Holly had the potential to be a good friend.

  I carried on past Zola and Jacob and landed smack in the middle of the viper pit.

  “Ember, we heard you were here,” B’linda said, checking me out from head to toe. “What a miraculous transformation. However did you manage to find something in your closet that wasn’t denim?”

  I ignored the dig. “Byron is insanely talented,” I said.

  Sasha folded her arms in a huff. “I tried to get Byron to style me when he was here last year, but he claimed he wasn’t accepting new clients.”

  “Colette put us all to shame this year,” B’linda said.

  “Where is she?” I asked. I realized she wasn’t hovering with the group.

  “On the dance floor with yet another partner,” Sasha complained. “If I were her husband, I’d keep her on a shorter leash. She enjoys this ball far too much.”

  “It’s once a year,” Ivy pointed out. “She gets caught up in the excitement, especially wearing a mask. I think she feels free to do things she otherwise wouldn’t.”

  “I don’t know about that,” Sasha mumbled.

  Just then, Colette stumbled forward, her cheeks flushed. A red and pink mask covered her eyes, leaving the rest of her face exposed. Her lips were lined with pink and filled in with a deep crimson gloss. Her dress was stunning—a floor-length strapless gown that glimmered as she moved. The material was nothing I recognized. Magical and expensive, no doubt. At her throat, a red gemstone sparkled.

  My heart stuttered at the sight of the ruby amulet.

  “How beautiful, Colette,” I said.

  Absently, she touched the brilliant stone. “I’ve been saving it for a special occasion.”

  “A gift from your husband?” I asked.

  “More like a gift to myself,” she replied evasively.

  From someone else’s husband, I thought bitterly, then immediately felt a pang of guilt. I wasn’t exactly innocent myself. True, I wasn’t married to the sheriff, but I had feelings for someone else all the same. And Alec was involved with Holly. Life had been uncomplicated back in our Maple Shade apartment. No tangled relationships. No confusing feelings. Sometimes, I longed to return to that simplicity.

  “I heard you arrived with your cousins,” Colette said.

  I’ll bet you did. “Yes, Linnea and Aster are here somewhere, looking like the descendants of the One True Witch that they are.”

  “That does seem to be their claim to fame,” Colette said snidely.

  Crap on a stick. I didn’t want to know about Colette and Sterling. Then again, the only bit of information I had at this point was that Colette wore a gemstone that I suspected might have been a gift from Sterling. Affair or not, Colette was nuts if she thought courting trouble from the Rose family was a good idea.

  “There you are, dear cousin.” Aster appeared behind me. “Linnea an
d I have been searching for you.” She noticed Colette beside me. “Where have you been hiding? Sterling said you were here, but I kept missing you. I thought you were embarrassed to see me because of your callous treatment of Ember.”

  I wanted to sink into the ground.

  Colette stepped forward to kiss Aster’s cheek. “A misunderstanding, Aster.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Aster said. She raised her voice, loud enough to be heard by the other Power Puffs. “Because if anyone was being less than hospitable to my cousins, I’d be rather upset, especially given all my family does for this community.”

  The color drained from their faces. Even Queen B appeared to lose her cool.

  “We apologize, Ember,” B’linda said. “I don’t know what’s been happening at school, but I’ll make sure Marley is able to sit with our children at lunchtime.”

  “I’ll leave it to Marley to decide whether she wants to sit with them,” I said. “But thank you for your apology.”

  Aster paused to admire Colette’s amulet. “That is magnificent. You should show it to Sterling. He loves to buy me red jewels in honor of the Rose name.” She flashed a smile. “He can be a thoughtful husband when he’s not chained to his office desk, but you know all about that.”

  Colette nodded sympathetically. “To be fair, Sterling works much harder than Manfred and still manages to be an excellent husband and father.”

  I wasn’t so sure about the husband part. Colette was brazen; I’d give her that.

  Aster looped her arm through mine. “Would you ladies mind if I stole her away? There’s someone I’d like her to see.”

  I felt the ice picks in my back as we turned toward the dance floor. Aster guided me to the middle of the tent where couples were performing what appeared to be the paranormal version of a waltz. Not that I even knew how to dance a regular waltz, but I’d seen it in enough movies to recognize the similarities. My stomach flipped when I spotted a familiar figure standing aloof. Even in a mask, Alec couldn’t hide his elegant masculinity.